Aaron Baar

Senior Director of Advancement Communication @The Chicago Lighthouse

Chicago, IL, US

Lead communications writer and strategist for a $50 million nonprofit that serves the blind, visually impaired, otherwise disabled, and veteran communities. Served as primary editor and writer for the organization’s internal and external content. Supervised a team of two. Duties and accomplishments included:Simplifying organizational messaging to speak with one voice, stressing its core values of helping clients develop confidence and independence. Organizing bimonthly email newsletters around themes to highlight the organization’s diverse accomplishments and work, doubling average open rates from less than 15% to above 35%. Refocusing social media communications to highlight organizational impact through storytelling and narratives, doubling average engagement rates from less than 3.2% to more than 7%.Serving as lead writer and strategist for printed and electronic donor solicitations that raised annually. Creating content, including executive speeches, marketing collateral, and impact videos, for five annual fundraising events that raised more than $1.7 million annually. Serving as the lead writer responsible for grants to private foundations that raised more than annually and provided editorial counsel to a three-person grants team on grants totaling $1.4 million annually.Initiating thought-leadership earned-media strategy to highlight the organization’s expertise in disability rights and employment through white papers, executive-bylined editorial placements, and high-profile presentations. Serving as lead public relations coordinator, securing placements showcasing the organization’s impact and expertise in publications including The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Crain’s Chicago Business, and local affiliates of NBC, ABC, and CBS news.

Lewis & Clark College

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Comparative Literature

Northwestern University

MSJ, Reporting and Writing

University of Illinois Chicago

Certificate, Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management