Communications Specialist

The Communications Specialist takes responsibility for strategic communications and event planning for a dynamic financial planning practice based in Charlottesville, Virginia. The Specialist ensures that the communications, marketing, and event plans and materials are as effective as possible, ensuring that all materials are fully compliant with FINRA and Ameriprise.

This is a part-time (30 hours/week) in-person position in Charlottesville, Virginia. The ideal candidate is well organized and has strong event planning, design, and communication experience. For a well-qualified candidate, hybrid remote/in-person work is possible. The position requires occasional execution of evening events (2-3 times per year).

The hourly rate is $18+, based on experience.

Reports to: Director of Operations, Graham Scharf

Key Responsibilities:

1. Public-facing proactive and reactive communications

- In-person welcome

- Direct phone calls to appropriate team members

- Use compliant SMS to communicate with all stakeholders

- Maintain website and social media presence

2. Edit, implement, and track marketing plan

3. Plan and manage educational and entertainment events

- Send invitations and track RSVPs

- Secure and manage vendors and venues

- Configure and host virtual events

- Coordinate payment by event sponsors

- Manage compliance requirements

4. Lead strategic email communications with clients and prospects

- Draft client/prospect emails

- Draft and/or edit event invitations

- Secure compliance approval (monthly) for emails

- Send weekly and strategic client/prospect emails

- Maintain and submit records of email and print communication to compliance

5. Create and maintain compliant print and digital marketing and advertising materials

- Create custom materials for local sponsorship and advertising

- Develop promotional materials for events

- Obtain and maintain required approval for all public-facing materials

6. Advise and contribute to client experience

- Review and optimize client journey, including first email communications, in-office meetings, various touchpoints throughout the year (holiday cards, etc.)

Key Skills/Abilities/Knowledge/Competencies:

For success in this role, an individual must be able to competently perform each primary responsibility.

Education and/or Experience:

- One-year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Continuing education – Lifelong learning is expected.

Language Skills:

- Communicate with clients, prospects, and members of the community in a professional, clear, and concise manner

- Present information effectively and respond to questions from managers, clients, partners, and the general public

- Write clearly for our clients and target prospects

Computer Skills:

- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

- Contact management system (Salesforce)

- Canva (InDesign preferred)

- Video conferencing/events (Microsoft Teams)

- HTML email (Stripo.email)

- File management (Box)

Physical Demands:

This position requires the ability to handle significant levels of varied stresses, in particular mental stresses and fatigues. This position operates in a fast-paced, highly regulated and ever-changing environment. There are no significant physical demands other than the endurance required to deal with the fast pace and stresses.

Work Environment:

The work environment is typical office work such as you would find in a bank, insurance business, accounting firm, law firm or other professional office. There are no unusual or significant hazards, and reasonable accommodations can usually be made.

Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to Amanda Alderman at amanda.alderman@ampf.com.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $18.00 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 30 per week

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person