YMCA Of the Triangle is seeking a Communications Director at Camp Kanata!
Job Description
The Director of Communications for Camp Kanata, in conjunction with the Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications and the full Marketing & Communications Department, will provide leadership, management and oversight for YMCA Camp Kanata’s communications. The Communications Director of Camp Kanata will support brand compliance, media and public relations, promotions and change communication to enhance the reputation, philanthropic support and revenue generation of the camp. In strong collaboration with Camp Executive Directors, camp departments, key camp personnel and other Association leads, the Director of Communications for Camp Kanata will maximize communications opportunities that positively position Kanata as a leading overnight camp nationally – driving the public to enroll, give and volunteer and maintain their relationship with the camp throughout the year.
The position will increase the visibility of the YMCA of the Triangle’s overnight programs and work among various stakeholders and create innovative ways to engage prospective families, current registrants/participants, staff, alumni, volunteers, donors, community partners and the general public with Camp Kanata.
Qualifications
- A four-year degree in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism or a related field.
- Two-three years’ experience in a communications role or related field. Experience supervising others is preferred.
- Experience in developing, leading and managing innovative, comprehensive and integrated communication campaigns as well as managing internal and external program communications.
- Proven experience successfully supporting crisis communications.
- Demonstrated superior, extensive and successful writing and editing experience within a variety of print, digital, video and social media platforms.
- Excellent team, analytical and time-management skills. Ability to multi-task and work under pressure. Able to analyze problems and strategize for better solutions.
- In-depth understanding of the industry trends and emerging platforms and tactics.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office applications with a solid understanding of key marketing and communication tools (web content and project management systems, email platforms, and Adobe Creative Suite, etc).
- Proven leadership and relationship-building skills.
- Superior interpersonal written and verbal communication skills with all levels of staff and the ability to problem solve and work well independently or as part of a team.
- Requires an understanding of and a commitment to the total effort of the YMCA and the Christian principles upon which it is founded.
- The ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.
- Overnight camping experience preferred.
Essential Functions
- Actively engages and fully participates with the YMCA of the Triangle Marketing & Communications Department, team meetings, and project management team meetings to assist with strategic planning for overnight camps and the Association.
- Leads and provides direct oversight and management of the communications functions for Camp Kanata.
- Actively recruits, hires in conjunction with Camp staff, leads and manages the summer communications staff as well as vendors to support and further extend the resources of the marketing and communications function for overnight camp.
- Supports and deploys strategic communications vision and goals in collaboration with Camp Executive Directors and the Vice President of Overnight Camps;
- Under the leadership of the Marketing & Communications Department, develops and executes strategic communications plans to support Camp Kanata’s business objectives and brand reputation.
- In conjunction with the Marketing & Communications team and Camp Leaders, leads, executes and manages strategic engagement and retention plans to ensure the continued involvement of Camp Kanata constituents.
- In conjunction with the Marketing & Communications Department, develops, implements and manages integrated communications plans to increase visibility and participation in Camp Kanata programs and services throughout the year.
- In alignment and consultation with the Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications, develops, establishes and enforces marketing and communications policy, guidelines and operational standards – designed to protect the brand of the YMCA and its overnight camps, Camp’s reputation and mitigate risk to the YMCA, overnight camps and Camp staff.
- Provides quarterly updates reports on the work done on behalf of Camp Kanata for senior leadership and volunteers (appropriately).
- Establishes, cultivates and maintains an effective working relationship with individuals at all levels of the association.
- Participates in travel (when able and appropriate) during the extended season, works assigned weeknights, weekends and onsite at Camp Kanata during the summer season (as appropriate).
- In collaboration with the Director of the Gear Store, supports ongoing sales & promotion of merchandise.
- Performs other duties and responsibilities assigned by supervisor.
BUDGET:
- Participates in the development of the budget and is directly accountable for the management and execution of approved budget per the Board of Directors for the Communications Budget for Camp Kanata.
- In conjunction with the Marketing & Communications team, researches the potential return-on-investment of new communications systems, platforms, solutions and service delivery systems.