Communications Director

YMCA Buffalo Niagara is looking for talented individuals with a passion for the YMCA mission and cause, an understanding of YMCA programs and services, and whose everyday priorities are a reflection of the core YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

YMCA Buffalo Niagara is an equal opportunity employer committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Communications Director is responsible for creating and executing the YMCA’s communications strategy to enhance brand visibility, engage members, and support community outreach goals. This position leads content creation, social media management, public relations, media relations, and member communication initiatives to promote the YMCA’s programs and mission. The Communications Director works closely with leadership to align messaging and ensures consistent, impactful communication across all platforms.

BENEFITS:

Free health insurance, employer paid group term life insurance at 1x salary, employer paid long term disability, EAP through Child & Family Services, and various voluntary benefit options.

Employees are immediately eligible to enroll and contribute to the Y Retirement Fund 403B plan and will receive a 12% employer paid Y Retirement Fund contribution after eligibility requirements are met.

There is a generous paid time off program, which includes personal time off, holidays, and sick leave.

All employees receive a complimentary YMCA Buffalo Niagara family membership and program discounts.

Other benefits include leadership development opportunities and career advancement.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Content Creation & Strategy

• Develop, write, and edit engaging content for digital platforms, newsletters, press releases, and other publications.
• Oversee the production of multimedia content, including graphics, videos, and member testimonials.
• Establish and manage an editorial calendar aligned with YMCA events, seasonal programs, and membership campaigns.

2. Social Media Management

• Lead strategy and daily operations for YMCA social media channels, ensuring brand consistency, responsiveness, and community engagement.
• Create, schedule, and monitor posts to maximize reach, engagement, and awareness, utilizing analytics to guide strategy adjustments.
• Manage social media advertising campaigns to drive membership acquisition, program participation, and event attendance.

3. Website Management
   • Update and Maintain YMCA Buffalo Niagara’s website to ensure accurate, timely, and engaging information for members and the community.
   • Optimize web content for SEO and user experience, ensuring accessibility and alignment with YMCA brand standards.
   • Work with IT to address technical issues and implement web enhancements.

4. Public Relations & Media Relations

• Serve as the primary media contact, cultivating relationships with journalists, editors, and community influencers.
• Develop press releases, talking points, and media kits for program launches, events, and organizational announcements.
• Act as spokesperson when necessary, ensuring message consistency and professionalism in media engagements.
• Maintains and implements the crisis communication plan.

5. Member Communication

• Design and implement member communication strategies to improve retention, increase program participation, and foster a sense of community.
• Oversee the creation and distribution of newsletters, updates, and targeted messaging.
• Coordinate feedback initiatives, surveys, and focus groups to gauge member satisfaction and enhance communication strategies.

6. Collaboration

• Collaborate with departments such as Membership, Programs, HR, and Development to support organization-wide initiatives and campaigns.
• Set performance goals, monitor key metrics, and report on communication outcomes to senior leadership.

7. Perform other tasks as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or related field preferred, or equivalent work experience.
2. 2 to 3 years of experience in a communications or marketing role, ideally in a nonprofit or community-oriented setting.
3. Proven expertise in social media management, content creation, and public relations.
4. Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills with a keen eye for brand voice and quality.
5. Ability to work collaboratively and influence cross-functional teams.
6. Experience with digital marketing tools, social media platforms, and analytics software.
7. Demonstrates creativity in content, campaigns, and problem-solving.