External Affairs - Communications Manager

Crystal Stairs, Inc.

Improving the Lives of Families through

Child Care Services, Research, and Advocacy

Our Core Values

Excellence * Relationships * Integrity * Empowerment

External Affairs - Communications Manager

Location: Los Angeles CA 90056 - 100% Onsite

What We're Looking For:

The Communication Manager (CM) has the primary responsibility for overseeing the implementation of both internal and external communication strategies for the Agency; this includes leading, managing, and directly supporting key agency initiatives and communication campaigns, as well as media and community relations. The Communications Manager leads and executes communications campaigns to reach, educate and influence key audiences about our agency programs and services.

The Communications Manager curates digital platforms for programmatic use such as (Zoom, Eventbrite, Jotform, Acuity, etc.), manages the agency's website content, cultivates high-end videography and photography assets, and develops electronic and print collateral materials for dissemination to internal and external audiences. The CM will serve as a key agent of Crystal Stairs at internal and external special events and community events, by building relationships with key stakeholders to increase the visibility of the organization with potential donors and the media.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage and lead the development of innovative marketing and communication strategies to ensure competitive exposure and support agency and programmatic priorities and goals.
• Lead the coordination and development of agency's marketing and communications messaging on key child care issues and agency-related activities; (i.e., email blasts, social media posts, press releases, web articles, etc.)
• Drive the vision for agency communication, branding, marketing, and messaging to increase brand position and illuminate the reputation of the agency.
• Create and streamline the agency's policies and procedures for internal and external Agency communications and branding.
• Draft press releases and communications regarding organizational news
• Lead and manage the agency's internal communications training to ensure staff meets the branding and communications guidelines.
• Develop materials to educate staff on communication practices
• Manage and support the agency's communications strategic agenda to enhance and strengthen its presence within the immediate and broader communities.
• Partner with public policy/advocacy team to develop agency position papers, relevant social media content, and editorials on matters related to Crystal Stairs or important issues affecting child care funding and families.
• Manage Annual Report theme, content, and collateral design in conjunction with agency departments.
• Lead the agency's communication and social media initiatives as well as keep the agency up to date with current communications/marketing trends and platforms relevant to the agency's audience and work.
• Manage agency website and SharePoint site and oversee the development and growth of quality content produced therein.
• Lead and manage consultants and internal cross-functional teams in the planning, development, and implementation of the Agency's website refresh for the duration of the project.
• Track, monitor & measure media coverage and analytics on all social media, website, donor, and email marketing platforms.
• Lead the development of high-end videos to capture key issues and agency-related activities.
• Maintain and curate key agency platforms which require branding, communication, or marketing standards important to maintaining the reputation of the agency. (i.e., Zoom, Eventbrite, Acuity, Slack, etc.).
• Excel in understanding the media landscape and how newsrooms work.
• Cultivate professional and productive relationships with the agency's board of directors, leadership team, managers, colleagues, community stakeholders, and vendors.
• Represent the agency at various external meetings; (i.e., community events, committee meetings related to child care and children's issues).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

RESPONSIBILITIES - MANAGEMENT

• Supervise direct report staff, including but not limited to communications and administrative support staff and interns, as the work demands deem necessary.
• Lead by example, demonstrating a commitment to integrity, honesty, and adherence to the highest standards of ethical behavior.
• Collaborates with the EA Director and interfaces with Executive Leadership when necessary to support Agency initiatives and objectives.
• Set the standard for professional communication, image, and demeanor and lead efforts to develop and uphold an exemplary agency brand.
• In consultation with the EA Director, provide hands-on guidance, leadership, and coaching to potential staff members by conducting periodic development meetings and frequent check-ins.
• Provide development opportunities to direct report staff to develop their competencies.
• In consultation with the EA Director, provide feedback on performance, take prompt corrective action when necessary, and conduct Performance Evaluations in a timely manner.
• Track and monitor attendance of direct staff employees, including timely submission of timecard reports.
• Select and hire well-qualified, talented staff that reflects labor market diversity

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES YOU SHOULD POSSESS:

• Select and hire well-qualified, talented staff that reflects labor market diversity
• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, business marketing, or related field required. Related work experience and exceptional skills may be substituted for education.
• Minimum five years of professional experience in marketing, communications, journalism, or public relations. Non-profit experience is a plus. Must have strong project management experience and the ability to organize, prioritize and delegate workflow. Strong internet research and information retrieval capabilities.

Total Compensation Package

• Competitive Salaries
• Medical/ Dental/ Vision - 95% paid by employer
• 401k Matching Options
• Flex Spending
• Pre-paid Legal Services
• Sick and Vacation Time
• Paid Holidays
• Free Parking
• Opportunity for Growth and Development
• Robust Learning Management System offering continuing education professional development credits.

Crystal Stairs, Inc. is committed to building and sustaining a diverse workforce and culture. As part of this commitment, Crystal Stairs, Inc. provides equal opportunity in all of our employment practices, including selection, hiring, promotion, transfer, and compensation, to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, medical condition as defined by state law, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, ethnic group identification, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, or any other legally protected status.

For more information about Crystal Stairs, Inc. please visit our website at: www.crystalstairs.org