Communications Manager

SUMMARY OF OVERALL PURPOSE

Give Kids The World Village is seeking an experienced, strategic, and highly effective Communications Manager to lead public relations, media relations, and internal communications for Give Kids The World Village.  The Communications Manager serves as a key communications strategist and storyteller, helping shape how Give Kids The World (GKTW) is understood by media, supporters, partners, volunteers, team members, and the broader community. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Marketing & Communications, the Communications Manager translates organizational priorities into compelling communications that strengthen awareness, build trust, protect reputation, and inspire engagement with our mission.

WHAT MAKES THIS ROLE UNIQUE

This is not a traditional PR position.  We're seeking someone who can think strategically, write and prompt well, build strong relationships, manage complex communications initiatives, and operate as a trusted communications partner to senior leadership.  The ideal candidate is a proactive self-starter who can independently execute against a clear strategic vision while anticipating opportunities and challenges before they arise.  They should be equally comfortable drafting a press release and coordinating with media, preparing executive talking points, working with leaders on a crisis response plan, or writing an all-staff communication.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Public and Media Relations

• Develop and execute proactive public relations strategies that increase awareness of GKTW, its mission, signature programs, fundraising campaigns, partnerships, and organizational impact.
• Build and maintain relationships with local, regional, national, trade, nonprofit, travel, entertainment, and family-focused media.
• Identify and develop media-worthy stories featuring wish families, volunteers, donors, corporate partners, and Village experiences.
• Write and distribute press releases, media advisories, pitches, talking points, backgrounders, fact sheets, and executive briefing materials.
• Coordinate media interviews, press events, on-site media visits, filming opportunities, and photography requests.
• Co-monitor media coverage and identify opportunities to expand earned media visibility.

Internal Communications and Organizational Messaging

• Develop and execute internal communications that inform, align, and engage employees, volunteers, leadership, and key stakeholders.
• Draft organizational announcements, staff communications, leadership messaging, FAQs, campaign briefings, and executive correspondence. 
• Partner with departments across the Village to translate operational updates and strategic initiatives into clear, compelling communications. 
• Support organizational change-management efforts through proactive communication planning and messaging. 
• Ensure all internal communications are consistent with the Village’s values, culture, and brand voice.

Crisis and Issues Communications

• Assist in keeping an updated updating a crisis communications plan. 
• Coordinate Village's communications during operational crisis for both external and internal stakeholders.
• Work closely with the Village's leadership to ensure communications are accurate, timely, and aligned with priorities.

Executive Communications and Storytelling

• Research, write, and edit executive speeches, presentations, remarks, talking points, media responses, and board communications.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Creative teams to identify impactful stories that support awareness, fundraising, volunteer engagement, and brand affinity.
• Develop audience-specific messaging that translates complex information into compelling, mission-driven communications.

Intra and Inter Department Support

• Maintain communications calendars, media lists, planning documents, and reporting tools.
• Support major organizational events, fundraising campaigns, media opportunities, and strategic partnerships.

All other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OUTSIDE NORMAL WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Able to travel locally and nationally; some overnight travel necessary.
• Able to work evenings and weekends if needed.
• Able to lift and transfer 25 lbs.
• Able to work in outdoor weather conditions.

 SKILLS, COMPETENCIES, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Strong written, prompting and verbal communication skills to write and edit press releases, media pitches, speeches, talking points, executive communications, internal communications, and organizational messaging. 
• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining productive relationships with media, journalists, producers, and other external stakeholders. 
• Proven experience developing and executing public relations and communications strategies that support organizational goals and reputation management. 
• Proven experience supporting crisis communications, issues management, or sensitive organizational communications with sound judgment and discretion. 
• Strong understanding of internal communications to communicate effectively with diverse audiences including employees, volunteers, leadership, donors, partners, and families. 
• Proven expertise to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and projects simultaneously while maintaining exceptional attention to detail. 
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills to collaborate effectively across departments and organizational levels. 
• Self-starter attitude to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and follow strategic direction with minimal supervision. 
• Deep understanding of current social media platforms, digital communications trends, and the impact of online conversations on organizational reputation. 
• Working knowledge of artificial intelligence and emerging communications technologies, including their opportunities, risks, ethical considerations, and impact on public relations and communications. 
• Demonstrated ability to research, synthesize complex information, and translate it into clear, concise, and audience-appropriate messaging. 
• High level of professionalism, emotional intelligence, confidentiality, and discretion when handling sensitive information and situations. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and common communications, collaboration, and project management tools. 
• Ability to operate a motorized vehicle, including a golf cart. 
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record
• Must meet acceptable attendance and punctuality requirements, which are essential functions of the position. 
• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, English, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 3  years of progressive experience in public relations, media relations, corporate communications and  nonprofit communications, journalism, or a related field.  

Preferred Requirements

• Experience in a nonprofit, hospitality,  or mission-driven organization. 
• Experience serving as an organizational spokesperson or preparing executives for media interviews and public appearances. 
• Experience with media monitoring, social listening, analytics, and communications measurement tools. 
• Experience supporting fundraising campaigns, major events, celebrity partnerships, influencer programs, or high-profile public initiatives. 
• Experience leveraging AI-powered tools for communications planning, content development, monitoring, or audience engagement. 
• Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) or related professional certification.