Brand and Communication Strategist

Hammer & NER•Wayzata, MN

9d•$80,000 - $90,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Brand & Communications Strategist brings Hammer & NER’s mission, story and brand to life through clear, compelling and consistent communications. The role develops content, manages communications channels and executes integrated communications that engage employees, families, donors, partners and the broader community. It stewards the development and implementation of Hammer & NER’s evolving brand, translating brand strategy into meaningful experiences and communications across the organization. The position leads content strategy and production, supports executive communications, manages sponsorships and ensures digital channels and regular communications reflect the organization’s mission, values and priorities. Employees are expected to center, model and champion Hammer/NER’s core values of Person-Centered, Relational, Opportunistic, and Stewardship to provide people with intellectual and other disabilities the opportunity to live life to its fullest. The position is in the Community Engagement department, is full-time, exempt and salaried, and reports to the Chief Engagement & Philanthropy Officer. The typical schedule is primarily Monday through Friday days, with hybrid work available. Occasional flexible hours and days, including evenings and weekends, are required.

Requirements

Intermediate to advanced demonstrated experience in communications, marketing, content development, brand management or a related field; nonprofit experience is preferred. Formal, informal and cross-disciplinary experience will be considered.
Exceptional writing, editing and storytelling skills, including the ability to adapt messaging for different audiences and channels.
Demonstrated experience managing digital communications, including social media, websites and email.
Experience developing and executing content plans, editorial calendars and integrated communications projects.
Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines and stakeholders.
Sound judgment, attention to detail and the ability to handle confidential or sensitive information appropriately.
Ability to work independently, exercise initiative and collaborate effectively across teams and leadership levels.
Ability to work with individuals and teams across differences, including race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, age, class and immigrant status.
Willingness and ability to work flexible hours and days, including occasional evenings and weekends.
Physical demands include frequent telephone use and repetitive-motion activities such as typing; ability to work at a desk and computer for 6–8 hours at a time; and ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting brand development, rebranding or brand implementation.
Experience managing sponsorships, community partnerships or brand activation.
Familiarity with email marketing, website content management systems, social media management tools and communications analytics.
Experience developing accessible, inclusive and person-centered communications.

Responsibilities

Steward the development and evolution of the Hammer & NER brand, coordinating internal stakeholders, external partners and creative resources.
Lead day-to-day brand implementation and ensure consistent messaging, visual identity and voice across communications, materials and experiences.
Develop and maintain brand guidelines, messaging resources, templates and tools.
Identify opportunities to strengthen brand awareness, understanding and connection among employees, families, donors, community partners and other audiences.
Manage brand-related projects, timelines, deliverables and approvals, aligning work with organizational priorities and the experiences of the people supported.
Lead content strategy and develop an editorial calendar aligned with organizational priorities, audience needs and key moments throughout the year.
Create, edit and manage content about people supported, employees, families, community partnerships and organizational impact.
Partner with organizational leaders and teams to identify stories, gather information and develop content that builds understanding, connection and trust.
Ensure content reflects the organization’s voice and values and its commitment to person-centered, respectful storytelling.
Plan, write and distribute internal newsletters, leadership messages and other recurring communications.
Develop external communications, including news updates, community announcements, organizational milestones and impact stories.
Support communications related to organizational change, strategic initiatives and emerging issues.
Manage and improve digital communications channels, including social media, the website and email communications.
Develop channel-specific content plans and maintain website content, coordinating updates, improvements and ongoing optimization.
Manage email communications, including audience segmentation, content development, scheduling and performance reporting.
Evaluate and use communications technology to improve workflows, audience engagement and communications effectiveness.
Monitor channel performance and use data, audience insights and emerging opportunities to refine content and improve results.
Manage organizational sponsorships and related partnerships, coordinating opportunities, deliverables, timelines and fulfillment.
Ensure sponsorships provide intended visibility and engagement value aligned with organizational priorities.
Manage communications projects from planning through execution, balancing timelines, resources, approvals and competing priorities.
Build working relationships with leaders and teams across the organization to understand needs, align messaging and deliver effective communications.
Coordinate external vendors, creative partners and other resources as needed.
Establish practical processes, standards and tools to support efficient, high-quality communications.
Track project outcomes and communications performance, sharing insights and recommendations to improve future work.