OUR ORGANIZATION:

Youth Solutions, Inc. is a part of the Kinexus Group family of organizations. Kinexus Group, recently recognized as one of Nonprofit Times 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 Best Nonprofits to Work For, is a cutting-edge community development organization with growing initiatives to create an economically thriving Michigan. We are change agents who create solutions for business, workforce, and community challenges to promote economic vitality.

THE TEAM:

Youth Solutions is a 501(c)(3)nonprofit organization committed to providing Michigan’s youth the support and experiences that prepare them for their futures. Youth Solutions aims to ensure every youth in Michigan has access to career-focused education through our targeted services, including Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) and Youth Solutions (YS) Select. 

WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU:

The Director of Communications will develop and execute a world-class communications plan with measurable outcomes, directly managing communications activities that promote, enhance, and protect Youth Solutions’ brand reputation. This individual will be expected to amplify our brand with an emphasis on driving new media coverage and increasing social media followers and engagement. The Director of Communications will be responsible for the development, integration, and implementation of a broad range of internal and external communications, including paid, earned, owned, and shared channels, relative to the strategic direction of the organization. This individual will be an ambassador for the organization and will need to build relationships with the media. The Director of Communications will work closely with our larger partnership network to provide the tools, resources, and support needed to grow awareness of our programs and services and ensure brand integrity. This individual will be expected to think and operate at the strategic and tactical levels.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with leadership and staff to fully understand our programs and services to develop annual marketing and communications strategic plans that define each of our internal and external audience segments and how, when, and where to best engage them.
• Establish measurable communications goals, define the most meaningful metrics to measure progress towards those goals, and provide leadership with regular updates
• Manage the development, distribution, and maintenance of all communications for all marketing channels
• In conjunction with our partnership network, create local, regional, and statewide events and drive media coverage
• Cultivate and enhance meaningful relationships with targeted, high-level external audiences, including the media and key influencers to broaden awareness and increase visibility of all programs, services, and priorities with all key stakeholder audiences
• Be constantly aware of emerging challenges and issues faced by the organization and/or within education and workforce development. Work with the leadership team and staff to recognize internal and external communications opportunities and solutions, and define and execute appropriate strategies to support them
• Promote a culture of high performance, accountability, and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality; establish and monitor staff performance, develop goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities, and conduct quarterly performance appraisals
• Oversee the day-to-day activities of the communications team including budgeting, planning, and staff development
• Serve as communications counselor to leadership and staff; prioritize media opportunities, and prepare talking points, speeches, presentations, and other supporting material as needed
• Develop key storylines and aggressively pitch media outlets for coverage across relevant education, workforce development, and other relevant media
• Enhance organizational excellence by maximizing the synergies among departments and within the larger Kinexus Group
• Provide leadership in building and maintaining a diverse workforce, ensuring an environment of inclusivity and belonging
• Establish standards and protocols for best practices in communications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• 5 years in a management position, preferably in a nonprofit organization, foundation or government agency including at least 3 years with direct staff management experience
• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, marketing, business or a related field is a requirement
• Exceptional, writing, verbal communication, and editing skills
• Demonstrated skill and comfort in proactively building relationships with key stakeholders
• Experience in successfully pitching and positioning subject matter with the media to achieve high-impact placements
• Innovative and creative thinker, with a track record for translating strategic thinking into action plans and output
• Deadline-driven with excellent time management, multi-tasking, and proactive problem-solving skills
• A mature, high-energy, self-starter with the ability to be seen as a thought leader and subject matter expert with all constituent groups including staff, board members, volunteers, donors, program participants, and other supporters
• Ability to translate technical descriptions for general audiences

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

• Hybrid position with frequent statewide travel expected, including occasional overnight travel. Administrative office located in Benton Harbor, MI. 
• A strong, mission-driven team culture that values inclusion, creativity/innovation, collaboration, and respect that balances results with fun
• Excellent work-life balance
• Competitive salary and benefits

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US:

• A robust Onboarding experience to integrate you into our team.
• Team of Teams training in support of the organizational strategies.
• Job training and development to ensure you are established and growing in your role.
• Cross Operational Meetings with your peers.
• Be a part of transformational change in Michigan.

We have a unique culture that requires us to be BOLD, INSPIRATIONAL, ENTREPRENEURIAL and INCLUSIVE. We spend more waking hours with each other than we do with family or friends, so finding someone that adds to our culture is extremely important. It is our goal to inspire positive economic change one person, one business and one community at a time.

Kinexus Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids, reasonable accommodations and or services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities. Michigan Relay Center: 711 Voice and TDD. Kinexus is a partner of American Job Centers.