Director of Communications and Marketing

POSITIONS SUMMARY: 

This position promotes the mission, message, and programs of the Greater Burlington YMCA through effective marketing and communications. The Director of Communications & Marketing oversees all marketing, publicity, external and internal communication according to a plan and in a manner that effectively advances our Y’s commitment to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

Marketing:
— Assist Membership to develop and implement a membership and program marketing plan to build awareness, create interest, and generate enrollment.
— Monitor whether membership and program goals (enrollment and financial) are being met, both independently and in collaboration with other Department heads. Strategize, adapt, and implement changes that address shortfalls when they occur.
— Manage relationship with vendor used for social media and Google advertising. Set messaging priorities, establish, and manage budget, and review results.
— Develop and implement strategies to advance program objectives through social networking sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and others.
— Manage the Y’s Front Porch Forum presence, including regularly placing ads to promote Y programs and membership.
— Supervise, collaborate and support the Y’s Creative Manager in the design and production of internal and external promotional materials and advertising areas.
— Lead other departments in the creation and use of surveys and other forms of formal and informal outreach with key internal and external stakeholders. Analyze results and address identified needs.
— Collaborate with Development and outside vendors to effectively communicate and advance the Y’s mission and philanthropic goals through means of written and electronic communication.
— Work with Department Heads to gather stories and testimonials to share the impact of charitable giving.
— Work in cross-functional teams to support shared organizational goals, e.g. member retention, maximizing program enrollment, etc.
— Prepare and monitor the department budget, and attend to ongoing financial management responsibilities (adherence to policies, approval of bills, etc.)
— Stay current on best practices in YMCA programs overall and in the use of technology specifically for community engagement, exploring new communications mediums as appropriate.

Public Relations 

— Serve as the Y’s primary point of contact with the media for purposes of proactive (written media releases, etc.), reactive, and crisis communications, the latter done in conjunction with Y leadership.
— Write or support colleagues in drafting key external facing communications, ensuring we consistently always speak with one “Y voice.”
— Be an advocate and spokesperson to those outside the organization, prepared to share Y history, mission, and current programmatic initiatives.

Community Relations 

— Take integral role to advance the Strategic Plan initiative to build community through the creation and execution of a schedule of events hosted at our Y to enhance our role as a center of community.
— Assist in planning the Annual Meeting, Kids Fest, and other special events including preparation of scripts for CEO, Board Chair, and other speakers as needed.
— Identify and build relationships with external partners or key stakeholders, such as service groups, community organizations, or companies, to support programs or projects. (local business association, chamber, etc.)

QUALIFICATIONS:  
— Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Business Management, or other related field.
— Minimum of (5) five years of relevant professional experience, required.
— At least (3) three years of management/supervisory experience, required.
— Experience working media and press relations, preferred.
— Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, WordPress, and/or other design programs.
— Must have strong interpersonal, public relations, and communication skills, including the ability to make presentations and handle media inquiries.
— Strong writing skills, required.

Benefits: 
Free family membership for full-time staff
Program, camp and child care discounts and member benefits
Paid time off
Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance with partially funded Health Reimbursement Account
Company-sponsored Life Insurance
Short and Long-Term Disability
Retirement Savings Plan and Pension Eligibility
National Training with Y of the USA
Supporting and becoming part of a strong community
Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)