Public Relations and Communications Manager

YMCA of Metro Atlanta•Atlanta, GA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

As a thought-leader and best-in-class provider in education, wellness, youth development, and community-building, The YMCA of Metro Atlanta is one of the oldest and most essential non-profits serving in Atlanta. Today, we’re looking for you to join us as we carry out our mission to positively impact lives and communities across the state. At the Y, we’re an association of like-minded people (staff, volunteers, and members), on the forefront of a movement to ensure that everyone -- especially children -- experience an equal opportunity to reach their full potential. In the course of a year, we provide more than 3,000 children, ages 6 weeks through Pre-K with high-quality literacy and STEAM-infused learning; give 58,000 youth and teens access to sports, aquatics, day and resident camps, teen leadership development programs, and employment opportunities; provide over 200,000 members with programs, services, and facilities to enjoy connection and maintain wellness regardless of age; and engage over 25,000 volunteers and donors from across Atlanta to share in the gift of supporting their communities. NATURE AND SCOPE: Reporting directly to the Vice President of Communications, the Public Relations and Communications Manager is responsible for the overall public relations and internal communications for the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. Responsibilities include developing and implementing the Y’s strategy to build understanding and trust for the association for both internal and external audiences and stakeholders. As Manager, you will contribute to the creation of public relations strategies, forge relationships with local and national media, and manage tactical execution, including pitching journalists. You will also manage internal communications and the Y’s intranet to ensure timely, accurate, and aligned messaging across the association. The ideal candidate will be equally confident in writing press releases and managing detailed media relations as developing story ideas and coordinating content across the Y’s communication channels.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations, or a related field and 4+ years of experience in public relations or communications OR High school diploma with 6+ years of experience supporting social media and content operations
Excellent writing, editing, and proofing skills
Strong interpersonal communication skills with the ability to communicate professionally, collaboratively and effectively
Exceptional organizational skills and detail orientation to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Superior interpersonal skills
Expertise in AP style
Experience with project management
Team-oriented work style
Experience supporting storytelling across multiple communication channels
Experience working with creative teams, vendors, or agencies in a management role
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to follow established processes and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
Commitment to the YMCA’s mission and values
Reliable transportation for travel locally in the metro Atlanta area
Ability to pass background and motor vehicle record checks
Must be legally eligible to work in the US without current or future sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or related field of study or higher
6+ years of experience in public relations
Agency experience plus

Responsibilities

Serve as a point of contact for local and national media
Create & distribute media communications including press releases, media advisories, pitches, etc.
Secure, plan, and facilitate media visits, remaining on-call during visits, and execute post-visit follow up
Secure, prepare, and facilitate media opportunities and interviews
Develop and review talking points and prep staff and partners for media interviews
Day-to-day management & direction of PR agency of record
Support crisis communications planning and execution as directed by Vice President of Communications
Develop and execute internal communications plans aligned with organizational goals
Collaborate with association teams including, but not limited to, HR, Operations, IT, Philanthropy, Social Impact, Early Learning, as well as branches to distribute key updates and resources
Monitor intranet engagement and recommend improvements
Manage content on the Y’s website, including the blog and media room, as well as our employee intranet
Collaboration with Content & Communications Specialist, as well as marketing communications team and other internal and external partners, on story ideas and content distribution
Assist with and collaborate on larger, strategic YMCA of Metro Atlanta marketing efforts
Maintain active knowledge of the Y’s offerings and new developments
On-going reporting of all earned media, showcasing PR performance with measurement analytics
On-going reporting and optimization recommendations for employee intranet
Represent YMCA of Metro Atlanta at local events and industry functions
Additional administrative duties and special projects as assigned