Summary:  

The Director of Marketing and Communications is responsible for the development and execution of marketing strategies for CDS Life Transitions and all affiliates. The Director will manage the staff and day-to-day activities that promote, enhance, and protect the organization's brand reputation. The Director is responsible for the development, integration, and implementation of a broad range of marketing and communications initiatives relative to the strategic direction and positioning of the organization. The Director is an ambassador for the organization and will build relationships with the media and key community partners with the goal of positioning CDS Life Transitions and its affiliates with relevant constituents and to drive broader awareness and support for the organization. 

Essential Job Functions:

• Develop and implement integrated strategic marketing communication, outreach, and public relations plan to advance CDS Life Transitions and affiliates’ brand identity; broaden awareness of its programs and priorities; increase the visibility of its programs across key stakeholder audiences.
• Ensure alignment of all marketing and communications goals with the strategic needs of the organization to drive future growth and expand brand recognition.
• Work collaboratively to organize logistics and support public relations and marketing needs for special events and tours including event communications, promotions, materials, preparation, and day-of support.
• Oversee development and distribution of all internal and external communications including marketing collateral materials, electronic communications, social media channels, and presentations.
• Work with the leadership team to recognize internal and external communication opportunities and solutions, as well as define and execute appropriate strategies to support them.
• Monitor and supervise updating of agency/affiliate websites  
• Supervise creation of social media posts, providing ongoing monitoring and timely responses
• Coordinate video & photographic production for events and messaging
• Supervise Internal and external print media (newsletters/advertising)
• Direct and support market research collection, analysis, and interpretation of market data for short- and long-term market forecasts and reports. Identify competitors and evaluate their strategies and positioning and devise counterstrategies.
• Develop and update public relations materials as needed (one-sheets, media kits, press releases, signage, event coordination (invitations, tracking of attendees) 
• Serve as agency spokesperson for media requests, interviews, statements, and agency events. 
• Supervise post-event communications (press releases)
• Maintain high internal and external customer satisfaction levels
• Schedule touchpoint meetings and provide ongoing progress with CDSLT departments supported by the Marketing Department
• Travel to CDS facilities across upstate New York to capture stories and coordinate agency events  
• Perform other duties relevant to the position as assigned by supervisor

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must be a critical thinker with strong problem-solving skills. 
• Must be organized and deadline driven.  
• Excellent planning and organizational skills. Ability to multi-task and establish priorities.
• Self-starter skilled in working both alone and in a team environment
• Demonstrate sense of ownership and pride in your performance and its impact on the Agency’s success.
• Outstanding communication, presentation and leadership skills.
• Knowledge of multi-media platforms and digital technology. 
• Must bring network of media contacts and potential donors.
• Knowledgeable of market research and analysis.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, business, or related field required
• Minimum five years of progressive experience in the marketing and communication fields required
• Minimum two years supervisory experience required
• Experience in managing media requests, including on-camera interviews
• Competency in Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office applications, and Mac OS preferred
• Experience in copywriting, editing, and content generation