Association Director of Communications

Posted Sunday, September 22, 2024 at 4:00 AM

YMCA of Metropolitan Washington - Association Director of Communications

Are you ready to make a profound impact in your community? The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is a cornerstone of our community, dedicated to empowering individuals, strengthening families, and fostering healthy, inclusive neighborhoods. We’re looking for an engaging and innovative communications professional to advance the Y’s mission and brand.

TheAssociation Director of Communications will play a critical role in shaping and conveying the Y’s story to internal and external audiences, ensuring consistent messaging across all channels. As a key member of the leadership team, the Association Director will drive initiatives that engage, inform, and inspire our community, donors, members, and staff. If you have a passion for the YMCA’s mission and values; a high level of integrity and accountability; and the ability to collaborate and build relationships with diverse stakeholders, we want you to join our team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Communication: Develop and execute a communication strategy that supports the Y’s mission, vision, and goals. Align communication efforts with the organization’s strategic priorities to enhance public awareness and engagement. Executes strategy to increase the Y’s community impact.
• Brand Management: Serve as a guardian of the Y brand, ensuring all communications and marketing materials reflect the organization’s values, tone, and visual identity. Lead efforts to promote a cohesive and impactful brand presence across all platforms. Serves as the main point of contact for media relations and crisis communications. Identifies internal and external branding/communications opportunities. Define and execute appropriate strategies.
• Content Creation & Storytelling: Oversee the creation of compelling content that tells the story of the Y’s impact. This includes managing the production of newsletters, press releases, social media content, annual reports, and multimedia materials that resonate with diverse audiences. Travels to branches to identify stories, facilitate media, attend promotional events and gather information about programs and services.
• Media Relations: Act as the primary media contact, cultivating relationships with local and regional media outlets. Proactively seek opportunities for positive coverage and manage the Y’s response to media inquiries and crisis communications.
• Event Management: Plans, facilitates and promotes the Association’s Annual Meeting, signature events (i.e. Healthy Kids Day, Thingamajig Invention Convention, etc.), and special events (i.e. building dedication, grand-opening, etc.).
• Executive Communications: Creates and disseminates CEO communication to internal and external stakeholders and our communities.
• Internal Communications: Develop and maintain effective communication channels within the organization to keep staff informed and engaged. Work closely with senior leadership to communicate organizational changes, updates, and initiatives. Develops internal publications such as newsletters, press releases, public service announcements (PSAs), email announcements, Annual Report, videos, special projects and assignments.
• Association Communications: Creates impactful strategies for the Association’s external mediums, including social media platforms, website, and other digital communication outlets to support community engagement in the Y’s programs, events, and initiatives; build relationships with key stakeholders (the senior leadership team, Association Board of Directors, elected officials, relevant government agencies, community and civic organizations, partners/sponsors); and enhance core service performance aligned with each pillar (Healthy Living, Youth Development and Social Responsibility).

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications/ Public Relations/Marketing, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in communications, with proven success in a leadership role. Experience in non-profit organizations, particularly in youth development, health, and wellness sectors, is highly desirable.
• Skills:
• Exceptional writing, editing, designing, proofreading and production skills for a wide variety of compelling communications to all audiences (as appropriate, including staff, management, external, members, media, etc.), including press releases, speeches, emails, letters, social media posts, and more.
• Skilled and experienced using a variety of formats, including print, radio, TV, and digital (social, video, audio, web-based (i.e. WordPress), etc.).
• Strong relationship building skills and the ability to use discernment and professionalism in conflict management is required.
• Collaborate across the organization and with external partners/stakeholders.
• Adept at forming and maintaining external media relationships and an engaged/supportive Marketing and Communications network.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities.
• Proven experience in media relations and crisis communication.
• Experience managing multiple projects in a deadline-driven environment.
• Event planning and management experience.
• Facilitate and manage work with PR firms, ad agencies, media, reports and vendors.
• Available to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends with local travel to Y branches.

Why you should join us:

The YMCA offers a supportive and dynamic work environment that encourages personal and professional growth. By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a range of benefits designed to support your overall well-being. Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy as an employee:

• Impactful Work: Make a meaningful difference in your community every day.
• Supportive Environment: Thrive in a collaborative, mission-driven workplace.
• Competitive Compensation: Salary reflective of your skill and experience.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive plans to ensure you and your family can receive the care you need.
• Wellness Programs: Y membership for you and your family to support your physical and mental health.
• Retirement Plans to Secure your Financial Future: The Y will contribute 10% of your salary into the Y’s retirement savings plan. You also have the option to make additional contributions to the Y’s 403(b) and ROTH plans.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Training and Development: Access to professional development programs, workshops, and certifications.
• Inclusive Environment: A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion ensuring all employees feel valued.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.