Communications Manager, Philadelphia Education Fund

Posted by on September 30, 2013

Communications Manager, Philadelphia Education Fund
Posted on: September 9, 2013

Job description
Founded in 1985, the Philadelphia Education Fund is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of public education throughout the Philadelphia region. For 28 years the Ed Fund has enhanced teaching and learning; supported schools and students directly to ensure young people finish their secondary education and realize post-secondary success; and advanced critical agenda and dialogue – convening key constituents to deliver pivotal outcomes on behalf of young people. The Ed Fund supports more than 15,000 students and 600 teachers in 30 schools across Philadelphia, and grants $1million per year in last dollar scholarships to send neighborhood high school students to college. Visit www.philaedfund.org.

Job Description

The Philadelphia Education Fund seeks a full-time Communications Manager to manage a well-coordinated, strategic communications plan for an educational non-profit organization with a rich history of improving the quality of public education. The primary role of the position will be todevelop and implement communications strategies in support of the Ed Fund’s priorities. The successful candidate will be creative and committed to increasing visibility across multiple media platforms with extensive knowledge and expertise in communications and graphic design. The Communications Manager will collaborate with others throughout the organization to achieve brand consistency, coordination of messages, and the highest standards for external communications. This position is responsible for coordinating organization-wide design, message, and content generation, including electronic and print communications. One of the most crucial tasks for the Manager will be the creation and ongoing management of an organization-wide communications calendar. This position will be a key team member working collaboratively to develop an integrated strategy for driving development and communications for the organization.

Responsibilities

Printed Materials

Manage the creation, production and dissemination of printed publications for Ed Fund programs and the organization at large.
Manage the creation and selection of photography and videography for print, electronic communications and events.
Support the development and execution of identity and collateral materials for major organizations initiatives ensuring brand consistency across the organization in style, quality and tone.
Create and coordinate production schedules and maintain ongoing relationships with graphic designers, mail houses, printers, photographers and videographers.
Evaluate and negotiate vendor contracts including photographers and videographers.
Create and manage the Ed Fund in-house style manual.
Electronic/New Media

Collaboratively manage and coordinate creation and update of web-content; responsible for content-related protocols to keep web site up-to-date.
Work with all staff to ensure ongoing improvement of website, including phased updates and redesigns.
Implement e-communications for donors, volunteers and general public.
Development and manage communications database and platform.
Oversee and enhance Ed Fund’s social media participation.
Actively monitor Ed Fund’s online reputation.
Media Relations

Manage development and distribution of press releases, including messaging, positioning, and writing; leading review cycles, identifying and executing distribution strategy, including via business wires and web, and maintaining relationships with trade media to directly pitch Ed Fund news to them.
Work closely with public relations firm(s) to ensure programs and events have a constant presence in media.
Maintain robust media archives.
Monitor current events and ensure quick and effective responses to breaking news and other external events.
Develop message platforms, prepare key staff for interviews, and train external spokespeople to advance advocacy priorities through personal storytelling.
Guide the strategic and consistent use of traditional and social media to support organizational events, public engagement activities and advocacy goals.
Branding

Train staff in communications to improve skills and facilitate media coverage and outreach.
Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree.
Four+ years of successful communications experience including media relations. Design experience a plus.
Excellent writing skills, supported by a strong facility in using technological tools. Must be able to represent the Ed Fund independently to various constituencies.
Strong facility with database, communications software and Microsoft Office.
Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team and with great energy and persistence. Experience working with diverse constituencies.
Proven organizational skills including the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously and produce high quality results quickly and on time.
Critical thinking, problem solving, accuracy and attention to detail.

http://www.idealist.org/view/job/TZfnfTBfTX74