Strategic Communications Manager

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Youth Success Summit (YSS) Executive Director, The Strategic Communications Manager drives awareness and engagement for the Youth Success Summit (YSS) through compelling storytelling and strategic messaging. This role leads the creation of clear, engaging written and visual content that brings YSS’s mission to life and highlights its impact across the community.  As a key partner in YSS’s work, the Strategic Communications Manager develops content that elevates YSS’s role, attracts new Out-of-School-Time providers to the network, inspires cross-sector collaboration, and connects families to out-of-school-time opportunities through strategic communication channels. They play a critical role in clearly communicating the work YSS is leading in the community—ensuring stakeholders understand its purpose, progress, and the difference it is making for youth and families in Greater Akron.

OUR COLLABORATION & CULTURE:
This position supports the collaborative work of the Akron Area YMCA and the Youth Success Summit (YSS), leading nonprofits committed to strengthening the foundations of our community.

The YMCA’s mission and core values are brought to life by our culture.  We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

YSS’s core values are that youth are seen, heard, valued and empowered in leadership and governance, we will identify and eliminate inequities through intentional design, families are viewed as essential to youth development and learning, we will create environments where network members feel a sense of belonging to thrive personally, professionally, and in collaboration with others.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Marketing Implementation: Oversee marketing efforts across digital (social media, email, website), traditional (print), and experiential (events, sponsorships) channels; leverage SEO, social media, email marketing, and analytics to inform decisions and optimize performance
2. Strategic Communications: Develop and lead short- and long-term communications strategies aligned with organizational goals, including audience development, resource-sharing, and community impact; foster a culture of innovation, creativity, and accountability
3. Brand Stewardship: Manage brand identity and creative direction across all platforms, ensuring consistency, inclusivity, and resonance with diverse audiences
4. Contractor Management: Supervise and coordinate contractors providing graphic design, videography, photography, and related services
5. Public Relations & Media Strategy: Serve as the primary media contact; lead proactive PR efforts, including press releases and media kits, build media relationships, and manage crisis communications as needed
6. Budget Oversight: Manage the marketing budget to ensure efficient use of resources and alignment with strategic priorities
7. Team Collaboration: Partner with internal teams to support organizational goals and storytelling
8. Community Engagement: Represent YSS at events, serve on community committees, and participate in panels as needed Serve as an ambassador for the organization, both formally and informally, and promote YSS activities/resources through community presentations as necessary.
9. Serve as a valued member of the YSS team, participate in professional practices that support a cohesive team and meet shared goals for the organization.
10. Other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS | ABUSE PREVENTION:

Upholding the YMCA’s commitment to the safety and well-being of youth in our programs is a core responsibility of all staff regardless of position.

1. Attend required abuse risk management training.
2. Adhere to policies related to boundaries with consumers.
3. Adhere to procedures related to managing and supervising high-risk activities.
4. Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
5. Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

• Communication & Influence: Writes clearly and concisely, using correct grammar, vocabulary, and appropriate tone for the message or audience.  Creates and clearly communicates a compelling, cause-driven vision.  Creates and implements effective communication strategies with compelling messages that inspires others. Distills nuanced topics into simple, clear messages.
• Emotional Maturity: Openness and willingness to receive feedback.  Accepts responsibility.  Creates an environment of trust and respect.
• Development of Self & Others: Reflects on and learns from successes and mistakes.  Solicits and is open to formal and informal learning opportunities.
• Project Management: Organizes resources and deliverables to best meet intended goals and outcomes. Practices processes and procedures for strong project management.  Measures progress against goals and makes improvements as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in a relevant field.
• Must have reliable transportation and be able to regularly visit locations away from the primary work location.
• Maintain a valid Ohio’s driver’s license and motor vehicle insurance.
• BCI/FBI background check results prior to first day of work; results must be compliant with ODJFS Prohibitive Convictions per 5101:2-12 and 5101:2-13 of the Ohio Administrative Code
• Demonstrated experience analyzing and using data to inform communication strategy
• Ability to translate complex information into clear comprehensive messages
• A working knowledge of current desktop and online publishing software and content creation platforms, including Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Canva (or Adobe Creative Cloud), Constant Contact (or similar e-blast platforms), WordPress, and Google Analytics.
• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field such as Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Public Relations, Political Science, or Organizational Development
• Preferred: Experience managing vendors, consultants, or contractors
• Preferred: Experience working in a communications agency, philanthropic organization, or nonprofit

WORKPLACE & TRAVEL

This position requires in person office time as well as regular independent travel to and between locations throughout Greater Akron.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & 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.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device.
• Frequently required to sit and reach, and must be able to move around the work environment.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. 
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.
• Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate.