Communications Specialist

Goodwill's Mission:  Transforming the lives of the individuals with disabilities and other barriers through pathways to independence and the power of work.

Summary

We are looking for an enthusiastic Communications Specialist to manage Goodwill Columbus' external and internal communications. You will promote a positive public image and aid in the dissemination of information on our company's behalf, both internally and externally.

Essential Job Functions

Internal Communications

• Lead internal communications strategy, development and implementation for our 1,000+ employees located across Franklin and Madison Counties
• Develop strategic and innovative internal communication plans that support our organization's strategic goal of equipping 100,000 individuals with the tools to advance economic mobility through the Power of Work by 2030
• Write, review, and manage business-specific emails, updates, change announcements, leadership messaging, and ad hoc communications
• Manage all employee communications outlets including Intranet, newsletters, hot sheets, leadership townhalls, etc
• Coordinate the delivery and development of content across internal channels
• Implement and manage all aspects of company-wide employee recognition program(s)
• Proactively build trust and maintain strong, cross-functional relationships with key internal stakeholders ranging from retail associates to executive leadership team members
• Be the employee brand ambassador advocate, representing and protecting this through all strategies and decision-making
• In conjunction with human resources, write and review any employee related material that may be required, e.g. internal policies and procedures

External Communications

• Lead all proactive (and reactive) public relations efforts including media relations, pitch development, press release and media advisory development,
• Develop an editorial calendar of press opportunities positioning GWC as an expert source around strategic initiatives and programs
• Manage media inquiries and coordinate press conferences, interviews, and events
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists, influencers, and other key figures
• Work with marketing team members to brainstorm ideas for new content opportunities
• Serve as a GWC board of directors liaison; drafting new board member appointments as needed
• Aid in crisis communications efforts through the development of company statements, talking points and media advisories
• Maintain the company's values and adhere to the company's style guide and messaging
• Other responsibilities as assigned

Communications Specialist Qualifications

• Extensive experience in internal and external communications, corporate communications or public/media relations, preferably in a distributed workforce environment
• Public relations agency experience is a plus
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience executing highly successful and creative internal and external communications plans
• Experience with internal communications developing relevant content for a diverse, dispersed, and mobile workforce
• Experience implementing and managing cross company employee recognition programs
• Experience in change management or issues management
• Experience writing engaging press releases, pitching stories and positioning executives as thought leaders and SMEs
• Experience managing and building relationships with members of the media
• Experience in the aid of crisis communications efforts
• Strong project management skills, handling multiple tasks and evolving priorities
• Possess a strategic approach to problems solving
• Ability to work with key internal stakeholders to brainstorm pitch ideas ideas, in line with the company's strategy and in support of various brand initiatives
• Support and evaluate results of communication campaigns with the team

At Goodwill, we'll help you reach your potential while you help others reach theirs. Want to enjoy coming to work? So do we!   
 
Our full-time benefits include:

• Promotion and Growth Opportunities 
Company paid life and long-term disability insurance
• Health, Dental and Vision insurance the 1st of the month after 30 days
• Voluntary life, short-term disability, accident,  and critical illness
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Employee Discount at all Goodwill Columbus Stores

Goodwill Columbus is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

For more information, we invite you to visit our website at