Communications Manager

Type
Hybrid / Bethesda Office (2 days – Tuesday / Thursday)   
Location
6555 Rock Spring Drive #280, Bethesda, MD, 20817
Summary
The Communications Manager creates engaging and creative content to increase revenue by identifying, developing, and leveraging compelling wish stories; creating and managing copy and creative; and ensuring effective communications and marketing practices internally. The primary responsibilities of the Communications Manager include copywriting, basic graphic design and video editing for in-house content and overseeing freelancers for campaigns as needed. The position manages one direct report - Community Engagement and Social Media Associate - and collaborates with the Director of Marketing and Communication on storytelling and content calendar planning and management. 
Responsibilities
  • Serve as the content creator for Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic, developing captivating marketing materials and providing design and writing support. 
  • Collaborate with the Marketing and Communication team to organize and implement the content calendar, ensuring that our messaging is consistent, timely and resonates with our target audience. 
  • Craft chapter collateral, including but not limited to e-newsletters, direct mail, donor acknowledgements, fact sheets, PowerPoint presentations, event programs, volunteer communications, blogs, wish stories, chapter brochures, displays, slide decks, proposals, fact sheets and all other external communication content. 
  • Execute the organization’s email campaigns to keep our dedicated donors, supporters and stakeholders informed about the latest organizational updates, wish stories and impactful initiatives. 
  • Manage one direct report - Community Engagement and Social Media Associate - and oversee their work in social media management and community outreach.  
  • Manage relationships with vendors, printers, and freelancers for design work, providing clear guidance and collaborating closely to deliver exceptional designs that meet project objectives.  
  • Attend wishes, celebrations and special events to capture content for external communication. 
  • Ensure our websites and event microsites are regularly updated with accurate information, captivating visual, and a seamless user experience that encourages engagement and support. 
  • Maintain the photo and story drive, organizing and categorizing photos and stories to ensure easy accessibility for future use in marketing and promotional efforts. 
  • Create engaging in-house video content for social media, web and donor engagement.  
  • Create compelling stewardship letters, materials, and thoughtful gifts for individual and corporate donors.  
  • Adhere to all Make-A-Wish® America performance standards and Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic internal controls, policies and procedures. 
  • Protect the chapter’s brand identity and ensures its use in keeping with current Make-A-Wish America standards. 
  • Required attendance at chapter events as necessary in support of the Foundation’s mission. 
Requirements
  • Must believe in the mission and vision of the Make-A-Wish Foundation 
  • Ability to demonstrate a high level of comfort in dealing with a diverse group of individuals (i.e. corporate leaders, community leaders, government officials, agency leaders and volunteers). 
  • Skill in in fundraising program management. 
  • Ability to work in a team-based, cross-functional work environment with effective and respectful communication as a top priority. 
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision, to manage multiple priorities, and to work in a deadline driven environment. 
  • Ability to demonstrate a high level of professional demeanor; communicate and work successfully with a wide variety of constituents including donors, board members, volunteers and consultants to build lasting relationships. 
  • Ability to demonstrate a high level of integrity, trustworthiness, flexibility, compassion and humor necessary to address the practicalities of a growing nonprofit, along with the creativity and persistence required to elicit new thinking and change. 
  • Excellent written communication and copywriting skills.  
  • Knowledge of social media, web and e-marketing best practices.  
  • Ability to design and create content with adhesion to brand guidelines.  
  • High attention to detail especially with written and external communications.  
  • Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously.  
  • Openness to collaboration and feedback. 
Education & Experience

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Marketing, Graphic Design or similar field; or equivalent work experience. 

Experience: Three (3) years of experience in marketing and communications. Proven track record of successfully managing and developing at least one staff member, leading to overall increased team performance and individual growth. 

Computer/System Skills: Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suites, Canva, Salesforce or database management software and Drupal or similar web CRM preferred. 

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: None 

Other Requirements: Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Chapter Benefits
  • Competitive salary  
  • Comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, dental, vision insurance; life/disability insurance; 403b company match; paid vacation and holidays 
  • Hybrid work environment 
How to Apply

 To apply submit your cover letter and resume to: slucas@midatlantic.wish.org. 

Other Info
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We are committed to a diverse workforce.  We value all employees’ talents and support an environment that is inclusive and respectful.