The Channel Islands YMCA is looking for a cause-driven individual to lead the Marketing & Communications Department.
The Channels Islands YMCA is an association serving the central coast of California in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties with a corporate office in the beautiful city of Santa Barbara. As a leading non-profit in the community, the Channels Islands YMCA serves almost 45,000 individuals annually, has over 800 dedicated employees, many committed volunteers, and an operating budget of over $19 million.
Under the direction of the COO, the Marketing & Communications Director is responsible for enhancing the YMCA’s cause, brand, and impact in the communities we serve. The Director is responsible for the development, oversight, and evaluation of marketing campaigns and plans in order to meet operational objectives, strengthen awareness, and increase financial results. The Director is a partner with field operations and department heads to ensure needs are met, brand integrity is maintained, and to assist with public relations.
- Works to make collaboration an organizational priority. Assists operations to grow and retain facility memberships to meet financial goals. Work with operations on program enrollment plans and special events to meet strategic goals.
- Coordinate with operations and association department heads to ensure the integrity of brand standards. Act as the quality control for media formats in the field. Ensure compliance and reporting with YMCA of the USA.
- Conduct market research to determine strategy for existing and future programs. Analysis of customer research, current market conditions, and competitor information.
- Design, implement, and facilitate a creative annual marketing plan for the Association that is in alignment with operational strategy. Generate buy-in during the process from key staff. Support and facilitate development and implementation of department and branch plans.
- Oversee the creative process and execution of association print collateral (i.e. brochures, banners, apparel, print ads) and digital resources (i.e. website, newsletters, social media). Monitor and manage the online presence of the YMCA including reviews of articles, blogs, and social posts.
- Supports the development, production and distribution of external and internal communications for financial development and fundraising efforts (i.e. campaign communications, annual report, annual meeting). Maintains the photo library and portfolio of testimonials for use by staff members, volunteers, and media.
- Works closely with the Information Technology Department on execution of common goals and systems. Assists in the development of the Intranet and common content for employee communications.
- Serve as the Association's primary contact with media representatives. Writes and submits press releases when appropriate. Maintain updated files of YMCA’s media relations (both press and electronic).
- Provide leadership and consulting support to executive staff and the board on matters reinforcing the strategic position of the YMCA with media (such as speechwriting). Collaborate with leadership team to handle internal and external crisis communications planning, management, training and response.
- Lead the Association’s work in making data-driven decisions related to market trends, growth opportunities and future needs. Interpret data and educate staff to make trends, statistics and reports useful and actionable for the team. Utilize data to tell the story in reporting to volunteers, the community and constituents. Review data to look at the return of investment on efforts.
- Manage department workflow and ensure materials are delivered in accordance within agreed upon timelines and within budget.
- Hire, train, evaluate and supervise assigned staff and volunteers. Provide training in marketing and communications. Educate, motivate and provide feedback to individuals related to best practices in marketing and communications.
- Develop effective working relationships with service groups, community organizations and companies. Is an advocate for the YMCA. Manage and drive vendor relationships related to the YMCA brand.
- Seven or more years of professional experiences in aspects of communications, marketing, public relations or other related field. Knowledge of non-profit work is preferred. Four years minimum of professional experience managing a team.
- Knowledge of consumer behaviors, product marketing, and strategies for reaching target audiences. Demonstrated successful writing and editing experience with a variety of print and digital media. Exceptional oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills. Demonstrated experience and leadership in developing and managing innovative, comprehensive, strategic communications to advance an organization’s goals and objectives. Knowledge and practice of using database systems for strategy delivery.
Salary: $90,000.00 - $110,000.00