Associate, Communications

_*Job Description*_ *Job Title: *Associate, Communications *Starting Hourly Range: *$18.
39 - $22.
14 *Benefits: *Competitive package (health, dental, and retirement) *Position Type: *Part-Time / Full-Time *Location:* On-site *Work Hours:* 8:00 a.
m.
– 6:00 p.
m.
Tuesday – Friday *Supervisory Responsibility: *No *Travel Required: *Occasional travel may be required.
*Reports To:* President or designee *COVID-19 vaccination protocol:* All CDC-recommended vaccine doses and boosters are required as a condition of employment unless a medical or religious exemption is in place.
You will be required to provide documentation.
*Background and Purpose* The Wean Foundation is a private foundation that leverages a powerful combination of grantmaking, capacity building and convening and partnerships to advance community building in the under-resourced communities of Warren and Youngstown, Ohio.
Driven by our values, we partner with residents, organizations and civic leaders to focus on viable solutions that move us towards our vision of empowered residents creating an equitable Mahoning Valley.
Since our founding in 1949, we have refined our strategies and dedication to creating a future where race has no influence on how a person fares in society.
We seek to create an environment where an individual can feel welcomed, respected, supported and valued to participate and bring their authentic selves to the work.
The Wean Foundation seeks to use our communications to​ provoke fresh thinking, partner with residents and organizations and disrupt the conditions that hold problems in place.
We seek to: * Enhance knowledge and understanding of our funding opportunities, programs, and events.
* Deepen understanding of the issues being addressed through our work.
* Provide greater exposure for the work of our grantees and partners.
Aligned with the Foundation’s race equity and inclusion outcomes, the position of Communications Associate will be an integral team member.
Reporting to the president, the individual chosen will be the sole professional responsible for leading the Foundation’s communications efforts to advance its vision, mission and values; along with other duties as assigned.
*Key Responsibilities* _Communications Strategy_ * Implement, monitor and evaluate the Communications Strategy, following organizational practices to ensure the Foundation’s brand, positioning and voice are consistently reflected in all external and internal communications.
* Measure, track, and report engagement (success and failures) across communication strategies.
* Demonstrate an understanding of the changing landscape of communications and a willingness to experiment with new ways to engage and activate new audiences.
* With leadership, develop and manage communications budgets.
_Content Development and Distribution_ * In support of grantmaking, review and draft analysis of organizations considered for funding.
* Under direction of consultant(s), apply content knowledge and understanding of program areas and initiatives that lead to measurable actions.
Create and distribute current communications: * Publications (e.
g.
, reports, press releases, articles, presentations).
* Promotional material (e-blasts, ads).
* Website content and maintenance.
* Social media posts and campaigns.
* Produce stories.
* Develop and manage crisis communications, policies, and procedures.
* Scripts/talking points.
_External Relations_ * Serve as point of contact for print, online and TV/radio media inquiries.
* Coordinate with grantees to amplify their voices and advance their work in the community.
* Screen, assess and manage outsourced work of contracted firms and vendors (graphic design, photography, videography).
_Team Learning and Partnership_ * Manage communication projects, coordinating staff, tasks and timelines.
* Identify relevant communications opportunities and emerging issues and execute appropriate strategies.
* Provide staff support and training on communication activities such as social media, speaking engagements and media interviews.
*Qualifications and Education Requirements* _We recognize that an individual’s lived experience is a valued skill set and that people gain skills through various experiences.
When reviewing applications, we take a broad look at the experience of each applicant.
That said, we are most likely to be interested in applicants who demonstrate the following qualifications:_ * Associate degree; Bachelor’s degree preferred in communications, public relations or journalism or the equivalent trade-related education and/or experience to fulfill the position's responsibilities.
* A minimum of three years of professional work in a communications agency or in-house experience is ideal.
Previous experience in philanthropy or nonprofits (or managing their communications as an external partner) is highly valued.
* Commitment to race equity and inclusion as a personal and professional value.
* Awareness of the Mahoning Valley’s political, cultural and media contexts, issues and challenges.
* Possesses a track record of designing and executing communication strategies effectively, using internal and external resources to achieve measurable impact.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and comparable online platforms.
Capacity to learn various systems and platforms.
* Energetic, dependable (gets it done), and exemplary (gets it down exceptionally well).
* Support and coordinate with other staff for the completion of tasks and projects on time.
Identify, create, execute and oversee all aspects of assigned projects including monitoring and summarizing the progress of projects, providing periodic status, and providing final disposition.
* Energized by setting goals and reporting performance using data and insights.
* Ability to interact amid a diverse community and a broad assortment of grantees, community leaders, business leaders, and government officials.
* Excellent communication skills, especially writing, proof reading and editing with consistently great attention to detail.
* Creative problem solver with an unwavering hard work ethic, a sense of purpose and a sense of humor.
* Enjoys being part of a collaborative, collegial environment, with the ability to work independently and effectively and share expertise with others.
* Possess a high degree of self-awareness relative to strengths and weaknesses with a willingness to pursue training and development opportunities to continuously build knowledge and skills.
* Ability to give and take feedback as a part of a learning culture committed to achieving better results.
_Skills:_ * Excellent writer, compelling storyteller and gifted communicator.
* Adherence to organizational and AP Style Guide.
* Experience in social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn).
* Experience in social media metrics management.
* Experience managing online content management and email marketing platforms (WordPress, Constant Contact).
*Physical Demands* * Frequently requires standing; walking; and kneeling.
* Requires the ability to occasionally lift or carry; push or pull, or otherwise move objects up to 20 pounds.
* Requires the ability to ascend or descend stairs.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time Pay: $18.
39 - $22.
14 per hour Benefits: * Dental insurance * Health insurance * Paid time off * Retirement plan Schedule: * 10 hour shift * 8 hour shift Application Question(s): * Do you currently have all CDC-recommended vaccine doses and boosters? Response is required for consideration.
* Resumes are not reviewed at this stage in the application as our hiring process is designed to have a holistic view of applicants prior to reviewing resumes.
No response required.
Experience: * Communications, Public Relations, or Journalism: 3 years (Preferred) Work Location: In person