Communications Director jobs in Asheville, NC

Description

NOTICE: The salary range starts at $59,737.60, depending on experience. 

ABOUT US  

The nonprofit YMCA of Western North Carolina strengthens local communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Founded in 1889, we engage more than 100,000 people – regardless of age, income, or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the region’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support the community. We do this through seven YMCAs, dozens of program sites, and YMCA Camp Watia. As the state’s largest provider of licensed school-age child care, we give more than 1,000 children a day the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. We are committed to being an anti-racist, multicultural organization by exposing racism and fighting the constructs that perpetuate racism and affect all cultures. We recruit staff who are passionate about giving back to the community, helping people, and upholding our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. For more information, please visit ymcawnc.org.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Communications Director is responsible for planning and implementing internal and external communication strategies that support Association priorities, achieve revenue targets, and increase and maintain favorable public awareness. Duties include budgeting, managing communication channels and content, reporting, writing, and media relations. This position supervises the Marketing and Communications Specialist and works closely with other team members to plan and manage project workflow. The Communications Director will contribute to the overall Y mission of strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. They are guided by the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Engagement, YMCA of WNC operating priorities, and Association leadership norms, and must operate in a manner consistent with our organizational values.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Serve as the Association’s chief storyteller, collaborating with internal teams and partner agencies to identify and produce compelling content that represents the YMCA brand, increases awareness and engagement, and positions the Y as a leading community nonprofit. This content includes but is not limited to the annual report, email marketing campaigns, social media posts, video reels and stories, fundraising materials, newsletters, media advisories, press releases, website copy, advertisements, and video scripts.
• Manage budget for communication efforts, including search engine optimization, photography, and videography.
• Supervise the Marketing and Communications Specialist, working with them to create and maintain long-range content and publicity calendars.
• Plan, write, and analyze email marketing campaigns to support Association initiatives, including membership, program cross-pollination, and financial development.
• Train service line and center staff on best practices for social media.
• Communicate proactively with media outlets, journalists, and partners.
• Analyze data to determine the effectiveness of and make recommendations on the direction of marketing campaigns.
• Model inclusive behaviors and ensure that all dimensions of diversity are represented in content produced.
• Adhere to YMCA brand standards for voice, text, and imagery; follow and model editorial standards and best practices; help train staff on communication practices and skills
• Assist as needed with YMCA functions and special events.
• Other duties as assigned.

ABOUT YOU

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public relations, or related field and/or at least 10 years of professional experience in one of these fields
• Two or more years of supervisory experience
• Excellent personal computer skills and experience with standard business software, including Microsoft Office Suite
• High degree of proficiency with email marketing systems, website administration, and social media platforms and management tools

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Exceptional communication abilities, including writing, speaking, and active listening
• In-depth knowledge of best writing and messaging practices for public relations, email marketing, web, and social media
• Ability to plan and manage budgets
• Ability to effectively engage with team members of all levels and across departments, as well as members of the public and media
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, including time management, goal-setting, multitasking, attention to detail, and prioritization
• Adaptable to a fast-paced environment with multiple projects and tenacious about completing projects on deadline
• Strong data analysis, problem solving, and critical thinking skills
• Aptitude to own and manage projects, demonstrate creativity, and put ideas into action
• Leadership abilities, including supervision, training, and mentorship

PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF THE JOB

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This job is based at the YMCA Association Office in Asheville, NC, with frequent local travel during the work week.

EFFECT ON END RESULTS

This position helps the Association accomplish its aims and objectives in the community by:

• Aligning communication efforts with the Y’s overall mission and strategic goals, ensuring consistent messaging that reinforces brand identity and values
• Engaging stakeholders by analyzing and understanding audience needs and creating targeted messages that resonate with different groups
• Managing the organization’s reputation by responding to crises, addressing negative feedback, and promoting positive stories to influence public perception
• Achieving positive media coverage to increase visibility and credibility
• Strengthening internal communications to ensure employee understanding of strategic goals
• Tracking campaign effectiveness and adjusting strategies to improve results
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams and external partners to achieve objectives
• Modeling best practices for communication, fostering creativity and innovation, and adapting to industry trends

BENEFITS PACKAGE

Full-time employees receive medical, dental and vision insurance, group life insurance and long-term disability paid by the Y; short-term disability, term life insurance and dependent life insurance is available for purchase; generous paid time off, retirement plan with employer contribution of 12% of salary (subject to eligibility requirements), free YMCA membership, free afterschool childcare and summer day camp and program discounts.

The YMCA of Western North Carolina is committed to equal opportunity in terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, faith, gender, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law, except where a bona fide occupational qualification applies.

Qualifications