Digital Communications Strategist

at  Youth Empowerment Support Services

Full Time
Positions available: 1
This role is an important part of the YESS Marketing and Communications department whose purpose is to drive impactful communication and fundraising efforts for YESS. The Digital Communications Strategist, is pivotal in devising and implementing comprehensive digital strategies to enhance our online presence, boost fundraising initiatives, and amplify awareness to engage target audiences. This role focuses on social media, online advertising, website management, and analytics to drive meaningful engagement and support for the organization.
Reports to: Director, Marketing & Communications

Responsibilities

• Marketing & Communications Strategy Support: Provide strategic input into MarCom plans and goals as a member of the MarCom team.
• Online Communication Strategy: Develop and execute digital communication strategies aligned with organizational goals to enhance brand visibility, engagement, and fundraising efforts.
• Social Media Management: Curate compelling content calendars, create engaging posts, and oversee day-to-day activities across various social media platforms, monitor trends, engage with the audience, and foster community interactions.
• Online Fundraising Campaigns: Plan and execute targeted online fundraising campaigns in alignment with Fund Development & MarCom Strategic Plans, using social media, email, and other digital channels. Create and manage compelling ad content to drive donations and support.
• Website Management: Ensure the functionality, relevance, and user experience of the organization’s website. Collaborate with the team to update content, optimize SEO, and implement design improvements.
• Analytics and Metrics: Monitor and analyze digital metrics, including website traffic, social media engagement, and campaign performance. Generate reports and insights to inform strategic decision-making.
• Collaboration and Coordination: Work closely with internal teams and external partners to align digital communications with broader organizational initiatives. Coordinate with graphic designers, content creators, and other stakeholders to ensure cohesive messaging and branding.
• Stay Updated: Stay abreast of industry trends, digital tools, and best practices in digital communications, social media, and fundraising techniques. Implement innovative strategies to drive continuous improvement.
• Event Coverage: Supporting YESS Fundraising, Presentation, Media, events, etc., in-person (if requested) or remotely participating, to ensure timely and effective social media coverage and posts.
• Managing Messaging: Managing and executing social media and website content to balance planned and time-sensitive communication updates are prioritized and delivered to support organizational objectives.
• Tasks as Assigned: Supporting the organizational needs and deliverables as required by Director of Marketing and Communications including but not limited to committees, projects, and events.

Competencies

• Digital Strategy Development: Creating and implementing comprehensive digital communication strategies aligned with organizational goals and target audience preferences.
• Platform Expertise: In-depth knowledge of various digital platforms, including social media, websites, email marketing, mobile apps, and other emerging channels, to maximize engagement and reach.
• Audience Segmentation and Understanding: Ability to segment audiences and tailor communication strategies to different demographics, understanding their behaviors, preferences, and needs.
• Content Creation and Curation: Strong skills in creating and curating digital content (text, images, videos, etc.) optimized for each platform and audience, maintaining brand consistency and relevance.
• Data Analysis and Insights: Proficiency in using analytics tools to gather insights, track KPIs, and measure the performance of digital communication efforts, allowing for data-driven decision-making and optimization.
• SEO and SEM Understanding: Knowledge of search engine optimization (SEO) best practices and search engine marketing (SEM) techniques to increase online visibility and drive traffic.
• Community Engagement and Management: Building and nurturing online communities, fostering engagement, managing interactions, and addressing feedback or inquiries promptly and effectively.
• Crisis Management and Response: Ability to manage and respond to crisis situations effectively, maintaining brand reputation and credibility in the digital space.
• Technology and Tool Proficiency: Familiarity with digital communication tools, marketing automation platforms, social media management tools, and CRM systems to streamline processes and enhance efficiency.
• Digital Trends Awareness: Keeping abreast of the latest trends, innovations, and emerging technologies in digital communication to identify opportunities for growth and improvement.
• Collaboration Skills: Working closely with cross-functional teams including marketing, PR, design, and IT to align digital communication strategies with overall business objectives.
• Adaptability and Experimentation: Willingness to adapt strategies based on changing digital landscapes and audience behaviors, as well as a willingness to experiment with new approaches to optimize results.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in Communications, Marketing, or related field.
• Proven experience (min. three years) in digital communications, preferably within the non-profit sector.
• Proficiency in social media management tools, analytics platforms, and content management systems.
• Strong understanding of online fundraising strategies and digital advertising.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and derive actionable insights.
• Creative thinking and a passion for driving positive change through digital channels.

• Marketing & Communications Strategy Support: Provide strategic input into MarCom plans and goals as a member of the MarCom team.
• Online Communication Strategy: Develop and execute digital communication strategies aligned with organizational goals to enhance brand visibility, engagement, and fundraising efforts.
• Social Media Management: Curate compelling content calendars, create engaging posts, and oversee day-to-day activities across various social media platforms, monitor trends, engage with the audience, and foster community interactions.
• Online Fundraising Campaigns: Plan and execute targeted online fundraising campaigns in alignment with Fund Development & MarCom Strategic Plans, using social media, email, and other digital channels. Create and manage compelling ad content to drive donations and support.
• Website Management: Ensure the functionality, relevance, and user experience of the organization’s website. Collaborate with the team to update content, optimize SEO, and implement design improvements.
• Analytics and Metrics: Monitor and analyze digital metrics, including website traffic, social media engagement, and campaign performance. Generate reports and insights to inform strategic decision-making.
• Collaboration and Coordination: Work closely with internal teams and external partners to align digital communications with broader organizational initiatives. Coordinate with graphic designers, content creators, and other stakeholders to ensure cohesive messaging and branding.
• Stay Updated: Stay abreast of industry trends, digital tools, and best practices in digital communications, social media, and fundraising techniques. Implement innovative strategies to drive continuous improvement.
• Event Coverage: Supporting YESS Fundraising, Presentation, Media, events, etc., in-person (if requested) or remotely participating, to ensure timely and effective social media coverage and posts.
• Managing Messaging: Managing and executing social media and website content to balance planned and time-sensitive communication updates are prioritized and delivered to support organizational objectives.
• Tasks as Assigned: Supporting the organizational needs and deliverables as required by Director of Marketing and Communications including but not limited to committees, projects, and events