MARKETING & COMMUNITCATIONS DIRECTOR

YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina•Wilmington, NC

About The Position

POSITION SUMMARY: The Director of Marketing & Communications supports the mission of the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina by leading a comprehensive, cause-driven marketing and communications strategy that strengthens community awareness, engagement, and trust across five YMCA branches. This role provides strategic leadership and day-to-day oversight of all marketing and communications functions, ensuring consistent branding, messaging, and storytelling that reflects the YMCA’s impact in youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Director works closely with senior leadership and branch teams to support membership growth, program participation, fundraising, and community engagement. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Strategy & Leadership Develops and implements a comprehensive annual marketing and communications plan aligned with organizational goals, membership priorities, and fundraising initiatives. Serves as a strategic partner to executive and branch leadership, advising on messaging, campaigns, and communications strategies across five YMCA branches. Ensures all marketing and communications efforts reflect YMCA brand standards, voice, and values. Team Management Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates the Marketing Specialist, Communications Specialist, and part-time Multimedia Designer. Establishes clear workflows, priorities, and timelines to ensure efficient execution of marketing and communications deliverables. Fosters a collaborative, creative, and mission-driven team culture. Marketing & Communications Oversight Oversees all digital and print marketing efforts, including website content, social media, email marketing, digital advertising, signage, and promotional materials. Guides storytelling and content strategy that highlights YMCA programs, impact, partnerships, and community outcomes. Oversees media relations efforts, including press releases, media pitches, and responses to inquiries. Budget, Reporting & Evaluation Develops and manages the marketing and communications budget, ensuring effective use of resources. Tracks, analyzes, and reports on key performance metrics related to marketing and communications efforts. Uses data and insights to continuously improve strategy and effectiveness. Special Projects & Events Supports major organizational initiatives, campaigns, and events as needed, including capital campaigns and community-wide promotions. Represents the YMCA at community meetings and presentations when appropriate. OUR CULTURE: Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. At the Y, we strive to live our purpose of strengthening communities with intention and purpose every day. We welcome all: we are open to everyone. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We nurture: we support you on your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, or a related field required; master’s degree preferred.
Five or more years of progressive experience in marketing and communications, with at least two years in a supervisory role.
Strong strategic thinking, project management, and leadership skills.
Experience managing multi-channel marketing efforts, including digital, social, and print.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
CPR & First Aid – Must be able to complete and maintain certification in CPR and First Aid; able to assist individuals in need until professional help arrives.
Emergency Response – Ability to quickly identify emergency situations (medical, fire, environmental, etc.) and respond appropriately following established procedures.
Incident Management – Required to report all safety incidents and hazards immediately and accurately to supervisors.
Safe Environment – Commitment to maintaining a safe, clean, and hazard-free environment for all staff, members, and participants.
Physical Readiness – Must be able to perform physical tasks related to safety, including assisting individuals of various ages and physical abilities.
Compliance – Follow all YMCA safety protocols, OSHA standards, and state/local regulations as applicable.

Nice To Haves

Experience in nonprofit, healthcare, education, or mission-driven organizations preferred.

Responsibilities

Develops and implements a comprehensive annual marketing and communications plan aligned with organizational goals, membership priorities, and fundraising initiatives.
Serves as a strategic partner to executive and branch leadership, advising on messaging, campaigns, and communications strategies across five YMCA branches.
Ensures all marketing and communications efforts reflect YMCA brand standards, voice, and values.
Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates the Marketing Specialist, Communications Specialist, and part-time Multimedia Designer.
Establishes clear workflows, priorities, and timelines to ensure efficient execution of marketing and communications deliverables.
Fosters a collaborative, creative, and mission-driven team culture.
Oversees all digital and print marketing efforts, including website content, social media, email marketing, digital advertising, signage, and promotional materials.
Guides storytelling and content strategy that highlights YMCA programs, impact, partnerships, and community outcomes.
Oversees media relations efforts, including press releases, media pitches, and responses to inquiries.
Develops and manages the marketing and communications budget, ensuring effective use of resources.
Tracks, analyzes, and reports on key performance metrics related to marketing and communications efforts.
Uses data and insights to continuously improve strategy and effectiveness.
Supports major organizational initiatives, campaigns, and events as needed, including capital campaigns and community-wide promotions.
Represents the YMCA at community meetings and presentations when appropriate.