Communications Manager

Under the direction of the Director of Communications and Content, the Communications Manager has the responsibility for determining and executing the association-wide strategy for social media, email communications, events, and public relations. In addition, the Communications Manager will help execute the internal and external communications for the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas.  The Communications Manager will stay abreast of digital media marketing & communications trends that will benefit the YMCA and make recommendations of new strategies for better engagement of Y members, donors, volunteers, staff and participants.                                                 

KNOW-HOW                                                                                        

Excellence in oral and written communications and proficiency with video and photography; experience in website and social content management, digital communication, communications or related field.  The ability to be self-motivated and resourceful, meet multiple deadlines and juggle multiple priorities simultaneously; must possess excellent organizational skills.  Interpersonal skills important to this position; ability to maintain strong Association and branch staff relations; strong initial contact skills and development of relationships with vendors; must be strong in teamwork skills and follow-up/long-term relations. Undergraduate degree in public relations or digital communications.

MANAGERIAL / CONSULTATIVE

Ability to maintain relationships with branch staff and consult with team members on a variety of requests.  Manage & organize multiple requests from a variety of staff including branches as well as Association departments.  Represent association on consultative projects and questions from all areas within the Y movement.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES / POSITION RESPONSIBILITY

Digital Communications and Public Relations:   Plan for and execute the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas’ social media strategy, internal and external communications (including e-newsletters, email, staff communications, press releases, etc.) Create, manage, and execute digital editorial calendar. Collaborate with colleagues on digital initiatives and campaigns. Develop templates for branch and association e-newsletter. Coordinate & direct staff to execute monthly Member e-newsletters for all branches (and association). Develop template for internal association e-newsletter and execute monthly communications to staff, board, etc. Support the Director of Communications and Content with Press Releases, articles and news content as needed/directed. Provide curated content from e-newsletters to website for publishing on news/events/blogs on website(s). Work with Director of Communications and Content and the VP/Chief Brand Officer on urgent Public Communications/PR Issues as needed or directed. Write and publish weekly blog topics relevant to the YMCA programs and goals. Establish strategy for customer-service inquiries online; respond in professional & timely way. Operates with discretion to identify issues and opportunities in user-generated content. Adheres to best practices and processes for internal/external communications keeping in line with Association branding standards.

SOCIAL MEDIA:  Managing the day-to-day posting and listening on social media – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and more. Manage and execute social media calendar for the association. Work with branch and association staff to consolidate and communicate information. Develop graphics, imagery, infographics as needed to create compelling and engaging social media content. Work with Association marketing and communications department to create & execute Social Media strategies to support overall marketing & communication goals. Research & analyze social media trends to identify best strategies for association. Develops and maintains an editorial/content calendar and posting schedule for all social media channels. Create accurate and current written content, photos & videos for both association & brand sites. Develop and maintain relationships with bloggers that align with our goals.

STAFF DEVELOPMENT AND LEADERSHIP: Manage & direct the social media and email activities by association and branch staff. Train and coach senior executives, association staff, branch leaders and staff and volunteers with social media and email training. Manage external agencies, tools and resources as needed. Self-starter responsible for management of own duties with little or no supervision.

TEAMWORK: Collaborate and coordinate with Photographer/Videographer and other staff to cover events digitally, visually (photos/video) and verbally (written.) Communicate with Director of Communications and Content on all projects, prioritizing as needed and highlighting top priority projects when appropriate. Work with Marketing & Communications team to produce a variety of projects as needed including Annual Report, Membership Promotions, Branding and Cause messaging, CEO projects and Financial Development projects.

STRATEGY: Create a social media and email voice & messaging strategy by channel for each branch. Crucial to promote diverse target audiences for Y’s brand, mission and cause including fans, supporters, members, donors, volunteers, non-members and the greater community. Develop system and recommend tools/software needed to optimize projects and messaging delivery.

REPORTING: Collect, analyze and report social media and email reporting on monthly basis through prepared reports for the AO and all branches. Makes appropriate recommendations based on metrics. Reports can be templated and should be emailed or shared with the Director of Communications and Content and the Marketing & Communications team monthly.

EVENTS: Assist the Director of Communications and Content to plan, develop and execute several major, annual events including the Annual Celebration, Father of the Year, Key Leaders Luncheon, and Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot. Manage and collaborate with vendors to execute flawless participant experiences in events.

Provide leadership onsite with social media activities on day-of events. Develop or gather photos/video/imagery from Marketing & Communications team members. Provide graphic and digital support for donor communications in the Financial Development department on various projects, events and needs as requested.

FISCAL MANAGEMENT: With the Director of Communications and Content, administer and maintain Association Communications budget, with direct responsibility for all Social media and Email Communications within the overall budget as a part of the Marketing & Communications team.

FACILITY MANAGEMENT: Responsible for proper use and maintenance of Marketing & Communications department equipment.

RELATIONSHIPS TO BE MAINTAINED: Develop and maintain strong relations with Association and Branch staff as it relates to communications strategies. Develop and maintain excellent relations with local groups related to social media and digital communications. Serve on local, regional committees, groups or task forces relating to communications or digital communications. Participate in YMCA trainings, meeting, conferences as approved by supervisor.