Director of Communications

Overview

Our Commitment to Equity The Y actively promotes a culture free from bias and injustice. We are dedicated to removing institutional and systemic barriers that result in oppression and racism. We will be accountable to marginalized communities for creating equitable and sustainable environments where social justice is woven into every facet of our programs, and by caring for our communities in a culturally versatile and respectful manner.

Job Summary

The Director of Communications will work closely with the Chief Experience and Philanthropy Officer (CXPO) to implement the organization’s communications strategy. 

We are looking for a highly motivated, energetic team player with superb communications skills and highly developed storytelling skills. The successful candidate will build and execute an integrated audience-focused communications plan and editorial calendar that reinforces the organization's key messaging and positioning goals. This will be done for both staff, member and donor audiences as appropriate. They should have the capacity to successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously in a highly collaborative team environment. Success for this role will be measured in two ways: 1) by the ability to broadly communicate and amplify key messages about the Y's philanthropic efforts and community impact we are making in healthy living, youth development and social responsibility and 2) by the ability to deliver consistent, effective and engaging internal communications. 

What you'll get from working at The Y

• Membership to the YMCA of Greater Seattle for you and your household


• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance


• Retirement with generous employer contributions


• Free access to mental health resources


• Rapidly-accruing paid time off (PTO) available immediately upon hire


• Discounts on qualifying YMCA of Greater Seattle childcare and day camp programs

Hiring Range for this role is $75,000-$88,000/ year

The YMCA of Greater Seattle is committed to providing a positive atmosphere that prioritizes safety and inclusivity for all employees. The YMCA of Greater Seattle has implemented safety standards and protocols related to preventative health measures based on CDC and local health department guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for drafting internal and executive communications from the CEO/President’s Office 


• Responsible for generating messages about the YMCA’s signature programs and projects. 

• Define and execute the crisis communications strategy 


• Develop, manage and create assets for the annual and monthly editorial calendar 


• Build messaging and positioning based on research and feedback 


• Build partnership communications 


• Drive all employer brand campaigns and messaging in coordination with selected PR firm 

• Build the monthly branch content toolkit in support of the monthly editorial calendar and themes in collaboration with the marketing team. 


• Prepare FAQs, Talking Points, external and internal communications for any crisis and/or emergency communications 


• Collaborate with Director of Social Media to build social media strategy to drive increases in engagement and goals 


• Develop training material and resources for branches to tell the local Y stories and their impact 


• Build and manage team of internal experts and find opportunities to position these thought leaders in events and media in collaboration with PR firm 

• Partnering with a PR Firm to build an "amplification engine" that leverages the power of volunteers, employees, and members in multiplying our messages 


• Manage all content for News Center including issuing press releases, blogs and impact messaging 


• Help support the development of impact messaging including annual reports, newsletters, etc. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

This job operates in a professional office environment.  This role routinely uses standard office equipment. Hybrid work environmentwith at least 2 days in the Downtown AO office is expected. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

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. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.  This position requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies, up to 20 pounds. 

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK 

This is a full-time position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand. 

TRAVEL 

Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be expected. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, English or related field. Master’s preferred. Other applicable education, training, and experience, which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position will be considered. 


• 8-10 years of experience working in corporate communications or brand management roles. 


• Minimum of 5 years of media relations experience. 


• Ability to strategize and work on a team with internal and external stakeholders. 


• Excellent written and verbal communications skills. 


• Prefer knowledge of and previous experience with diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.).


• Ability to speak any language in addition to English may be helpful. 

At the Seattle Y, we are an inclusive organization of people with a shared commitment to nurture the potential of youth, promote healthy living, and foster social responsibility. We also believe in supporting the wellbeing of our employees and offer a free Y membership as a benefit of employment. Become a leader on our team at the YMCA of Greater Seattle where we promote a continuous learning environment and career opportunities. 

YGS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and equitable work environment.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by local, state, or federal law. 

We are a drug & alcohol-free workplace; all job offers are contingent on the results of a background check and (on applicable jobs) drug screening, including screening for marijuana. 

We participate in the Federal E-Verify system. If you need assistance of any kind with the application process, reach out to [email protected] or the HR department at 206.382.5082.

MISSION STATEMENT:

Building a community where all people, especially the young, are encouraged to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body.

Leadership Competencies of this Role:

• Values


• Inclusion


• Develop Self and Others


• Quality Results


• Change Capacity


• Inspire Others