Content Marketing Specialist

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Content Marketing Specialist

🔹 Company: Bernie's Book Bank

🔹 Location: Lake Bluff, Illinois

🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (2 days in office)

🔹 Category: Marketing & Development

🔹 Date Posted: June 3, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and implementing a comprehensive content strategy across all social media platforms
• Creating engaging, original content to promote Bernie's Book Bank's mission, events, and impact
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure consistent brand messaging
• Analyzing content performance to optimize strategies and future content development
• Staying up-to-date with industry trends and best practices to continuously innovate

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of creativity, strategic thinking, and analytical skills. Candidates should be comfortable working independently and collaborating with teams to achieve common goals.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Design and implement a comprehensive content strategy and calendar to support signature events and marketing campaigns

✅ Create, edit, and publish a diverse range of original, engaging content for social media platforms, including stories, posts, short-form videos, live events, blog articles, etc.

✅ Manage daily digital content operations and adjust to shifting priorities as needed

✅ Develop social media strategy and toolkits for signature brand events

✅ Serve as a steward for content strategy consistency, collaborating across Chapters and teams, ensuring cohesive messaging and brand alignment

✅ Track and analyze content performance to measure effectiveness and adjust strategies accordingly

✅ Stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices to continuously innovate and grow

✅ Understand the nuances of each social media platform and adapt content messaging across multiple accounts

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Digital Media, or English

Experience: 2-4 years experience managing social media platforms and content tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, video editing apps) for full-time candidates, or 5+ years for part-time candidates

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to develop and execute content strategies that drive engagement and support business goals
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills
• Experience creating both long-form and short-form content assets across various channels
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Experience writing prompts to leverage Generative AI tools like Claude, ChatGPT, Midjourney, Sora, etc.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with non-profit organizations
• Familiarity with the children's literacy landscape

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong portfolio showcasing their content creation and strategy skills, as well as a passion for Bernie's Book Bank's mission.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $40,000 - $45,000 per year (based on experience and qualifications)

Benefits:

• Medical Insurance (BCBS, PPO, and HMO options available, starting day 1)
• Dental and Vision Insurance (starting day 1)
• Hybrid work environment
• Employer-covered Long Term Disability Insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance available
• 401k with match after 1 year
• Summer Hours (early off on Fridays Memorial Day-Labor Day)
• 17 Days of PTO a year
• 4 Floating Holidays per year
• 9 Paid holidays per year
• A passionate team with long-term growth potential as Bernie's Book Bank begins national expansion

Working Hours: Full-time: 40 hours/week, Part-time: flexible

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in the non-profit sector. Final compensation will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Non-profit Organizations, specifically focused on children's literacy and book ownership

Company Size: Small (11-50 employees), allowing for close-knit teams and opportunities for growth

Founded: 2009, with a 15-year history of transforming children's stories through book ownership

Company Description:

• Bernie's Book Bank is dedicated to providing free, high-quality books to children from birth to sixth grade, focusing on communities where children are least likely to have access to books of their own
• The organization sources, processes, and distributes eight books annually to children, empowering them to explore new ideas, gain knowledge, and strengthen reading skills
• Bernie's Book Bank believes that books and book ownership create pathways to success and supports children in achieving their full potential

Company Specialties:

• Book Collection and Distribution
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Service Learning
• Children's Literacy and Book Ownership

Company Website: http://www.berniesbookbank.org

ASSUMPTION: Bernie's Book Bank is a mission-driven organization with a strong focus on community impact and volunteer engagement. Candidates should be passionate about the organization's mission and eager to contribute to its growth.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Director of Marketing & Development and collaborates with cross-functional teams, including Communications, Events, and Volunteer Management

Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with at least 2 days in the office each week once fully trained

Growth Opportunities:

• As Bernie's Book Bank expands nationally, there may be opportunities for the Content Marketing Specialist to take on additional responsibilities or move into a management role
• The organization values internal promotions and offers professional development opportunities to support employee growth

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity for candidates to make a significant impact on Bernie's Book Bank's mission and growth, while also developing their own skills and career.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid, with a physical office located in Lake Bluff, Illinois

Office Location(s): 917 North Shore Dr., Lake Bluff, Illinois 60044, US

Geographic Context:

• Lake Bluff is a small city located approximately 30 miles north of Chicago, offering a mix of urban and suburban living
• The area is known for its strong sense of community and commitment to local causes, including children's literacy
• Bernie's Book Bank's office is conveniently located near public transportation and major highways

Work Schedule: Full-time: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility for part-time candidates

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable working in a hybrid environment and be able to commute to the Lake Bluff office at least 2 days per week.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission and resume review
• Phone or video screening with the Director of Marketing & Development
• In-person or virtual interview with the Marketing & Development team
• Final interview with the Executive Director

Key Assessment Areas:

• Content creation and strategy skills
• Understanding of Bernie's Book Bank's mission and values
• Ability to work collaboratively and manage multiple priorities
• Adaptability and willingness to learn and grow in the role

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant content creation and strategy experience in your resume and cover letter
• Demonstrate your understanding of Bernie's Book Bank's mission and how your skills align with the organization's goals
• Showcase your portfolio or provide examples of your content creation and strategy work

ATS Keywords: Content Strategy, Social Media Management, Content Creation, Storytelling, Project Management, Writing, Editing, Digital Media, Generative AI, Engagement, Brand Alignment, Trend Analysis, Video Editing, Blogging, Event Promotion, Communication

ASSUMPTION: Bernie's Book Bank uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications. Including relevant keywords in your resume and cover letter can help your application stand out and increase your chances of being selected for an interview.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X, LinkedIn)
• Content creation and editing tools (Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, video editing apps)
• Generative AI tools (Claude, ChatGPT, Midjourney, Sora)
• Project management tools (Asana, Trello, etc.)

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable using a variety of content creation and project management tools, as well as social media platforms.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Passion for Bernie's Book Bank's mission
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Innovation and continuous learning
• Accountability and results-driven approach

Work Style:

• Self-motivated and proactive
• Adaptable and flexible
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with Bernie's Book Bank's mission and values?
• Are you comfortable working in a hybrid environment and commuting to the Lake Bluff office at least 2 days per week?
• How do you approach project management and balancing multiple priorities?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be passionate about Bernie's Book Bank's mission and eager to contribute to the organization's growth. They should also be comfortable working in a hybrid environment and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Adapting to shifting priorities and changing content needs
• Balancing creativity and strategic thinking with analytical skills
• Working with a diverse range of stakeholders, including volunteers, donors, and community partners

ASSUMPTION: The Content Marketing Specialist role requires strong project management skills, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively with a variety of stakeholders. Candidates should be comfortable managing multiple priorities and balancing creativity with strategic thinking.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike traditional marketing roles, this position focuses specifically on content creation and strategy for social media platforms
• Bernie's Book Bank's mission-driven focus requires a strong understanding of and commitment to children's literacy and book ownership
• This role offers opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization, as Bernie's Book Bank expands nationally

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be aware that this role is unique to Bernie's Book Bank and requires a specific skill set and commitment to the organization's mission.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a content strategy and calendar for Bernie's Book Bank's annual signature event, "Book Bonanza"
• Creating engaging, visually appealing content for social media platforms to promote Bernie's Book Bank's impact and mission
• Collaborating with the Communications team to create blog articles and other long-form content highlighting Bernie's Book Bank's work and success stories

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to give candidates an idea of the types of content creation and strategy work they may be responsible for in this role. The specific projects and priorities will vary based on the organization's needs and the candidate's skills and experience.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does the Content Marketing Specialist role fit into Bernie's Book Bank's overall marketing and development strategy?
• What are the most significant challenges facing the Content Marketing Specialist in this role, and how can I best prepare to address them?
• How does Bernie's Book Bank support the professional growth and development of its employees?
• What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for success in this role, and how will my performance be measured?
• How does Bernie's Book Bank engage with and involve its volunteers and community partners in its content creation and strategy efforts?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should use the interview process to gain a deeper understanding of Bernie's Book Bank's mission, values, and culture, as well as the specific requirements and expectations of the Content Marketing Specialist role.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Customize your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant content creation and strategy experience and demonstrate your understanding of Bernie's Book Bank's mission
• Prepare a portfolio or provide examples of your content creation and strategy work, showcasing your skills and accomplishments
• Follow up with the Director of Marketing & Development one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.