Communications Director

JOB DESCRIPTION: COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Position Summary: The Communications Director reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for promoting awareness of Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corp. and its programs through strategic communications that build trust and visibility for the organization. This position helps share SKED’s story, strengthens relationships with partners and supporters, and advances its mission of bringing sustainable economic development to a 45-county region in Southeast Kentucky. The position demands excellent cognitive, organizational, computer, and communication skills and involves travel across SKED's 45-county service area.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Communications & Marketing

• Create and coordinate the organization’s communications, newsletters, and marketing materials.
• Ensure consistent messaging across print, digital, email, social media, and web platforms.
• Gather information to write and share stories that demonstrate the impact of SKED and its mission in the region.
• Maintain the organization’s email database for information distribution.
• Write, design, and produce SKED’s annual report
• Compose and gather information for and update the organization’s website.
• Disseminate analytics of the newsletter, website, and social media to determine the viability and success of the organization’s messaging.

Coordination of Special Projects

• Coordinate location, organization, outside vendors and partners for all SKED-hosted events.
• Market and plan the event for SKED’s Supplier Education and Economic Development (SEED)
• Program training and annual symposium.
• Work with SKED clients to organize ribbon-cutting and grand-opening events.
• Schedule and present at chambers of commerce and Area Development District meetings.

Administrative Tasks

• Maintain the Board of Directors and General Membership contact records, take minutes at each board meeting and catalog minute information. Maintain the Board’s meeting schedule.
• Responsible for purchasing all non-technology-related supplies for the organization.
• Serve as a liaison between host development organizations.
• Write and review executive director’s business communications.
• Other duties as assigned.

Compensation: Initial compensation will be based on experience. Paid health insurance for employees, a $2,000 annual contribution to an HSA Plan, Vision, Dental, paid time off, and SKED contributes to a 403b retirement plan.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree or equivalent education and experience.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel), Google Docs, Adobe Design Suite, Canva, and MailChimp, with photography and design skills.

Experience writing press releases and success stories.

Public Speaking

Marketing experience.

Strong analytical, verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.

Ability to quickly learn about local businesses and resources.

Demonstrated ability to multitask, perform under pressure, and meet deadlines.

Demonstrated ability to accept and implement constructive feedback for continuous professional growth.

How we work

Our employees value opportunities for growth and seek them. We are seeking an individual who is eager to learn, welcomes coaching, and proactively applies new knowledge to their daily tasks.

We believe the people and the communities we have the privilege to serve deserve our absolute best every day. We are a results-driven organization that focuses on empowerment and impact. SKED employees are accountable, pragmatic, innovative and collaborative with a core strength of community service and development.

All employees are expected to meet the following requirements and behaviors.

• Support efforts to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.
• Understand and embrace the value in collaborating with people of diverse cultures, races, genders, ethnicities, beliefs, experiences, and ideas.
• Maintain a positive, helpful attitude.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 403(b) Retirement plan
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

Ability to Commute:

• Somerset, KY 42501 (Required)

Work Location: In person.