Organization: Northalsted Business Alliance, a 501(c)6 nonprofit
Reports to: Executive Director
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Experience Level: Mid-Level
ABOUT THE NORTHALSTED BUSINESS ALLIANCE
The Northalsted Business Alliance (NBA) is a 501 (c)6 Chamber of Commerce representing and supporting the diverse businesses of Chicago’s historic LGBTQ+ Northalsted business district. NBA promotes economic growth, fosters community partnerships, and produces some of the city’s most recognized cultural events — including two annual street festivals and Chicago’s world-famous Halloween Parade. The NBA is a comprised of a dedicated and hands-on Board of Directors, a small but mighty staff, and various third-party contractors supporting the efforts and outputs of the organization.
We are seeking a Marketing Manager to lead the strategy, coordination, and execution of all marketing efforts for our member businesses, for our district and for our events, large and small . This is a hands-on, strategic role that balances creativity, collaboration, and measurable impact.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Marketing Manager will create, implement, and manage a unified marketing strategy that supports Northalsted’s member businesses year-round while also promoting major (and minor) annual events locally, nationally, and sometimes internationally.
This person will serve as the bridge between local businesses, event producers, sponsors, media partners, and the public — telling the story of one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods through consistent, high-impact marketing across all platforms, while positioning Northalsted as a premier tourist destination within Chicago. In addition to the responsibilities listed below, the selected candidate will be expected to support the initiatives and efforts of other staff members and committees.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Strategic Marketing & Implementation
- Develop and execute a comprehensive annual marketing plan covering local business promotions, festivals, community events, and destination marketing for tourism.
- Strategically promote Northalsted as a shopping, dining, nightlife, and cultural tourism destination to local, regional, national, and international audiences.
- Ensure cohesive branding and messaging across all platforms: social media, email, website, PR, print, and outdoor.
- Create and manage marketing calendars for neighborhood initiatives, seasonal campaigns, special events, and content initiatives.
- Coordinate with internal staff, external vendors, and creative partners on all deliverables.
- Manage budgets and timelines to ensure cost-effective, results-driven campaigns.
- Track analytics and report on performance, engagement, tourism impact, and ROI; adjust strategies as needed.
- Leverage current digital and AI-powered marketing tools to optimize content creation, campaign performance, audience targeting, and workflow efficiency.
2. Influencer & Video Content Creator Program
- Develop, coordinate, and manage a year-round influencer and video content creator program supporting Northalsted businesses, festivals, events, and destination marketing initiatives.
- Identify, vet, and manage relationships with local, regional, and national influencers and creators aligned with the Northalsted brand.
- Plan influencer activations, content deliverables, timelines, and usage rights across platforms.
- Ensure influencer and creator content aligns with brand standards, messaging, and campaign goals.
- Track performance metrics related to influencer and creator partnerships and incorporate insights into future strategy.
3. Local Business Marketing
- Work directly with member businesses to support day-to-day marketing, promotions, and neighborhood visibility.
- Develop community campaigns that highlight shopping, dining, nightlife, and services in Northalsted.
- Partner with local press, influencers, tourism agencies, and destination marketing organizations to promote Northalsted.
4. Event Marketing (Festivals & Parades)
- Lead marketing campaigns for two annual street festivals and the Northalsted Halloween Parade.
- Develop and implement multi-channel strategies targeting local, national, and international audiences.
- Manage event branding, website updates, advertising placement, influencer activations, and social content calendars.
- Collaborate with sponsors, media partners, and city agencies to ensure cohesive promotion.
5. Digital & Creative Oversight
- Proficiency in graphic design programs and tools, and ability to translate ideas into medium-appropriate collateral.
- Oversee website content, email newsletters, and social media presence for the Alliance and its events.
- Produce or coordinate creative materials (graphics, videos, photography) aligned with NBA branding.
- Manage paid digital ad campaigns (Meta, Google, YouTube, etc.) and measure effectiveness.
- Provide consistent storytelling that celebrates inclusivity, creativity, and community spirit.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- 3–5 years of marketing experience, preferably with smaller community organizations, events, hospitality, or tourism.
- Proven experience developing and implementing cross-platform marketing strategies.
- Experience with influencer marketing, short-form video content, and creator partnerships.
- Comfort using modern digital and AI marketing tools for content development, analytics, scheduling, and optimization.
- Strong understanding of social media, content strategy, digital advertising, and analytics.
- Excellent writing, communication, and project management skills.
- Capacity and willingness to be a supportive and collaborative nonprofit team member.
- Proficiency with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, Mailchimp, and social scheduling tools.
- Experience managing budgets, timelines, and vendor relationships.
- Passion for Chicago, community development, and inclusive neighborhood events.
CORE SKILLS
1. Hard Skills
- Strategic marketing planning & destination marketing
- Social media & content management
- Digital advertising & analytics
- Influencer & creator program management
- Event marketing & promotion
- Email and website content management
2. Soft Skills
- Creative thinking and storytelling
- Collaboration with diverse stakeholders
- Strong organization and multitasking
- Adaptability and initiative
- Community engagement mindset
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience. Includes opportunities for professional growth, community involvement, and participation in Chicago’s most dynamic neighborhood events and festivals.
- Paid Time Off, as defined by the City of Chicago Paid Leave and Paid Sick & Safe Leave Ordinance (effective July 1, 2024)
- Bi-weekly stipend paid for personal/cell phone usage
Schedule & Location
- In-office hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm, with some evenings and weekends required.
- Required to work major annual events including Chicago Pride Fest (June), Northalsted Market Days (August), and Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade (October) and additional small-scale evening and/or weekend events.
- Location: Chicago, IL 60613
How To Apply
Submit your resume (required) and cover letter (recommended). Candidates will only be contacted in the event they are being considered for next steps. Please do not call or email the organization for status of your application.
The Northalsted Business Alliance provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Pay: $65,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
