Associate Director of Communications, YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City

YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City•Oklahoma City, OK

2d•$50,000 - $55,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director of Communications is a key member of the marketing and communications department, reporting to the Executive Director of Communications. This role is responsible for assisting in the development and execution of a comprehensive communications and public relations strategy to enhance the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City's mission, programs, impact, and brand. The position oversees media relations, messaging frameworks, communications campaigns, and manages the YMCA digital app. Additionally, this role supervises department interns and leads the YMCA’s network of branch and program brand ambassadors to ensure consistent local storytelling and communication. Close collaboration with Operations, Human Resources, and Financial Development is essential for aligning messaging and strategic priorities. This role offers a flexible work arrangement, allowing for both remote and in-office work based on business needs.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a related field
At least 2 years of full-time experience in a related role
Knowledge of and familiarity with AP style
Experience as an admin in Meta Business Suite

Nice To Haves

At least 3 years of full-time experience in a related role
Experience working full-time for a nonprofit organization
Proficient with Canva, Mailchimp, WordPress, and Microsoft Office products, including Outlook, Teams, Excel, Word, and SharePoint
Experience using Google Ads Manager
Customer service and reputation management experience a plus

Responsibilities

Lead the development and execution of the YMCA’s public relations strategy, including media outreach, media monitoring, press coordination, and crisis communication support.
Create and maintain organization-wide messaging frameworks, brand positioning, and storytelling narratives that reflect the YMCA’s mission and impact.
Ensure message consistency and effectiveness across all internal and external communication channels.
Own the planning, development, and implementation of integrated communications campaigns to support membership, programs, fundraising, advocacy, and community initiatives.
Coordinate campaign execution across digital channels, print, email, media, social media, and internal stakeholders.
Track campaign performance and media outcomes. Use data to report on effectiveness and recommend improvements.
Develop department-wide quarterly campaign plans to help the team achieve a thoughtful, proactive approach to external and internal communications.
Partner directly with Operations (programs & membership), Human Resources, and Financial Development to ensure communication priorities are aligned, well-timed, and supportive of organizational goals.
Serve as an advisor to organizational leaders on communications best practices, timing, messaging, and public positioning.
Serve as the primary media contact for the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City, building strong relationships with local and regional media outlets.
Draft and distribute press releases, prepare talking points and speeches, pitch stories, coordinate interviews, and support leadership with media preparation.
Routinely monitor media mentions and seek out media opportunities.
Conduct media trainings for YMCA leadership as needed.
Assist the executive director with digital advertising placements and help ensure the accuracy of information on the YMCA website.
Support the development of content for social media, newsletters, e-blasts, blogs, and other digital content when needed.
Support a friendly and welcoming digital environment on all applicable social media sites by engaging with comments on the Y’s posts, leaving comments on relevant partner posts, updating Facebook events and their discussion pages, responding to inbox messages, and engaging with user-generated content.
Maintain schedules, events, and microsite content for the YMCA 360 platform, ensuring accuracy and timely updates.
Oversee the YMCA 360 rewards program, including updates, fulfillment, and tracking.
Provide user support and troubleshoot YMCA 360 platform issues in coordination with developers.
Manage YMCA 360 platform messaging, imagery, and association-wide communications.
Coordinate and execute challenges on the YMCA 360 platform, including winner recognition.
Serve as the primary liaison to YMCA 360, contributing feedback and supporting network collaboration.
Administer backend access and user permissions for the YMCA 360 platform.
Monitor and analyze YMCA 360 platform usage to inform improvements.
Supervise and mentor paid communications interns, providing guidance, professional development, and clear project direction.
Lead, support, and grow the association’s brand ambassador program.
Provide training, resources, and ongoing communication to empower ambassadors to gather stories, coordinate local communications, and maintain brand consistency.
Facilitate two-way communication between the marketing & communications department and branch/program teams, strengthening responsiveness, visibility, and local storytelling.
Ensure ambassadors have clarity on processes, deadlines, expectations, and campaign support needs.
Manage external vendors or agencies as needed to support communications initiatives.