Description

Parent Engagement Institute 

Communications Consultant  - Contract Description

Requirements

Requirements for the Communications Consultant:
Qualities
Commitment to PEI’s mission and vision, and our commitment to racial equity
Strong interpersonal skills, especially an ability to build relationships with and work with diverse individuals with diverse work styles
Commitment to continuous improvement
Possesses self-starting work habits that demonstrate a clear understanding of PEI’s priorities and one’s own job responsibilities, while being open to receiving direction
Participates well in a team, including listening to and respecting team members’ ideas, willingness to provide backup on other team members’ projects, display of adaptability when a change is made, and openness to incorporating team feedback on written communications
Possesses self-confidence, including a belief in one’s ability to accomplish a task and select an effective approach to a task or problem and the ability to reflect on lessons learned from failures and successes
Willingness to do all tasks related to a project, no matter how seemingly “small”
Skills
Excellent writing skills with experience in writing in varied formats and for varied audiences. The ability to make technical and abstract information accessible for a general audience is essential.
Clear, concise, and persuasive overall communication skills (written, verbal, listening)
Excellent design and visual skills, with proficiency in design programs and software (e.g. Canva, Prezi, SquareSpace, Adobe Suite, etc)
Attention to detail and excellent follow through
Excellent organizational and time management skills that allow for the handling of multiple and competing priorities while meeting short- and long-term deadlines
Demonstrated project management skills and strategies
Strong creative problem-solving skills including ability to identify new strategies to achieve goal
Exceptional critical thinking and analytical ability; demonstrated ability to balance creativity and logic
Ability to interpret complex data/information and explain it to multiple audiences
Ability to think strategically, balance long term vision with daily tasks
Ability to stay on top of emerging trends in the field
Proficiency with computer applications, particularly G-Suite applications, web-based survey tools, online database and website management (or demonstrated ability to learn quickly)
Experience
Direct experience with the Parent Mentor Program is a big plus
Writing, editing, and design
Social media and website management
Successful meeting/event planning and/or project management
At least 2 years of nonprofit communications experience preferred..

Compensation and Application Information

To apply: Please submit the following to [email protected] and [email protected]   with “Proposal - PEI Communications Consultant” in the subject line:

Resume 
A proposal highlighting your relevant experience and clearly describing your availability, your goals for PEI’s communications work, and compensation requested. Please note the budget for this contract is approximately $4,000 per month.
References
At least 3 work samples (could include: writing samples, videos, social media posts, website, slide decks, etc.)
Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 

If you have any questions about the position prior to applying, please submit them in writing to [email protected] and [email protected] under the subject line "Inquiry - Communications Proposal.” 

Compensation

Applicants are invited to submit a proposal for pay and hours to [email protected] and [email protected]. Our budget for this contract is approximately $4,000 per month. 

The contract would be with Palenque LSNA. 

This is a contract role and does not come with health or fringe benefits.

This position is open as of July 21, 2025 and will be open until it is filled.

This position cannot be held at the same time as another position with PEI, Ladders, or the Parent Mentor Program.

Consultant will invoice monthly and be paid within 30 days. 

Term: Fall 2025 through June 30, 2026.  PEI hopes and intends to extend the contract into FY27 and beyond, contingent upon grant funding and contractor performance.  

About the Parent Engagement Institute

The Parent Engagement Institute (PEI) is a partnership between Palenque LSNA and Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP), which builds the capacity of community organizations, parent leaders, and schools to replicate the Parent Mentor Program model and build transformative parent leadership in schools and communities across Illinois and beyond. The Parent Engagement Institute (PEI) cultivates a network of Black, Brown, Indigenous, and Immigrant parents and allies who take care of one another and take strategic action to co-create the resourced, joyful, and safe schools, communities, and future that we need and deserve. Together, we support four main priority areas and goals:

Powerful parents and families
To cultivate the personal, professional, and leadership growth of parents. 

Powerful students and classrooms
To foster collaborative relationships between parents and teachers to co-create nurturing  classroom environments for students to learn and grow.

Powerful community-centered schools
To strengthen talent pipelines to fill school staffing shortages. 

Powerful communities
To build long-term parent leadership capacity in schools and community organizations.

For each of these priority areas, the work and action lead to key outcomes for parents, families, students, classrooms, schools, and communities. 

In 2025-2026, the Parent Mentor Program will be rooted in over 290 schools and 45 school districts across Illinois, led by a powerful network of 50 community organizations. 

For more information, please visit www.parentengagement.institute.