Developing Communications with the Community to Build a Better Us
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Communications Coordinator will work closely with the Director of Development, and the VP of Operations and Program staff to oversee and implement communications with the membership and the public ensuring that all communications reinforce the YMCA’s identity as a cause driven organization, focusing on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility as well as to promote the YMCA as a charity of choice. The position duties include oversight of the website, media relations, social media, member emails and public and community relations.
Community Relations/Public/Media Relations
-
Develops a strategic vision and annual plan for telling the Y Story by building relationships, interviewing and engaging members and staff.
-
In collaboration with the Director of Development writes and produces various case for support materials for fund raising campaigns.
-
Responsible for staying up to date with all new events, offerings and initiatives at the Y and outreach locations to ensure programs and events are well publicized.
-
Works closely with the Director of Development to assist in the promotion and then follow up of special events. Will create program materials and video for Annual Campaign Kick-off and Annual Meeting.
-
Develops effective working relationships with service group, community organizations and companies. Coordinates presentations about the Y, VIP visits, stewardship and community relationship building events.
-
Writes press releases, takes photographs (or collects photos taken by others), shoots and edits videos (related to Y story telling) or oversees this work with and prepares calendar listings for the press and other media outlets.
-
Works closely with VP of Operations, Development Director and program staff to carry out an effective, strategic Communications plan.
-
Tracks all published press releases and advertisements across the Y’s service area.
-
Develops relationship with local media to aid in the promotion of the Y story.
-
Prepares materials and participates on communication committee.
Website
-
Responsible for the management,design, and maintenance of the website.
-
Updates the website content on a continual basis, adding new web pages, features and content as needed. Reports outdated material to appropriate Director.
Social Media
-
Monitors the content of the Y’s social media.
-
Produces social media content including regular updates to a Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube page.
-
Stays abreast with new technology and continually searches for new ways to connect with members through social media.
Brand Management
-
Responsible for having a strong working knowledge of the YUSA brand compliance.
-
Work with other departments with any basic brand compliance training.
-
Continually monitors graphic integrity, consistency, and style of communication pieces created by facility staff. Takes appropriate action to correct improper use of the YMCA logo and branding standards.
Other Communications
-
Responsible for writing and designing the content of electronic communications to Members and Staff, including a monthly newsletter, periodic updates and building issues/closures. See inclement weather notification plan for Saturday policies.
-
Responsible for distribution of said communications.
Member Services
-
Maintains a high level of customer service at all times.
-
Addresses customer concerns and complaints, responds accordingly.
-
Determines member needs and interests and makes suggestions for services based on their feedback.
-
Communicates with member services staff at front desk to assure they have the knowledge and information they need to complete their job.
Other Essential Duties
-
Support and promote organizational priorities.
-
Work with supervisor to promote key elements of the strategic plan.
-
Interpret the YMCA as a membership organization and represent the YMCA positively at work and in the community at all times.
-
Actively participate in and contribute to all assigned association special events.
-
Update professional knowledge through self-study, research, and conference and workshop participation.
-
Support association-wide membership and staff development goals.
-
Administers approved budget lines.
-
Cultivates strong working relationships with the YMCA members, staff, program participants and parents.
-
Attends all required staff meetings and trainings.
-
Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field preferred.
-
2 years prior job experience.
-
Highly organized, detail orientated team player with a high work ethic.
-
Demonstrate sound judgment, creativity, initiative and independent thinking
-
The incumbent must have the ability to establish and maintain harmonious relationships with staff, volunteers, YMCA members and the general public
-
Excellent written, communication, and computer skills and creative design experience are essential
-
Self-starter with ability to manage own work with minimal supervision
-
Results orientation with a sense of urgency and can-do attitude
-
Strong public speaking skills