Under the direction of the VP of Marketing and Brand Strategy and consistent with the Christian mission of the YMCA, the Senior Communications & PR Director will be responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the Association’s communications, media relations and PR strategy. The Senior Communication & PR Director will develop, lead and manage communications strategies and initiatives that promote, enhance and protect the organization’s reputation as well as serve as the official representative/spokesperson for the organization with the media. This position will work in close collaboration with organizational leadership to develop and implement cohesive, high-quality and measurable communication strategies that drive organizational growth.
Areas of Responsibility:
Relationship Management
- Acts as a trusted advisor bringing value to the YMCA of Greater Charlotte through a strong commitment to success, consistent performance and the ability to develop a wide range of ideas and solutions
- Anticipates potential issues, advises association leadership and enterprise teams, and effectively connects with branches and association leaders.
- Builds relationships and confidence with association leadership, PLTs and branch teams through high-quality work and execution, on-site presence and scheduled meetings and updates; effectively balance the dual expectations of the branches and the Association.
- Attends and contribute to key meetings in the branch, community and Association and lead and/or serve on appropriate committees and sub-committees as determined by supervisor.
- Establishes rapport and trust with a range of staff leadership, identifying team and project needs, remaining open to considering multiple points-of-view.
- Provides a model for leadership by being prepared and proactive, thorough and accurate.
Communication Strategy and Project Leadership
- Collaborates with the Y Association teams and branches to develop integrated PR communication plans and campaigns that deliver critical organizational goals.
- Closely partners with the association marketing teams (program experience, impact and development and digital) to strategically align messaging and communication and leverage integrated campaign opportunities.
- Manages project processes and timelines to ensure communications initiatives and work stays on track.
- Develops and manage administrative budgets.
- Develops, creates and edits high-quality content in a timely way and within brand standards.
- Partners with branch directors and the Association Office/Y Experience to help manage communication, input and insight to strengthen marketing and programming.
- Attends and supports branch and Association events, as appropriate.
- Performs other special projects as assigned.
Media Relations and Ongoing PR
- Develops and implements year-round strategy of storytelling, strategic targeting and coverage opportunities to broaden awareness of Y programs and priorities and to increase the visibility of the Y’s cause.
- Serves as first point-of-contact with the press, supports reporters in story development, identification of interviewees, interview questions, angle, photo opportunities, timing, location
- Proactively engages key media to ensure coverage of programs, special events, announcements and projects.
- Crafts official statements on behalf of the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, develops talking points and coaching for subject matter experts/speakers.
- Develops and implements guidelines for handling media inquires across the association.
- Establishes and maintains a strong, on-going relationship with key members of the media.
Reputation Management/Crisis Communications
- Serves on Association Crisis Management Team, partnering closely with the Executive Director of Risk.
- Serves as a critical first responder on Punch Alert (internal risk management platform).
- Develops and maintains association’s crisis communication plan and serves as official representative/spokesperson for the organization with the media and others during crisis.
- Manages crisis communications for both internal and external audience groups including talking points, on-camera interviews and messaging across all communication assets (social, email, web, enterprise social network, intranet, etc.).
- Trains and coaches staff on media and communication protocol.
Special Event Messaging & Run of Show Development
- Oversees show and script development for the Y’s major events: MLK Breakfast, Prayer Breakfast, Williams Luncheon, and Better Together Celebration.
- Assists association and branch leadership with scripting support for major events such as groundbreakings, openings, recognition ceremonies or other key stakeholder or public event).
Capital Project Communication
- Provides clear strategy and compelling copy, video or other support for campaigns including capital and major projects (EXAMPLE: branch renovation/expansion; branch naming; corporate sponsorship naming opportunities; partnership communication).
Internal Communication/Stakeholder Engagement
- Oversees communications strategy designed to cultivate and enhance meaningful experiences and relationships with staff, key donors and board members.
- Identifies emerging issues, explores communications solutions and develops/executes strategies to address those issues.
- Oversees internal enterprise platform (Staff Connect) as well as daily content (news, video, social) and emergency/quick notices for enterprise social network.
- Assesses analytics of enterprise social network, maps improvements in internal communication capability and identifies gaps, opportunities and best practices.
- Develops internal communication strategies for critical initiatives/programs and drives delivery of strategic messaging and content for CEO and key leadership.
- Leads internal communication and messaging for key enterprise teams – HR, leadership development, community development and more.
- Establishes protocol for board communication – determine best assets for distribution of information and broker information for consistency and clarity between staff leadership and board members
Educational Background:
Bachelor’s degree in communication, journalism, public relations or related field
Skills/Experience:
- Minimum 10 years experience in a communications-related role at a management level
- Minimum of 5 years in managing crises both externally (media and key influencers) and internally (staff, members, program participants) through counsel, message development and strategic timing
- Proven experience developing and managing comprehensive communications plans as well as writing, editing media and communications publications and print materials
- Demonstrated skills in proactively building relationships with reporters and editors, and in successfully positioning subject matter in the media
- Demonstrated ability to engage and influence others including reporters, staff, board and donors
- Successful experience developing and managing a budget
- Proven track record of creating and managing short and long term goals and LDPs (leadership development plans) for full and part-time staff
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office products suite and the ability to become proficient in Association-specific software applications
- Proven ability to manage competing demands and priorities
- Recognized understanding of how to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately
- Demonstrated ability to flex approach and work style in a fast-paced environments
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Superior organizational skills, attention to details and time management
- Strong facilitation skills with the ability to follow processes
- Ability to work with varying levels of leadership
- Positive attitude, outstanding work ethic, strong sense of urgency and commitment to results
- Self-starter with the ability to handle ambiguity and willingness to accept additional responsibility
- Sit for extended periods of time
- Kneeling
- Standing
- Push, pull and lift up to 30 lb
- Ability to work in excess of a 40-hour week with irregular work hours
- Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate
- Ability to travel as needed
- Ability to communicate in English, written and oral
- Bachelor’s degree in communication, journalism, public relations or related field
- Minimum 10 years experience in a communications-related role at a management level
- Minimum of 5 years in managing crises both externally (media and key influencers) and internally (staff, members, program participants) through counsel, message development and strategic timing
- Proven experience developing and managing comprehensive communications plans as well as writing, editing media and communications publications and print materials
- Demonstrated skills in proactively building relationships with reporters and editors, and in successfully positioning subject matter in the media
- Demonstrated ability to engage and influence others including reporters, staff, board and donors
- Successful experience developing and managing a budget
- Proven track record of creating and managing short and long term goals and LDPs (leadership development plans) for full and part time staff
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office products suite and the ability to become proficient in Association-specific software applications
- Proven ability to manage competing demands and priorities
- Recognized understanding of how to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately
- Demonstrated ability to flex approach and work style in a fast-paced environments
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Superior organizational skills, attention to details and time management
- Strong facilitation skills with the ability to follow processes
- Ability to work with varying levels of leadership
- Positive attitude, outstanding work ethic, strong sense of urgency and commitment to results
- Self starter with the ability to handle ambiguity and willingness to accept additional responsibility
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Sit for extended periods of time
- Kneeling
- Standing
- Push, pull and lift up to 30 lb
- Ability to work in excess of a 40-hour week with irregular work hours
- Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate
- Ability to travel as needed
- Ability to communicate in English, written and oral
Compensation/Benefits:
Salary: $74,908.00 - $89,889.00
Job Function:
Organization Info
Listing Stats
Post Date:
May 21 2019
Active Until:
Jun 21 2019
Hiring Organization:
YMCA of the USA
industry:
Nonprofit