Description

Sick Cells is hiring a dynamic and mission-driven Community Programs Manager to join our team. Sick Cells is a national advocacy nonprofit dedicated to amplifying the voices of the sickle cell disease (SCD) community and driving systemic change. Through storytelling, advocacy, and policy engagement, we elevate the lived experiences of those affected by SCD, influence health policy, and promote health equity.

This position manages and grows Sick Cells Faces of SCD Storytelling Program. The Community Programs Manager works collaboratively across program operations, engagement and outreach, and communications – blending program management with hands-on digital storytelling and content creation. This position reports to the Senior Director of Community Programs. 

This is a hybrid position, with two days per week spent in the Wheaton, IL office. Occasional travel, weekend, and evening work is required.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Story Management

• Manage and implement the full cycle of Sick Cells’ Faces of SCD Storytelling Program, including planning, participant onboarding, strategic content development, and engagement strategy.
• Work closely with individuals living with SCD and their families to facilitate compassionate, authentic, and empowering storytelling.
• Manage, organize, and track participant stories to ensure alignment with Sick Cells' advocacy, awareness, and media initiatives.
• Plan and execute 2-3 large-scale storytelling efforts annually.

Digital Content & Multimedia Production

• Lead multimedia content creation, including editing written stories, producing short-form videos, designing graphics, and preparing visual assets for campaigns, social media, newsletters, and reports.
• Develop and execute digital campaigns that educate and empower the SCD community, including scripting, storyboarding, and coordinating visual video content.
• Draft and edit storytelling materials, blogs, newsletters, social media content, advocacy toolkits, and promotional materials.
• Ensure brand consistency across all digital and printed materials.

Campaigns, Outreach & Engagement

• Coordinate timelines, deliverables, and logistics across campaigns and key awareness moments.
• Foster and expand relationships with ambassadors, advocates, and partners.
• Coordinate program deliverables, timelines, and grassroots campaigns.
• Represent Sick Cells at advocacy events, coalition meetings, and conferences.

Organizational Support

• Contribute to grant writing, fundraising initiatives, and relationship-building with funders and partners.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits 

This is a full-time, direct-hire position. The salary for this position is commensurate with experience, ranging from $60,000 to $65,000. The benefits package includes health, vision, and dental insurance, 403b 1% match, professional development, and generous paid leave. 

How to Apply

To apply, please send a current resume and cover letter to employment@sickcells.org, with “Programs Manager” in the subject line. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years of relevant work experience, OR an associate’s degree or certification and 7+ years’ work experience.
• Demonstrated experience in program coordination, public health, advocacy, community engagement, or related fields.
• Experience organizing and executing projects independently. 

Communications & Multimedia Skills

• Experience creating compelling visual and written content across multiple platforms
• Strong digital communications skills including: 
  • Graphic design tools
  • Video editing software
  • Email marketing tools and basic analytics
  • Presentation and slide design

Additional Skills

• Comfort and interest in developing public speaking skills.