Reporting to the Director of Program Communications and Production, the Manager of Communications leads and manages all internal and external communication efforts in alignment with the Foundation’s mission. The manager oversees communications and implementation procedures for Scholar and Alumni initiatives throughout the year including in-person and virtual events, Scholar and Alumni engagement campaigns, career services, and other program communications in collaboration with the Scholar Experience, Programs, and Career Advancement teams.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• In partnership with the Director of Program Communications and Production, establish priorities, goals, objectives, and key performance indicators. Set budgets and timelines, manage progress of self and others towards deliverables, and track outcomes with responsibility for consistent growth.
• Develop and manage the creation of engaging, inspirational, and informative content for the Foundation’s external and internal audiences; including newsletters, emails, website content, online learning courses, event materials, and other marketing collateral.
• Create and maintain communications calendar in collaboration with internal stakeholders to ensure that Foundation is communicating in an effective and efficient way that optimizes engagement.
• Manage and update Foundation websites, social media channels, and online learning platforms, ensuring that they meet style and brand guidelines.
• Oversee and coordinate with external vendors to update the website and other Foundation platforms as needed to maintain a positive user experience. Ensure program information on the public website matches external marketing materials, selection criteria, etc., by liaising with IT, Programs, Outreach/Selection and other internal teams.
• Monitor traditional and social media coverage, notifying internal stakeholders of relevant news placements. Promote coverage as deemed appropriate across Foundation distribution channels. Coordinate social media coverage with Outreach/Selection teamto ensure that messaging is aligned.
• Work closely with the Vice President, Scholarship Programs and Director of Program Communications and Production to assist public relations partner(s) with responding to media requests, ensuring timely responses. Work with other departments as necessary to coordinate interviews with Staff, Scholars, Alumni, and partners. Prepare for quarterly board meeting memos including news clips and quarterly publication of the Cooke Chronicle.
• Manage the Thrive Together campaign; create budget, strategic initiatives, and communications to increase Scholar and Alumni engagement. Monitor participation, draft website, email, and social media content; approve expense reports for pre-approved reimbursements, and manage the distribution of promotional items.
• Collaborate with Programs on the creation of communications collateral for Alumni and Scholar events, including but not limited to Scholars Weekend, Welcome Weekend, Cooke Connections, Alumni Summit, virtual events, and other regional activities. Assist with preparing materials, sending communications, registration, and tracking participation.
• Work with the Director of Program Communications and Production and Media Production consultants to prepare media production assets for dissemination on Foundation content platforms.
• Help prepare reports and presentations for meetings with staff, Board of Directors, and external audiences.
• Other tasks as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s degree preferred or equivalent experience.
• Superior written and oral communication skills.
• Flexible team player with staff and interpersonal relations management abilities.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong demonstrated interest in communications and nonprofit or education work.
• Ability to work independently and simultaneously on multiple projects within close, overlapping and/or conflicting deadlines.
• Strong knowledge of managing online content, social media outreach, email distribution.
• Comfortable with technology. Prior experience working with Excel, database systems, WordPress, Squarespace, and/or Vimeo preferred.
• A strong ability to work independently on multiple projects within close, overlapping and/or conflicting deadlines.
• The Foundation follows a 35-hour work week schedule for full-time positions. This position may require occasional additional hours during busy hours and/or to meet deadlines.
• This position will require occasional evening and weekend hours for scholarship events and/or programs.

To apply, submit a resume and cover letter through the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Career Center. Cover letters are required to be considered for this position. E-Verify employer. No phone calls please.