Position: Publications Coordinator (Print Publications)

Department: Publications Department | Location: Chicago, IL

Position Description

Publications Coordinator - Print Publications (InDesign Required)
Location: Chicago, IL (Lincoln Park/Lakeview) | Schedule: Full-Time, 37.5 hours/week | Work Environment: Casual, nonprofit office

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is seeking a creative and detail-oriented Publications Coordinator with proven experience in typesetting, layout, and print production. This role is ideal for a versatile designer who thrives in a collaborative environment, has a strong command of Adobe InDesign, and wants to make a difference through meaningful nonprofit work.

Note: More than 50% of this position’s responsibilities involve document layout and typesetting. Candidates must be highly proficient in InDesign and able to manage complex, text-heavy documents in a deadline-driven setting.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Layout and typesetting of newsletters, manuals, by-laws, directories, and other official documents—this is the core function of the position

  • Edit, format, and design graphics for the monthly issue of the Elks Newsletter using Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, Acrobat Pro, Illustrator)

  • Assist with the layout and design of the annual convention newsletter, including article editing, ad reformatting, and page design

  • Prepare final files for commercial printing, ensuring they meet prepress and print specifications

  • Conduct historical research and assist in crafting narratives that reflect the Elks' mission and values

  • Design or redesign materials including pamphlets, brochures, posters, and event programs

  • Occasionally ghostwrite speeches, letters, and internal documents

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Graphic Design, Journalism, English, Communications, or a related field
  • At least 3 years of professional experience in graphic design, publishing, or related field
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, especially InDesign (Required), Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat Pro
  • Strong editing, proofreading, and research skills; fluency in the Chicago Manual of Style and proofreader’s symbols
  • Excellent communication skills and mastery of grammar, syntax, and spelling
  • Knowledge of commercial printing and prepress processes, including color separations
  • Skilled in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Outlook)
  • Demonstrated creativity and attention to detail in design and layout
  • Ability to manage multiple projects, meet tight deadlines, and work independently or collaboratively
  • Interest in history and storytelling
  • Familiarity with the Elks and its mission is a plus
  • Understanding of copyright and permissions law
  • Poise, tact, and the ability to communicate diplomatically
  • Flexibility and willingness to learn new tools and techniques
  • Availability to travel occasionally, including up to 7 days for the annual convention
  • Experience with or strong interest in graphic design or visual communication (e.g., creating graphics, posters, or other visual materials) - preferred
  • Proven ability to juggle multiple long-term projects while staying organized and adaptable
  • Comfortable working under tight deadlines and managing shifting priorities with a calm, solution-oriented mindset
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills
  • Experience managing multi-page, text-heavy publications or working in a publishing environment
  • Strong interest in visual communication, typography, and long-form print design

Position Details

  • Employment Type: Full-Time, Nonexempt
  • Compensation: Commensurate with experience - $48K-$55K
  • Work Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (M–F); some flexibility available; hybrid work environment
  • Location: Easily accessible via CTA (Brown/Purple Line, bus lines)

Company Paid Benefits

  • Medical, Life, AD&D Insurance (1x base pay)
  • Short-Term Disability (100% pay for first 4 weeks)
  • Long-Term Disability
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • 10 vacation days, 11 holidays, 8 sick days, 40-hours of Chicago Paid Leave
  • 401(k) plan with 3% Safe Harbor and 2% company match

Our small nonprofit office offers a warm, collaborative atmosphere—more like a family-run business than a corporation. Employees appreciate the strong work-life balance, supportive team environment, and mission-driven work.

The Elks Campus, located on the border of Lincoln Park and Lakeview, is within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and transit options.

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume (.doc, .docx, .rtf, or .pdf). A brief pre-employment test (approx. 25 minutes) is part of the application process.

Please note, the Elks participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. A satisfactory background check is also required.

Equal Opportunity Employer