Communications Director

at  YMCA of Northwest North Carolina

At the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina we Help all people reach their God-given potential in Spirit, Mind and Body.
When you choose to work for the YMCA, you are in a unique position to change someones life.
You are a cause-driven leader and recognize that building relationships is critical to strengthening our members,
volunteers, staff, and our community, as well as the overall health of our Y. When you intentionally build

relationships, you provide:

• A stronger sense of community and belonging
• Value to the individuality and uniqueness of others
• A better opportunity to share our Christian Mission
• Meaningful guidance to improve the health of others
• Mentoring opportunities to promote socially responsible living

The work you do really matters. Our goal is to provide the training and resources needed to be successful, consistent,
and intentional in building relationships at the Y.
The YMCA of Northwest North Carolina is looking for a dynamic Communications Director to help the association share the Y story. This position directly impacts the visibility of the Y in the community, making sure the community knows about Y brand, mission, membership, programs and services. The Communication Director develops and executes the communication and public relations plans of the association, resulting in membership growth, increased program enrollment, increased philanthropic support, and enhancement of the YMCAs public image and brand awareness.
The successful candidatewill be a visible leaderwho is willing and able to provide expertise, guidance and advice on both internal and external communication. The successful candidate partners with branch and association leadership to promote the mission of the Y. The candidate is a strong communicatorwho listens effectively and speaks to the heart of what matters most to donors, storytellers, and employees. The successful candidate will be highly collaborative, highly relational and have advanced Critical Thinking Skills.
The Communications Director is acapable project managerwho isable to quickly switch between internal and external communication skills and works as a member of the Association Marketing and Communications Team while supporting branch efforts.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Develop and implement comprehensive public relations plan for the association, including but not limited to branch communications, special events, annual giving campaign, Media and crisis communications.
• Work with branch staff to gather mission stories to communicate and enhance our mission message.
• Develop relationships with media personnel to create positive press opportunities. Act as press liaison.
• Creates monthly branch electronic newsletters, quarterly association newsletters, Presidents letters and other communication pieces for programs, branches and the association. Coordinate production with freelancers and printers. Write talking points and scripts for special events as needed.
• Create and maintain updated library of graphic resources, photos, news clippings, and electronic media.
• Provide editorial and creative direction for ad agencies and/or freelancers as needed.
• Assist with social media planning, implementation and evaluation, and overall brand management and marketing within association.
• Work with branches, programs, and Marketing Director on development and implementation of marketing plans.
• Contribute tointernal communications by educating staff annually on social media brand standards to maintain brand integrity.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Communications Director has no direct supervision responsibilities so the ability to develop relationships and inspire others through influence and collaboration is crucial.