Communications Director jobs in Winston Salem, NC

Description

At the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina we Help all people reach their God-given potential in Spirit, Mind and Body.
When you choose to work for the YMCA, you are in a unique position to change someone’s life.

You are a cause-driven leader and recognize that building relationships is critical to strengthening our members,
volunteers, staff, and our community, as well as the overall health of our Y.  When you intentionally build
relationships, you provide:

•  A stronger sense of community and belonging
•  Value to the individuality and uniqueness of others
•  A better opportunity to share our Christian Mission
•  Meaningful guidance to improve the health of others
•  Mentoring opportunities to promote socially responsible living

The work you do really matters. Our goal is to provide the training and resources needed to be successful, consistent,
and intentional in building relationships at the Y.

The YMCA of Northwest North Carolina is looking for a dynamic Communications Director to help the association share the Y story.  This position directly impacts the visibility of the Y in the community, making sure the community knows about Y brand, mission, membership, programs and services.  The Communication Director develops and executes the communication and public relations plans of the association, resulting in membership growth, increased program enrollment, increased philanthropic support, and enhancement of the YMCA’s public image and brand awareness.

The successful candidate will be a visible leader who is willing and able to provide expertise, guidance and advice on both internal and external communication. The successful candidate partners with branch and association leadership to promote the mission of the Y. The candidate is a strong communicator who listens effectively and speaks to the heart of what matters most to donors, storytellers, and employees. The successful candidate will be highly collaborative, highly relational and have advanced Critical Thinking Skills.

The Communications Director is a capable project manager who is able to quickly switch between internal and external communication skills and works as a member of the Association Marketing and Communications Team while supporting branch efforts.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Develop and implement comprehensive public relations plan for the association, including but not limited to branch communications, special events, annual giving campaign, Media and crisis communications.
2. Work with branch staff to gather mission stories to communicate and enhance our mission message.
3. Develop relationships with media personnel to create positive press opportunities. Act as press liaison.
4. Creates monthly branch electronic newsletters, quarterly association newsletters, President’s letters and other communication pieces for programs, branches and the association.  Coordinate production with freelancers and printers.  Write talking points and scripts for special events as needed.
5. Create and maintain updated library of graphic resources, photos, news clippings, and electronic media.
6. Provide editorial and creative direction for ad agencies and/or freelancers as needed.
7. Assist with social media planning, implementation and evaluation, and overall brand management and marketing within association.
8. Work with branches, programs, and Marketing Director on development and implementation of marketing plans.
9. Contribute to internal communications by educating staff annually on social media brand standards to maintain brand integrity.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Communications Director has no direct supervision responsibilities so the ability to develop relationships and inspire others through influence and collaboration is crucial.

YMCA COMPETENCIES: (MULTI-TEAM OR BRANCH LEADER)

Mission Advancement: Reinforces the Y’s values within the organization and the community. Effectively communicates the benefits and impact of the YMCA’s efforts for all stakeholders.

Collaboration: Engages in collaboration with openness and a desire to share leadership. Builds and nurtures strategic relationships both within the branch and with community partners to enhance support for the work of the YMCA. Serves as a community leader building collaborations based on trust and credibility to advance YMCA mission and goals. Communicates for influence to attain buy-in and support of goals.

Communication and Influence: Uses effective and persuasive communication skills to represent the Y as a thought leader in the community. Proactively communicates during critical and important situations. Gets things done through others by effectively reading and interpreting the culture, decisions, networks, and politics in the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from four-year College or University and 2 years related experience or equivalent combination education, experience and/or training.
• Excellent writing, organization, interpersonal and relationship building skills.
• Knowledge of AP Style and media calendars and deadlines.
• Energetic, devoted, mission driven, team oriented individual.
• Critical Thinking Skills

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions of position and to supervise program activities.

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Vision Statement:

The Y is a place where common ground thrives and people of all walks of life can belong. We approach diversity and inclusion through the Christian principles of love, compassion, kindness, and respect. The YMCA of Northwest North Carolina will promote and exemplify togetherness. We value, encourage, and nurture the contributions that each person makes to our increasingly diverse association and the communities we serve.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of the Y to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical diversability, genetic information, or other protected characteristics.