Description

Are you a self-starter with excellent writing skills and a knack for storytelling?

The Tampa YMCA is hiring a Communications Manager to help bring our mission to life and deepen our impact across the Tampa community.

In this role, you’ll connect people to programs that change lives. From media relations to events and internal communications, you’ll play a key part in how we engage members, partners, donors and the broader community.

We’re looking for someone who is creative, collaborative and purpose-driven…someone who knows how to turn ideas into clear, compelling messages.

If you’re passionate about making a difference and bringing meaningful stories to life, we’d love to hear from you.

Reporting to the Chief Marketing Officer, the Communications Manager leads the planning, execution and evaluation of all public relations and communications efforts to enhance and sustain positive public perception of the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA. In collaboration with the YMCA of the Suncoast, this role emphasizes the regional impact of the YMCA brand across the Tampa Bay area. Key responsibilities include proactively engaging with media outlets to promote stories that align with the YMCA’s mission and advising YMCA centers on public relations strategies related to fundraising, programs, events, branding and organizational policies. The Communications Manager partners with the CMO to manage crisis communications across the association and its centers and fosters strong collaborative relationships with community leaders, media representatives and professional organizations. Additionally, this position works closely with the Senior Marketing Director to support broader marketing and event initiatives and is responsible for the strategic planning and delivery of all association-wide communications including newsletters, announcements, testimonials and other key messaging materials.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Create and implement a communication plan for the Tampa YMCA that presents the mission, brand, strategic goals and objectives.
Assist with CEO communications for the Tampa YMCA, including development of the annual report, award and recognition submissions and internal staff announcements.
Mission based storytelling and writing for all platforms including monthly newsletters, annual campaign needs, special events, etc.
Story development and news releases for Tampa Y centers, ensuring consistent messaging and strategic coverage.
Work on identifying and building relationships with social influencers who align with the Y mission, leveraging potential partnerships to increase community awareness, engagement and impact.
Assist in serving as an advisor to the association management on public relations aspects of programs, services and policies.
Crisis communication efforts in alignment with the Crisis Communications Plan, including spokesperson training for centers and departments, ensuring staff are aware of their roles and responses.
Write stories for Tampa Y newsletter and other communications tools.
Provide marketing and communications support for high-profile association events, including the Community Impact Celebration, Run for the Roses, Turkey Gobble Race and the Lightning Partnership.
Deliver media spokesperson training for designated staff at centers to ensure preparedness and message consistency.
Utilize Meltwater for media outreach, press release distribution, media monitoring and reporting; serve as the primary lead for media analytics.
Work with media members to effectively communicate accurate, relevant information about all YMCA activities and public concerns.
Maintain current media database to include all forms of traditional/digital media, deadlines, contacts, cultivation activities and target markets.
Primary contact for all media inquiries.
Develop and implement guidelines for handling media inquiries for center staff.
Work with the Director of Quality Assurance on programs as it relates to the centers.
Complete project management assignments as determined by the Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Marketing Director.
Provide 24-hour, weekend and holiday public relations coverage to all media.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Safety and Risk Management

Adhere to all Federal, State, and local safety regulations, as well as all YMCA policies and procedures related to the safety, health, and welfare of members, participants, guests, and staff.
Ensure that all Tampa YMCA standards, leading practices, and policies are implemented and consistently followed, including those related to emergency procedures, child abuse prevention, and appropriate supervision.
Adhere to policies and procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising participants and boundaries with participants when applicable.
Ensure implementation of and follows all training requirements including risk management and child abuse prevention training in addition to ensuring proper reporting of all incidents/accidents according to risk management procedures.
Maintain a safe and healthy environment at all times, including performing daily safety checks of program areas, equipment, and supplies.
Maintain proper records, including certifications, meetings and trainings.
Maintain an emphasis on safety in all areas of responsibility as they relate to members and staff.
Adhere to risk management training requirements including child abuse prevention.
Front desk personnel—ensure member or association guest are properly signed in and signed out, ensures only authorized adults are allowed in the facility, etc.
Contribute to creating and maintaining a safe, positive, and respectful environment for members, guests, and staff.
Promptly report any suspicious or inappropriate behavior, as well as policy violations, following established association procedures.

Requirements

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s degree in public relations or related field, plus 3+ years’ experience in public relations or communications position preferred.
Possess superior writing and editing skills.
Planning and project management expertise.
Self-starter who can manage time and priorities.
Experience in setting and implementing graphic standards, image and identity; know how to work with print and electronic media.
Experience with planning and implementation of development and campaign materials.
Technical expertise to prepare audiovisual presentations and materials.
Exceptional interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
Must be highly organized and have the ability to work with confidential matters.
Local travel is required weekly between Hillsborough and East Pasco counties.
Ability to work weekends required.
Must be responsive and available to engage with media inquiries as they arise and meet them onsite if necessary.
Prior YMCA communications experience preferred.
Must obtain within 30 days of employment and then maintain current certifications in CPR, AED and First Aid.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job including, but not limited to:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and authorized work phone/smart device
Ability to perform all physical aspects of the position, including but not limited to, walking, standing, bending, reaching, and lifting
The employee frequently is required to sit and reach, and must be able to move around the work environment
Ability to lift and move a minimum of 30 pounds
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust
Ability to work in a variety of environments, specifically those subject to extreme humidity/dampness, heat and cold
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
This position may require availability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
Must be able to perform all duties and functions of those that are supervised on of assigned duties.

Summary

Please Note - To assist us in understanding the full scope of your qualifications and experience for this position, we require that all applications submitted include a cover letter to be considered.

Click HERE to review guidelines and best practices for submitting an application

Full Time Benefits Summary:

20 days of Paid Time Off, increasing with service
7 paid holidays
Employer-supported health, vision, dental insurance
Tampa YMCA family membership
$2,000 employer-provided assistance for qualified dependent care programs (before/after school care and camp)
20% off program fees (swim lessons, youth sports, summer camp and more)
30% off personal training
Start at 403 (b) smart savings account through YMCA Benefits on day one of employment (optional)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through BayCare Behavioral Services (phone and online)
Professional development opportunities through Y-USA trainings
Retirement plan eligibility: After completing 1000 hours of service over two, twelve-month periods and at least 21 years of age, part-time and full-time associates are eligible for the Tampa YMCA to contribute 12% of your earnings to a 401(a) account. Once enrolled, the associate is immediately vested.

Association Summary:

The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA is a top-rated ‘4-star’ Charity Navigator and Guidestar ‘Gold’ rated non-profit charitable organization for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Join a cause-driven association focused on empowering every individual in our community to reach their healthiest and most fulfilled life. Learn more about the Tampa YMCA at www.tampaymca.org.

14 Family Center Ys, 65-acre outdoor adventure camp, Community Learning Center, two program centers, 27 afterschool sites, 18 Early Head Start sites
Largest youth development and health & wellness provider in the region
300,000+ community members served
1,600+ staff members
1000+ volunteers
$50MM in revenue
An independent 501(c) 3, locally-governed and managed

Located in sunny Florida, the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA offers an ideal location with beautiful weather affording a desirable setting for an active outdoor lifestyle year-round, is close to many beaches and theme parks and Florida is one of very few states that has no state income tax.

The Tampa Y is an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace.