Under the supervision of the Senior Communications Director and responsible to the Chief Marketing Officer, the Communications Manager plans, organizes, directs and evaluates the communications and public relations functions in order to achieve and maintain favorable public awareness and support of the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA and YMCA of the Suncoast. Provides counsel to branches on the public relations aspects of programs, events, mission, brand, services and policies. Creates and manages crisis communication programs for the Association and the branches. Maintains supportive working relationships with a wide range of community, legislative, media and professional organizations. Continually assesses and analyzes the state of public opinion as it affects the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA and YMCA of the Suncoast. Plans and executes all Association materials including newsletters, letters, signage, testimonials and other messaging.
- Establish and maintain communications goals and objectives.
- Create and implement a communications plan for YMCA volunteers, community leaders, donors and legislators that present the mission, brand, strategic goals and objectives.
- Administer the communication of the crisis management plan.
- Implement training and guidelines for branches so key staff and line staff are aware of their roles and responses.
- Work with the Director of Quality Assurance on programs as it relates to the branches.
- Serves as an advisor to the Association management on public relations aspects of programs, services and policies.
- Counsels managers and executives regarding effective communications strategies.
- Develops and disseminates newsletters and other communications tools.
- Works with media members to effectively communicate accurate, relevant information about all YMCA activities and broad public concerns.
- Provide 24-hour, weekend and holiday public relations coverage to all media.
- Consistently use such tools as media releases, media alerts, media kits, feature pitches, public service announcements and photography to present the YMCA to the media and the community.
- Organize and conduct news conferences when appropriate.
- Maintain current media database to include all forms of print and electronic media, rosters, deadlines, contacts, cultivation activities and target markets.
- Actively seek to develop relationships with appropriate journalists and media members.
- Develop and implement guidelines for handling media inquiries.
- Train branch staff as needed.
- Work with executive management to effectively implement communications elements of crisis communications plan when necessary
- Completes project management assignments for the Senior Director of Communications as identified.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Possess superior writing and editing skills.
- Planning and project management expertise.
- Experience in setting and implementing graphic standards, image and identity; know how to work with the print and electronic media.
- Experience with planning and implementation of development and campaign materials.
- Technical expertise to prepare audiovisual presentations and materials.
- Exceptional interpersonal and problem solving skills.
- Must be highly organized and have the ability to work with confidential matters.
- Local travel required weekly between Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Citrus County.
- Ability to work weekends as needed required.
- Prior YMCA communications experience preferred.
- Must obtain within 30 days of employment and then maintain current certifications in CPR, First Aid, AED and Oxygen Administration.
The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA provides a progressive work environment with great benefits and a competitive salary; 12% employer-funded, fully vested retirement plan after two years of services; 403(b) savings plan; excellent, yet affordable health benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; complimentary YMCA family membership with program discounts; generous paid time off package with a minimum of 27 days; and the ability to work with innovative, talented and diverse individuals driven by a 'best in class' philosophy with ongoing professional development opportunities. Florida, also known as the Sunshine State, has no state income tax!
Salary: $45,000.00 - $48,000.00