Marketing and Communications Associate

Application due:  September 7, 2023  *  Classification:  Full-time employment  *  Reports to:  VP of Fund Development

The Marketing and Communications Associate advises on and executes the strategy for all communications, creative, social media, and public relations messages and collateral to consistently articulate the mission of THAW.

Essential Duties

• Support the execution of PR plans designed to drive the needle upwards in the way of awareness, engagement, and revenue.

• Assist to develop media strategies and quarterly PR plans.

• Point of contact with PR firm(s).

• Identify opportunities and stories for regional and local media.

• Manage THAW’s social media platforms including, but not limited to: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

• Create and oversee distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic collateral including, but not limited to: newsletters, brochures, and annual report.

• Oversee THAW website and point of contact with web design company.

• Work with VP of Fund Development and Leadership Team to create an annual marketing & communications calendar.

• Seek, research, develop and pitch proactive news stories to enhance public awareness of THAW throughout the state of Michigan through a variety of print and electronic media outlets.

• Draft speeches for CEO and Leadership Team as necessary.

• Under the direction of the VP of Fund Development, serve in the lead support role related to the planning and execution of special events.

• Oversee special event database for purpose of auction, sponsor recognition and event management.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong strategic communications skills, including planning, public affairs and outreach, crisis communications, communications metrics and measurement, and marketing.

• Experience managing projects and consultants.

• Understanding of and experience with all channels of paid and unpaid communications across platforms.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment and to organize multiple and varied priorities.

• Sincere commitment to work collaboratively with all constituent groups, including staff, board members, volunteers, donors, program participants, and other supporters.

• Self-starter and able to work independently; enjoys creating and implementing new initiatives.

• Well versed in all Microsoft Office products, social media platforms, and Adobe products.

• Experience using email marketing tools i.e.: Constant Contact or Mailchimp.

• Graphic design and WordPress experience preferred.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, or Business required with a minimum three years related experience with progressive responsibilities.

• A demonstrated track record of accomplishments in communications and public relations. Nonprofit experience a plus.

Physical Requirements
The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, or hear; frequently required to use repetitive hand motion, handle or feel objects, reach with hands and arms, and to stand, walk, bend or lift up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust and focus.

THAW will make reasonable accommodations necessary to comply with the ADAA regulations.

Travel Requirements
Limited local travel for this position may be required (5-25%). Employee must have use of reliable transportation. A valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance is required if using a personal vehicle on company business.

Work Environment
This position operates in professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Covid-19 Considerations
THAW has instituted mandatory vaccine requirements and Covid Protocols for all staff to ensure staff and visitor safety. Currently, staff are required to work a hybrid schedule (rotating 2-3 days in the office, with  a minimum of 10 days per month).

The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) is an equal opportunity employer. THAW does not discriminate on the basis of race/color/religion/sex/national origin/veteran/disability/age/sexual orientation/gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.