Communications Officer

Kalamazoo Community Foundation•Kalamazoo, MI

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Communications Officer is responsible for developing and implementing KZCF’s communications strategies to support messaging continuity and brand protection, which include leading communications tactic development, public and media relations, sponsorship committee, and the execution of print publications from start to completion. Collaborate with the Senior Marketing & Communications Officer to develop, implement and ensure the seamless integration and implementation of communications strategies to accomplish the mission and strategic objectives of KZCF.

Requirements

BA degree in communications, public relations, journalism or related field, or an equivalent combination of training and relevant work experience
Strong writing, storytelling, and communications skills.
Proven professional with 5 or more years of experience in the following areas: Journalism, Corporate communications, Crisis management communications, Positioning and branding
Creative problem solver and imaginative.
Familiarity with email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact), including list management, segmentation and campaign creation
Ability to bring focus and clarity to issues and identify accompanying solutions.
Must be creative, flexible and highly organized and must have strong written and oral communication skills; must have the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously; and the ability to understand the products, services and mission of the organization.
Effective and competent in personal abilities to guide and direct others.
In-depth knowledge/understanding of computers including general business software (i.e. Microsoft Office 365)
Demonstrated ability to effectively interact, communicate, and collaborate with people from all cultural backgrounds.
Must have the ability, judgement, poise, and personal capabilities to build and maintain trust.
Ability to work & navigate emotionally taxing conversations/contexts related to power, privilege, racism, oppression with diverse stakeholder groups.
Portfolio of applicable communications work from current or past employment (i.e. press releases, print publications, blog articles, etc.)
Residency: Staff are required to reside within KZCF’s service area within one (1) year from the day their employment begins. Service Area is defined as Kalamazoo County and no more than thirty (30) miles outside of the county limits.

Nice To Haves

Experience using Adobe Creative Cloud (i.e. InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator)
A sense of aesthetics and a love for great copy and witty communication

Responsibilities

Assist in developing, enhancing, implementing and evaluating KZCF’s communications strategy and tone/voice are consistent with the organization’s brand.
Assist in developing, enhancing, implementing and evaluating all functional area-specific and internal communications tactics and initiatives.
Develop and implement the editorial calendar and content of publications and electronic communications (e.g. Annual Report, newsletters, email blasts, etc.)
Write speeches and presentations for the organization as needed.
Develop and distribute content (written and/or video) to appropriate communication channels that assist in promoting the work of KZCF grant recipients, initiatives, public policy agenda and specialty grants received.
Create print publications, collateral and other materials as identified or needed by the organization, which include managing contractors/freelancers to accomplish copywriting and graphic design needs.
Oversee production of print materials by ensuring the timely production, mailing, and distribution of publications.
Write media releases and story pitches.
Execute and manage reputation-building activities.
Proactively develop and maintain relationships with the media.
Coordinate media interviews and prepare media briefings/training for spokespeople in the organization.
Develop, enhance, implement and evaluate a public relations strategy and assist in crisis management of public relation duties.
Lead Sponsorship Committee to review sponsorship requests supporting events/initiatives to provide the most exposure and engagement opportunity in alignment with KZCF’s strategic objectives.
Develop alliances with community partners to further KZCF’s organizational objectives and priorities.
Apply an equitable and anti-racist lens to all aspects of your work, advancing our mission to create a thriving community grounded in racial, social, and economic justice.
Embrace and integrate Kalamazoo Community Foundation's commitment to anti-racism, inclusion, and healing, acknowledging and addressing all forms of bias with humility and accountability.
Demonstrate the ability and willingness to examine personal and systemic bias, including around race, gender, age, ability, and identity, fostering a workplace rooted in love, learning, and growth.
Engage with emotional intelligence and resilience in conversations about power, privilege, and oppression, cultivating transformative relationships that support healing and justice.
Lead and collaborate with joy, authenticity, and a deep dedication to serving the greater good, contributing meaningfully to our vision of a more equitable Kalamazoo County.
Support the mission, vision, and strategic goals through excellent job performance to best serve the community.
Follow and support KZCF policies and procedures.
Regularly reflect on own performance and assume responsibility for professional development and learning.
Maintain current knowledge of all changes affecting area of work. This may include maintaining process documentation for clarity and consistency.
Conduct self in a professional manner and follows and supports the core values, commitments, and behaviors.
Maintain appropriate professional appearance and confidentiality consistent with KZCF policies.
As directed by your department Chief, regularly represent KZCF at community-based meetings and events including evening and weekend engagements throughout the year.
As scheduled by KZCF Leadership, actively participate in meetings, committees, and volunteer opportunities within the organization.
Consistently apply an anti-racism analysis and engage with others in support of learning ways to advance collective understanding and skills.
Collaborate effectively as a team member and individual contributor to achieve KZCF Strategic Goals through consistent department updates and organizational strategic plan meetings.
Provide proactive, creative cross-functional thinking and ideas to enhance services to the community through supervisor 1:1, department meetings, and organizational wide meetings.
Ability to work both independently, as a team member, and with a broad range of constituencies. This includes a demonstrated ability to effectively interact, communicate, and collaborate with people from all cultural backgrounds.