Manager of Communications

Job Description

Job Description

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field.
• 2–4 years of professional experience in a communications role, ideally within healthcare, nonprofit, or mission-driven sectors.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling abilities, with a strong portfolio showcasing impactful narratives.
• Proven proficiency in social media management and email marketing platforms.
• Familiarity with productivity tools, including Microsoft Office Suite, Canva, and project management software such as Monday.com, Asana, or Trello.
• Experience in reputation management, including timely and sensitive responses to public comments and inquiries.
• Comfortable handling sensitive content and conveying emotionally impactful stories with care.
• Strong organizational skills and a proven track record in project management.
• Adheres to best practices and standard operating procedures with integrity and professionalism.
• Compassionate communicator dedicated to equity, dignity, and empathy in all interactions.
• Positive mindset focused on delivering exceptional customer service.
• Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy in fact-checking.

SUMMARY OF JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The Communications Manager plays a critical role in safeguarding the integrity, tone, and voice of the organization by employing strategic storytelling and high-quality content creation. This position encompasses diverse areas of marketing, public relations, media outreach, internal communications, and community engagement. The goal is to elevate the organization’s visibility, foster understanding of its mission, and cultivate a strong connection with stakeholders.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Strategic Storytelling Development:

• Ensure all content reflects the organization’s tone, values, and messaging guidelines.
• Craft and implement a comprehensive storytelling strategy that aligns with the organization’s vision and mission, ensuring that all narratives resonate with the target audience.
• Identify and develop key themes and messages that convey the organization’s impact and value proposition, using data-driven insights to shape content direction.
• Support the marketing team in writing, editing, and gathering content for print and digital platforms, including newsletters, brochures, website, blog, email campaigns, and social media.
• Ensure all content reflects the organization’s tone, values, and messaging guidelines.

Content Creation and Management:

• Lead the creation of compelling content across various platforms, including websites, blogs, social media, newsletters, and press releases, ensuring consistency in tone and messaging.
• Oversee the marketing calendar to manage content production timelines, ensuring timely delivery of materials that align with organizational goals and seasonal campaigns.

Media & Public Relations

• Develop and nurture relationships with media professionals to secure coverage and enhance the organization’s media presence, including drafting press releases and media kits.
• Monitor media trends and public sentiment regarding the organization, providing strategic recommendations to address potential issues and leverage opportunities for positive exposure.
• Manage social media comments and messages.
• Manage comments on Google, The Better Business Bureau, and other like sites.
• Collaborate with proper leadership to respond to sensitive reviews or comments. Working with legal and compliance as appropriate.

Internal Communications

• Implement effective internal communication strategies that promote transparency, employee engagement, and alignment with organizational goals.
• Design and facilitate communication channels for sharing updates, success stories, and important initiatives within the organization to foster a unified workplace culture.
• Support internal messaging across departments and sites.
• Create engaging content for staff newsletters, announcements, and internal campaigns.
• Collaborate with HR and leadership to support staff engagement and recognition initiatives.
• Support with policies and procedures.

Support Digital & Social Media Specialist

• Support the Digital Media Specialist with the organization’s social media accounts, ensuring regular, mission-aligned content. Including proofing/editing copy.
• Assist with website updates and optimization in collaboration with the Digital Media Specialist.
• Track analytics and engagement, using data to inform content strategies.

Performance Metrics and Analysis:

• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of communication strategies and content initiatives, analyzing results to inform future campaigns.
• Utilize analytics tools to report on engagement, reach, and audience sentiment, providing actionable insights to refine strategies and enhance communication efforts.

Event & Campaign Support

• Support promotion and communication strategies for fundraising, outreach, and educational events.
• Coordinate marketing collateral and signage for community presentations, HR recruiting and grief support programs.

The above statements are only meant to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those stated in this description.

WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Occasional travel to other offices in Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids.

2. Primary Location Kalamazoo.

3. This is Monday-Friday in-person/ on-site position.