Manager of Communications & Investor Relations

Manager of Communications & Investor Relations
Location: EDC Office, 301 N Cattlemen Rd #201, Sarasota, FL 34232
Reporting to: President & CEO

Organization

The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County is a successful 501(c)(6) public-private partnership founded in 2004. We are the only countywide organization that works to diversify our economy. We are the designated economic development agent for Sarasota County including the cities of North Port, Venice, and Sarasota, and the Town of Longboat Key. We support diverse business relocations and expansions that complement our community. Through a one-stop-shop, concierge services, the EDC helps companies establish, expand, and flourish. Our work facilitates new job creation, grows the economy and the tax base, and reduces vulnerability to external shocks that can undermine our community’s long-term health. We are a small but mighty team, dedicated to collaborating with our stakeholders to identify and successfully grow the diverse business community in Sarasota County.

Position Overview

The Manager of Communications & Investor Relations plays an important role in ensuring that our donors and public stakeholders have exceptional experience as they interact with the EDC and support our mission. This role is an important part of communicating our value and impact, while growing existing relationships with the EDC’s investors and partners. The Manager of Communications & Investor Relations will work closely with the EDC President & CEO and Vice President of Economic Development. This person will be responsible for communications, planning and managing programs with up to 500 people and delivering high quality experience both in-person and when interacting with the EDC on digital platforms. This is an induvial contributor role so must be comfortable being a hands-on manager.

Responsibilities include:

Communications

• Craft clear messaging that effectively communicates our mission, programs, and impact
• Succinctly convey the value proposition of the organization effectively and cost-efficiently
• Manage brand consistency across all platforms and materials
• Create compelling content for various digital platforms including websites, social media, Constant Contact monthly newsletters, and annual reports
• Oversee the production of marketing collateral
• Collaborate with teammates to gather and share impactful stories and outcomes
• Participate in community events, representing the organization with professionalism

Media Relations

• Handle all local and regional media inquiries. Connect with local/regional media to ensure the community understands the mission and value of the EDC.
• Aid the President & CEO with guest editorial creation.

Investor Relations

• Elevate the donor/investor experience through white glove-style support while providing close attention and responsiveness
• Ensure operational excellence that facilitates the best donor experience
• Focus on the retention of existing donors/investors, ensuring they feel valued and connected to our mission
• Develop and manage an onboarding experience for all new investors so they clearly understand what to expect
• Manage year-round investment program, keeping track of investor credits and items due to investors
• Coordinate about 10 small yearly events like roundtable and socials
• Manage all aspects of two large yearly programs with 400-500 attendees – Responsibilities include online ticket sales, vendor agreements, venue set-up, food coordination, managing all AV, coordinating valet for parking, coordinating outsourced graphic design and video production, photography, ordering centerpieces, managing advertising schedule, sponsorship sales, developing run of show, coordinating speakers and day-of program
• Manage EDC Champion volunteer program – A small group of volunteers that helps plan and execute EDC programs
• Work with the Financial Operations Manager to manage the annual billing process for investors - annual giving requests through mail/email and manage donor lists

Crisis Communications

• In the event of an emergency, assist the President & CEO in coordinating communication efforts with media, government partners, and other collaborators
• Participate in the Sarasota County government calls, as assigned
• Handle local media inquiries. Provide regular local media coverage status.
• Spearhead crisis messaging development and coordinate email distribution to partners
• Cancel any upcoming events that may coincide with the crisis. Reschedule events when safe and/or appropriate to do so
• Assist the VP of Economic Development with any special communications sent to local businesses
• In the event of a crisis occurring on a weekend, holiday, and/or compressed week, all salaried non-exempt employees may be asked to execute their responsibilities

Candidate Requirements

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree preferred
• At least 5 years’ experience in communications, preferably within a nonprofit setting
• Positive attitude with excellent interpersonal communication skills with a demonstrated ability to communicate a nonprofit mission and value proposition effectively.
• Strong project and process management skills and ability to multi-task
• Strong relationship-building skills that cultivate partnerships, champions, and advocates, and inspire credibility and trust with all levels of internal and external stakeholders
• Experience in CRM like SalesForce, able to analyze and develop reports
• Excellent attention to detail and proactive problem-solving abilities
• Self-motivated and team-oriented with strong time management skills to prioritize deadlines
• Ability to effectively communicate in writing and engage in a professional, and articulate manner
• Able to handle politically sensitive and confidential information

Knowledge & Skills

• Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Experience in basic design applications like Canva and Constant Contact
• Experience with social media and web tools like Google Analytics and Hootsuite

Success Factors

• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently
• Makes responsible decisions
• Loves working in a small, mission-driven team
• Is thoughtful and kind
• Self-sufficient and organized
• Diplomatic, pleasant, patient, professional, and tactful
• Demonstrates sound ethics and transparency
• Able to work with urgency, at times under the stress of deadlines

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Supplemental Pay:

• Bonus opportunities

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Sarasota, FL 34232