Communications Manager

Position Summary:

The Communications Manager ensures that ECIC’s vision and voice are represented in an informative, engaging, and impactful way by developing, implementing, managing, and evaluating coordinated communications projects in alignment with the communications and marketing plan. Reporting to the Communications Director, this position is responsible for helping to develop and manage a comprehensive media outreach plan including strategy and supporting the execution of digital strategy. Content may include, but is not limited to; copywriting, links, database content, graphics (infographics, photographs, one-pagers, flyers, newsletters, toolkits, case studies etc.), audio, video, interactive devices (forms, forums, chat rooms, polls, questionnaires), webinars, etc.

Duties and Responsibilities:

This list is intended to represent job-related duties and should not be viewed as exhaustive.

• Implement an annual, organization-wide editorial communications calendar, coordinating with managers and directors, program staff, contracted communications strategists, and collaborative partners, as directed, to execute year-round dynamic content calendar across multiple channels.
• In collaboration with Communications Director and the Senior Leadership Team, write and pitch story ideas, build and maintain relationships with reporters and media partners, tracking volume and effectiveness of coverage, and adapting to constantly evolving news media landscape.
• Create style guides, toolkits, and brand voice outlines for all public relations initiatives.
• Draft press releases, stories and talking points following organizational news.
• Communicate with media outlets and journalists and create press kits.
• Lead and facilitate the monthly Communications meeting, ensuring all staff members have the opportunity to share updates and insights.
• Lead brainstorming and strategy sessions to improve engagement levels, online visibility, brand/organization awareness, and brand/organization reputation.
• Work with the Communications Director to perform communications research and monitor and analyze the progress of various communications strategies, assessing market analysis to inform strategy and recommendations.
• Ensure adherence to brand guidelines set by ECIC and project funders.
• Continually monitor in a proactive manner to ensure that information and content is accurate and free of errors.
• Create and maintain multimedia, including photo galleries, slideshows, and videos.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Associate degree required, bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Three (3) years of experience as a Communications Assistant, Coordinator, or Specialist.
• High degree of customer service, internally and externally.
• Proficient in communication, copywriting, graphic design, marketing, and website tools such as Canva, Constant Contact, Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, WordPress, or similar applications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and concisely.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with colleagues at all levels of the organization.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to see the big picture while also paying attention to detail.
• At least two years of experience with project management and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and paying attention to detail.
• Knowledge of best practices in internal and external communications including employee engagement.
• Creative problem-solver with a proactive approach to challenges and the ability to use data and analytical skills to proactively identify opportunities and set priorities.
• Ability to thrive in a remote, fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to partner with racially and ethnically diverse colleagues and community members.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, ClickUp, and web-based applications.

Physical Requirements:

• Talking - Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word to impart oral information to others accurately. (4-5 hours daily)
• Hearing - Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make discriminations with sound. (4-5 hours daily)
• Visual Acuity – Viewing objects with close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; and/or extensive reading. (7-8 hours daily)
• Office Setting - Sedentary work in which exerting up to 10 pounds of force is occasional and a negligible amount of force is frequently or constantly used to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.
• Remote work - With preference in Michigan due to occasional travel within Michigan or to other geographical areas for projects, ECIC meetings and to meet the needs of the organization.