Manager of Strategic Communications

Position Summary and objective

This position will manage the communications and public relations for Coalfield Development. Our communication voice is authentic, grounded in our vision and values, theory of change, and empowering for the organization’s team, stakeholders, and communities. This position will present a cogent and comprehensive communications strategy that advances our goals related to our core capabilities, as well as bigger-picture systems change and market development strategies. The position will proactively ideate, anticipate, and shape narratives regarding the nuances of Appalachia and its challenges and opportunities through the following:

• Communication Management: Lead the development and implementation of marketing, media, and public relation campaigns, and ideating, coordinating, framing, producing and posting content to support organizational goals.
• Project Management: Collaborate with Coalfield teams to execute marketing, advertising, and public relations strategies; manage multiple projects; adhere to budgets, and ensure on-time delivery.
• Analysis: Track and analyze communication campaign effectiveness and market trends evaluate opportunities, risks, and challenges through strategic communications lens.
• Fundraising Support: Contribute to fundraising efforts through proposal writing and development, generating supporting narratives, and creatively capturing outcomes.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Propose strategies and tactics related to communications and PR to the CEO and CPO
• Provide strategic communications advice to key organizational partners (especially SEED and WRAPS partners)
• Develop and execute a regular calendar/rhythm of communications activities for the organization. This will be applied to a newsletter, social media, long form videos and podcasts, etc.
• Capture organizational stories and outcomes for presentation to multiple stakeholders
• Write and send Press Releases regularly.
• Oversee the design of original social media, multimedia, and website content.
• Coordinate with CEO and CPO and various Coalfield teams on press-related opportunities
• Manage Field-earned media/press requests;
• Coordinate and supervise communications and PR vendors; facilitate projects involving vendors and various Coalfield teams and employees
• Assist CEO and CPO (and other staff as directed by CEO) with writing blogs, editorials and podcasts
• Collaborate with organizational partners and networks; provide communications and PR support for these networks as directed by CEO or CPO
• Support CEO and CPO with community engagement and outreach (public events, letters of support, partnership meetings etc.)
• Assist CEO and CPO (and other staff as directed by CEO) with grant writing
• Assist CEO and CPO with writing memos and other business documents
• Participate fully as part of the “Coalfield Core” team
• Participate fully in Coalfield Development meetings where “Core” participation is required (including Coalfield Council Day)
• Prepare media and PR packets for board meetings; help board members use social media and other media outlets to support the organization’s communications strategies

Competency – knowledge, skills, and abilities

Must have:

• Ability to multitask, prioritize and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment with multiple projects, locations, and business and collaborative partners.
• Strong organizational, time management and communication skills.
• Kind and professional demeanor and attitude, empathy and authenticity, Patience and compassion with people and issues encountered in challenging socio economic environments.
• A willingness to learn, an ability to problem-solve and work independently are crucial.
• Demonstrated excellent professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated skills in communication strategy, issue framing, narrative setting and storytelling
• Proficiency with computer technology, email, Microsoft Office, Google applications and standard office equipment (phone, copier/printer, scanners, etc.).
• Knowledge/experience with video production and editing; press relations; and social media

Desired traits:

• Collaborative mindset
• Knowledge of social enterprise, community and economic development, job-training and workforce development, real-estate development; mentorship approaches
• Real and lived knowledge of the Appalachian narrative
• Conversation/facilitation/in-person meeting skills
• Creativity and Design skills
• Research skills

Supervisory responsibilities

• Communications Intern(s) when applicable
• Oversight of subcontracted vendor services for web development and social media management will be required.

Work Location and Hours of Work

Coalfield’s offices are currently located in Huntington and Charleston, WV. The chosen candidate must have reliable transportation to regularly attend work at the Huntington location and other locations, as required.

• Office location will be in either Huntington or Charleston, WV (mix of on-site and remote work is possible)
• Car travel throughout the region will be common.
• Access to a company owned vehicle may be required on a semi-permanent basis.
• Occasional nationwide travel for conferences or meetings should be expected.
• The normal work week is Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Coalfield allows managers and employees to negotiate a flexible work schedule. Uncompensated overtime is infrequently required when necessary to meet critical deadlines or respond to emergencies.

Environment Conditions, Physical Activity, Physical Demands

• Light lifting (up to 25 LBS with or without accommodation).
• Must be able to drive and work seated or standing at a desk and/or computer.

Travel and Transportation Requirements

Candidates must provide reliable transportation to their primary work location. Coalfield has a limited fleet of vehicles and frequently carpools to minimize travel burdens on employees. Travel expenses (excluding commutes) may be reimbursed per Coalfield’s policies and procedures.

Required Experience and Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing or Public Relations is preferred.
• 3 years of experience in the Communication or Public Relations field is required.

EEO Statement

Coalfield Development Corporation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Other duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Background or drug test

Candidates for this position will be required to pass a drug test as a condition of employment. Candidates for this position (will/will not) be required to have a background check as a condition of employment.

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