Director of Marketing and Communications

Job Description

United Way of Acadiana is committed to serving Acadia, Lafayette, St. Martin, Iberia and Vermilion parishes. United Way fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. United Way envisions a world where all individuals and families achieve their human potential. And our vision is to have an educated, prosperous, and safe Acadiana where all individuals and families achieve their potential.

Basic Job Summary

The Director of Communications and Marketing develops a unique and consistent brand experience for our donors and prospects, crafting and executing strategies that enhance the visibility of United Way of Acadiana. The Director composes effective messaging to enhance trust and loyalty and is responsible for all collateral materials needed by UWA in support of its fund-raising and community impact work. In this role, the Director of Communications and Marketing will take steps to reach segmented markets to grow revenue and donor engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Annually formulate a strategic marketing and communications plan and an online engagement plan to maintain high visibility and relevance year-round in support of organizational goals relative to impact and revenue.

• Serve as the online relationship and brand engagement manager to grow our online presence.
• Identify and secure regular opportunities for UWA to be positioned as experts by broadcast and print media for EHS, volunteer mobilization, disaster response, and PACT United issues, including education, earnings, and essentials.
• Compose and issue press releases for news, achieving one major media hit per month.
• Assist with all written items sent to donors or stakeholders to ensure consistent branding through the project/product management process.
• Coordinate the design and production of all materials used to promote UWA, including the annual report, special events, workplace campaign needs and all products/programs.

• Manage the UWA website and ensure that it is device responsive and includes regularly updated photos and accurate content, incorporating storytelling, results and opportunities to give, advocate, and/or volunteer.
• Position www.unitedwayofacadiana.org to be a premier source for current information about United Way of Acadiana.
• Support UWA funded partners on co-branding opportunities.
• Formulate situational talking points and communication plans for special projects as directed by the CEO and/or the COO.
• Provide leadership and construct documents to ensure that UWA staff and board of directors are equipped with timely and effective talking points at least quarterly.

• Develop meaningful working relationships with media contacts by providing excellent service and responding to their requests in a timely manner.
• Have editorial ownership of all web content and ensure that the voice of the organization remains accurate and consistent.
• Resource Development
• Identify and execute creative ways through strategic channels to reach new supporters and retain current supporters by tailoring messaging based on interests via online/social media platforms.
• Assist with donor retention through targeted year-round communication and through collateral material that meets the needs of the Resource and Impact departments.

• Lead efforts to increase revenue generated online, in the social media space and via mobile platforms.
• Ensure the proper recognition of in-kind, corporate cornerstone partners and other sponsors to maintain high integrity and trust with these donors.
• Work collaboratively with the campaign team to support needs for CEO visits and during the Annual Workplace Campaign.
• Oversee the production and sponsorship of all public service announcements and other video or audio media.
• Identify key market segments and opportunities to tailor messages to key market segments.

• Provide real-time feedback to the Vice President of Resources on considerations that may not be in favor of UWA branding or messaging.
• Take measures to understand customer perceptions of UWA and utilize this information in planning marketing and communications strategies, i.e., focus groups, evaluations, and surveys.
• Develop and manage online or mobile evaluation tools after special events to gauge supporter satisfaction.
• Leverage the talent of student interns by developing optimal work plans and by providing clear direction.
• Work within an approved budget, track actual expenses, and submit business related expense items in a timely manner to the COO for approval.

• Foster partnerships with professional marketing agencies and their creative teams and serve as our lead contact for creative agency partnerships.
• Provide leadership on all collateral marketing projects for United Way of Acadiana.
• Work with COO to develop an annual calendar of events and projects for optimal cross-functioning with other departments.
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by your supervisor.

Education, Skills & Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field (e.g., Mass Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or Marketing) is required; a Master’s degree is preferred.

Requirements Before Hire

Bachelor’s Degree in related field of study.

Proof and maintenance of a valid driver’s license

Proof and maintenance of Vehicle Insurance and reliable transportation

Produce a current physical.

Must pass a Louisiana State Police Criminal Background Check.

Experience:

• Minimum of five years of experience in marketing and communications. Nonprofit, issue-based communications preferred. Proven experience in grants management and reporting.
• Strong understanding of nonprofit operations and impact measurement.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex data in a clear and accessible manner.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to meet deadlines and handle multiple priorities effectively.
• Passion for the work United Way of Acadiana is committed to doing in the community.

Salary: $60,000 – $65,000 DOE

Competitive Benefits Package, including access to medical, dental and vision insurance, group disability and life insurance and paid-time-off.