Job Description

Position Highlights:

• Stipend-based, fractional, hybrid position​​​​​ 
• Opportunity to support a growing, social impact business and community resource
• Location: Evanston, IL

Company Overview:

​​​The AUX is a commercial hub dedicated to healing, wellness, and racial equity – a space co-created and owned by the community. With a name derived from a sound system’s AUXiliary cord, this project is about the power of connection. For us, the AUX means plugging into our life-giving essence so we can thrive as we live, learn, work, and play. The AUX brings together businesses led by members of historically marginalized groups across wellness, beauty, food, and creative industries under one roof — creating a space where culture, collaboration, and community care intersect. Through shared spaces, events, and partnerships, The AUX is redefining what community-powered development looks like in Evanston
 

Position Overview:

The role centers on supporting The Aux’s small business tenants, recruiting new entrepreneurs (particularly Black-owned businesses focused on community wellness), and developing operational systems as the building opens. A key part of the job is leading communications, marketing, and programming efforts: managing social media, coordinating events, building community partnerships, and helping to create a unified brand presence. The position also includes occasional special projects, like planning art installations or hosting job fairs. Success in this role requires strong community alignment, networking skills, and exceptional organizational and communication abilities.

What You Will Be Responsible For:

Marketing & Communications

• Co-develop and help implement a strategic marketing and communications plan to elevate The Aux’s visibility.
• Manage and grow The Aux’s digital presence, including social media platforms, website content, and newsletters.
• Support the creation of storytelling campaigns that highlight tenant businesses, community impact, and upcoming programs.
• Produce marketing collateral, such as flyers, digital ads, and signage, to reinforce The Aux brand identity.
• Build partnerships with local media, influencers, and community organizations to amplify The Aux’s mission.

Programming & Community Partnerships

• Collaborate with tenants and local partners to curate a dynamic, community-driven calendar of events and programs.
• Coordinate logistics for programs, workshops, pop-up markets, and wellness events that draw diverse audiences.
• Identify and nurture partnerships with local nonprofits, schools, cultural institutions, and civic groups to co-host or promote events.
• Develop strategies to attract new audiences through inclusive, relevant, and culturally aligned programming.
• Support outreach efforts to ensure events are well-publicized and accessible to the broader community.

Operational Systems

• Work closely with property managers and the ownership team to establish building operations, signage, and policies that align with The Aux’s mission.
• Walk the building regularly to note any necessary repairs.
• Develop a reservation system and usage guidelines for Ikun rentals (central community area).

Small Business Tenant Relationships

• Serve as primary support for The Aux’s small-business tenants to ensure smooth operations.
• Act as the central liaison between tenants and the property manager and managing members, helping resolve issues efficiently.
• Coordinate and facilitate bi-monthly tenant meetings to foster collaboration, shared learning, and joint marketing opportunities.
• Actively connect tenants to local and regional business development resources and funding opportunities.
• Encourage cross-promotion among tenants to strengthen the collective brand of The Aux.

Tenant Recruitment

• Actively recruit mission-aligned entrepreneurs of color, with a focus on Black-owned businesses that advance health, wellness, and creativity.
• Lead the recruitment, vetting, and onboarding process for new tenants and short-term pop-up activations.
• Build and maintain relationships within the Evanston and Chicago entrepreneurial ecosystems to identify potential tenants and collaborators.

Special Projects

• Coordinate unique initiatives such as art installations, furniture procurement, grand opening planning, and tenant job fairs to support tenants and enhance The Aux environment.

What You Bring to the Role:

• Experience in and commitment to the success of small business
• Experience working in partnership development, community relations or other marketing/communications function for a social impact business or nonprofit organization
• Excellent attention to follow-through and detail, in an environment where you wear many hats.
• Strong marketing/communications skills, particularly via email and social media.  
• Ability to build relationships with various stakeholders.

Compensation, Benefits, and Job Structure:

This is a paid internship or stipend-based, fractional opportunity. The stipend will range from $1,500-2,000 depending on experience and availability.

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume through the NextGroup website. The NextGroup search team will contact you regarding the next steps.

About NextGroup:

NextGroup is Chicagoland's leading executive search firm and nonprofit talent network connecting mission-driven organizations with exceptional leaders who drive impact. We customize talent solutions with our nonprofit partners, recruiting permanent, fractional, and interim professionals across executive leadership, finance, development, and operations. 

We have a network of 10,000+ professionals in Chicagoland and beyond. We reject cookie-cutter approaches and instead partner with you to build human capital strategies that match your unique growth and capacity-building needs. NextGroup also provides career coaching and transition services to professionals advancing in the social impact sector.

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Temporary work, Part time, Interim role, Internship, Local area

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