Serving approximately 8,000 individuals each year, YWCA SHR is a source of strength, courage and empowerment for women and families facing crisis. We are a community catalyst for meaningful change and the advocate for shaping vital impact through quality services responding to the critical needs of survivors of sexual violence and domestic violence. YWCA SHR works across racial, gender, religious and social lines with organizations-partners in all sectors to educate about disparities, advocate for change and provide resources and tools to dismantle oppressive systems.

YWCA SHR is in the midst of a rapid transformation from a well-established direct service provider for women and families facing crisis to an organization working at the intersection of eliminating racism, empowering women and standing up for social justice, helping families and strengthening our community.

About the Position

Under general supervision of the Director of Development, the Marketing and Communications Coordinator will manage all marketing and communications initiatives including but not limited to media relations, digital marketing and analytics of social media, blog posts, etc.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

Media Relations/Communications

• Maintain effective and productive working relationships with media and community members and maintain current media contacts list
• Support growing brand awareness, recommending effective marketing strategies and media buys
• Write and disseminate news releases, news articles, and monthly blog posts

Brand Development

• Develop ideas and content to promote core programs of YWCA SHR
• Create strategic social media plans for events to promote attendance, day-of interaction, and continued post-event engagement
• Manage YWCA SHR website content resulting in a 10% increase in website traffic.
• Make recommendations for website updates to replace old content and optimize SEO
• Develop key talking points for staff/board members/volunteers representing YWCA SHR at external events
• Manage brand guidelines to be disseminated to staff and external stakeholders (ex: emails signatures, logos, letterhead, power point templates, print requests, etc.)

Content Management and Marketing Collateral

• Develop and implement monthly communications calendar with input from leadership team to understand goals and priorities, and draft content to reflect these priorities
• Assist in the development of digital marketing strategies for Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter, resulting in a 10% increase in engagement
• Write, design, and distribute quarterly newsletter to donors/external stakeholders in collaboration with Director of Development
• Assist in the design, writing and distribution of Annual Report ensuring completion and printing by date of annual meeting
• Assist in the design and content of donor stewardship and external communication materials

Digital Advertising and Analytics

• Serve as the lead point person for all digital advertising placements, including social media ads, Google ads, Facebook fundraisers, and external media vendors
• Write digital ad content and place and monitor the ads
• Research best practices for digital advertising and implement to improve ROI on budget spent
• Develop, implement, and monitor a process to track data for website, emails, social media, and digital advertising and make recommendations for improved performance across platforms to generate higher audience engagement and follow-through on calls to action

Other Duties:

• Participate in brainstorms, manage projects and timelines as needed, and stay updated on current trends in digital marketing
• Assist with the planning, execution, and marketing of YWCA SHR events
• Design/create event materials such as invitations and programs in Adobe, Canva and Constant Contact
• Plan and execute 4 events or social campaigns to raise awareness about our mission to eliminate racism through the YWCA South Hampton Roads racial justice initiatives
• Assist with the planning and execution of a marketing campaign and special events to raise awareness of the new location of the YWCA South Hampton Roads

QUALIFICATIONS

We will consider exceptional candidates who demonstrate a strong combination of the specific qualifications and skills described below.

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, graphic design or related field from an accredited college or university is preferred.
• Two (2) years’ experience in communications, public relations, marketing and/or graphic design preferred, but not required.
• Or a combination of education, training, and experience equivalent to six years.

Other Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age
• Must complete the training program of the YWCA SHR
• Must complete a background check

Skills and Competencies

• A passion for promoting the core values of YWCA South Hampton Roads including social justice and women empowerment
• Strong interest in learning about the dynamics of sexual assault and domestic violence
• Ability to write and edit a variety of YWCA SHR assets including but not limited to promotional materials and publications
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from media, groups of managers, clients, customers, board of directors, employees, and general public
• Functional knowledge of WordPress preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including spreadsheets
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and as a part of a team
• Effectively manage multiple priorities
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrate the ability to always maintain a calm and supportive demeanor
• Non-judgmental attitude, sensitive to confidential information
• A professional and caring attitude, reflecting the philosophy of the YWCA SHR
• It requires the willingness to work and travel alone
• Must have an excellent driving record and have a valid driver's license; certificate of insurance from an insurance carrier licensed in the State of Virginia
• Travel is required and access to reliable transportation is essential

CORE VALUES

The Public Relations & Marketing Specialist is expected to model YWCA SHR Core Values:

• Compassion
• Honesty
• Integrity
• Ownership
• Responsibility
• Empowerment

WORKING CONDITIONS: Monday through Friday, 9a-5p. Some evening and weekend hours are required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

• Ability to travel in varying weather conditions.
• Must have the use of sensory skills to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public using the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle, or feel objects and controls

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:

• Frequently walk, use hands to finger, climb a ladder, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls and talks or hears
• Often required to stand and sit; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, squat, or crawl
• Ability to lift and carry up to 60 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus
• The noise level in the work environment is moderately loud
• Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as but not limited to, a personal computer, calculator, copier and fax machine

COMPENSATION: This position offers a pay range of $42,000-47,000 that is based on experience and includes a comprehensive benefits package. We actively welcome all candidates from a wide range of backgrounds who have the skills to fulfill this role – regardless of compensation history. This is a full-time, exempt position.

START TIMEFRAME: Position will be open until filled. Interested applicants are requested to submit an online application to include cover letter, resume, and writing sample.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) REQUIREMENTS: YWCA SHR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires YWCA SHR to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.