External Communications Manager

The External Communications Manager is responsible for creating, implementing, and overseeing external communications that effectively support, describe, promote the organization, collaborative, and its partnerships through a variety of tasks: such as the creation and development of print and online content, campaigns, email marketing, website management and content development, visual assets (including graphics, video, and photography), RFP review and development, and event support. They may aid in the preparation of presentations and/or speeches geared toward external audiences. This role provides supervision and direction of vendors and often works in conjunction with the internal communications manager. They report to the director of communications and marketing.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Copywriting: Produce family and partner stories, newsletters, web content, marketing materials, talking points, presentations, and additional communication materials for external audiences. 
• Editing: Edit and proofread all materials, following NAZ style guide (AP Style). 
• Project Management: Develop project plans and oversee project execution, including web-based projects, events, annual reports, storytelling initiatives, newsletters, etc. smoothly and in a timely manner. 
• Relationship Development: Develop trusted relationships with partners, such as Family Academy team, development team, and program leaders. Clearly communicate with them to ensure projects run smoothly. Develop strong relationships with vendors, providing clear direction for regular print production projects, design, etc. 
• Ownership of Special Projects: Oversee critical communications projects, such as investor communications and special events. 
• Coordinate Social Media: Curate and produce unique content on social media channels to meet organizational goals. Promote our 40 plus partner organizations. And produce analytics reports to assess performance, make recommendations, and improve results. 
• Website Management: Maintain content and consistency across organizational websites. Interaction with content experts throughout the organization is key. 
• Media Monitoring: Monitor NAZ, partner, and Northside mentions across all media, and respond quickly and appropriately in partnership with supervising director. 
• Event Management: Support community-building efforts with one or more major community events. 
• Track Stories: Develop a system of tracking and soliciting stories for communication and organizational initiatives, including publication, presentation, legislative sessions, and focus groups. 
• Creative Visual Assets: Produce graphics and supplemental video/photography to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and/or captivate audiences. 
• Other Duties: As assigned.

Supervision Responsibility:

• None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Must be a confident communicator and presenter 
• Strong writing, editing, proofreading, layout and design, professional printing/publishing skills are essential, including ability to present concepts verbally 
• Must possess excellent project management, time management, organizational and planning skills 
• A wide degree of creativity and latitude 
• Strong knowledge and understanding of current trends in digital media/social media 
• Self-motivated with a positive and professional approach to management 
• Create visual concepts using Adobe Creative Suite and supplemental video/photography, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, or captivate defined audiences 
• Comfortable working with and developing the stories of families of color who are living in poverty 
• Ability to work with video editing software, WordPress, Google Docs, and the Microsoft Office Suite

Education and/or Experience:

• This position requires a Bachelor’s degree and 3 or more years’ experience in a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

• Work is normally performed in an office work environment but may occasionally include lifting and bending. 
• Regular operation of normal office machines (computer, copier, and fax) is required. 
• Occasional evening and weekends are required for special events. 
• Limited Travel may be required.