General Information

Organization Overview

Smart Start of Mecklenburg County (Smart Start or SSMC) is a Charlotte-based non-profit that funds local programs for children ages birth to five and their families. The organization is a catalyst for improving the lives of the 85,000 young children in our community, with a focus on health, family, early education, and literacy. We mobilize resources and forge partnerships to support evidence-based policies, practices, and programs to ensure all children enter kindergarten healthy and ready to succeed. Smart Start has a budget of over $35 million comprised of funding from the state of North Carolina, Mecklenburg County, and private donations and grants. SSMC funds approximately 25 programs annually serving over 25,000 young children and their families and administers Mecklenburg County's MECK Pre-K program, which provides free Pre-K to children in the community. SSMC also operates programs and campaigns internally, including Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, Guiding Parents to Services, Ready4K and The Basics Mecklenburg. The organization is also the leader in research, data, convening and collaborating on issues related to children 0-5 in the Greater Charlotte area.

Position Summary

The Communications Manager is responsible for developing and implementing all public information, including written and digital materials. This role manages and coordinates all of the organization's communications through all forms of media. The Communication Manager provides support to all organizational programs and functions as directed, and performs other duties as necessary by CEO/CAO, and in collaboration with the Outreach Director. The ultimate goal of this role is to keep the community informed of organization programs, activities and achievements. This role is responsible for communicating information regarding SSMC to the broader public including donors, supporters, media, and other stakeholders.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Communications & Marketing

• Coordinate with SSMC staff the design/layout, printing and distribution of all promotional, marketing and communication materials to support programmatic and organizational outreach efforts.
• Ensure consistent use of narratives, messaging and branding across the organization and with partner
• Mange and update the content on SSMC websites, broad email communications via mass email platforms, and segmented messaging to specific groups/constituencies.
• Use Google Analytics and other necessary monitoring software to determine outcome reports
• Draft/design, in coordination with others, periodical publications, such as Impact Report and Funded
• Work with other communication/content staff and/or contractors to implement goals and meet agency needs.
• Develop an annual Communication Plan to outline the agency's yearly milestones and
• Explore ways to share the work of SSMC and its partners, as well as recognize donors and

Increase Awareness & Engagement

• Support the department with preparation, planning, execution and post-event activities for all
• Craft targeted advocacy strategies that promote the organization's mission and influence public policy. Coordinate with internal teams and external partners to ensure message consistency and campaign effectiveness.
• Utilize a mix of traditional and digital media platforms to enhance visibility and deepen public understanding of the organization's goals and initiatives. Implement creative outreach programs that engage community members, stakeholders, and influencers in meaningful dialogue.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with media outlets to secure and grow media. Prepare press releases, pitch stories, enhance the organization's profile and public perception.
• Coordinate requests, and represent as needed, for speaking engagements, public presentations, with Leadership Team.
• Oversee the production of compelling content that communicates key messages and stories across various channels, including newsletters, annual reports, social media, and the organization's website. Ensure content is informative, up-to-date, and aligns with the organization's advocacy goals.
• Develop and maintain a crisis communication plan to manage the organization's response to critical incidents promptly and efficiently. Train staff in crisis communication protocols to ensure preparedness and protection of the organization's reputation during adverse situations.
• As needed provide assistance, content, and coordination for educational and awareness

Support Agency & Programs with Marketing Needs

• Serve as staff liaison to the Ascend Marketing Committee and building
• Work with department leads to assist in developing annual
• Ensure communication and marketing activities align with annual development plan, strategic plan, and/or strategic objectives.
• Work with program staff to provide content for program-specific pages and
• Assist with the creation of templates for documents, presentations, to be used by programs.
• As needed, work with Board of Directors regarding marketing and fundraising initiatives, including but not limited to the Development Committee.

Education, Experience, and Other Job Functions

Education and Experience Required for Position

• A minimum of three (3) years of experience working in a marketing or communications role
• A Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, English or related field preferred but not required
• Nonprofit and/or fundraising experience preferred
• Valid driver's license and proof of automobile insurance
• Must have access to reliable
• Availability to work a flexible schedule as needed for meetings and events (which may include nights and weekends)
• Computer skills required are Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, InDesign & Illustrator)
• Must be familiar with using website content management systems (CMS) - specifically WordPress
• Fundraising and grant writing experience preferred

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 job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time exempt position, with a high degree of flexibility, including remote work opportunities. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Location & Travel

This position is based in Charlotte, NC with a minor amount of travel. Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be expected.

Other Duties

In addition to the responsibilities listed above, this position:

• Coordinates fundraising messaging and campaigns with the Outreach Team and organizes community engagement activities
• Manages board and staff onboarding content, ensuring brand standards, monitors trends related to SSMC focus areas, and handles organizational accounts and subscriptions
• Collects departmental data and metrics for funders as needed

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.