Communications Director

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Communications Director
Location: Grand Rapids
Country: United States
Deadline Date: No specific deadline indicated, apply timely.

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The American Heart Association (AHA) is a leading organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, with a mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Established over a century ago, the AHA has grown to become a trusted leader in cardiovascular and brain health, operating in numerous countries and employing thousands of individuals. The organization is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that its workforce reflects the communities it serves. The AHA is also focused on work-life harmonization, providing resources and support to its employees to help them succeed both personally and professionally.

Job Overview:
The Communications Director position at the American Heart Association in Grand Rapids is a pivotal role that involves setting and executing a comprehensive communications strategy aimed at promoting the Association's health and development priorities within the local market. This role encompasses a variety of communication channels, including earned media, social media, paid media, public service announcements, media advocacy, messaging, and storytelling. The Communications Director will collaborate closely with various teams, including development and health strategies, to craft and deliver impactful communications and marketing plans that support major fundraising events and deepen engagement with sponsors and volunteers. This full-time position offers a hybrid work schedule, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements while maintaining a strong focus on achieving the Association's goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Communications Director will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: collaborating with the Executive Director, Development Directors, and Community Impact Directors to develop and implement strategic marketing campaigns; producing and securing materials and presentations to support local revenue goals and fundraising events; planning and executing promotional campaigns for events, including brainstorming innovative ideas; working with the regional communications team to implement sponsored campaigns across various media platforms; developing scripts for events and media engagements; supervising project progress and submitting performance reports; managing budgets and prioritizing resources; ensuring adherence to branding guidelines; monitoring industry trends to inform marketing strategies; and collaborating with senior leadership to address crises or sensitive issues as they arise.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Communications Director position should possess at least three years of experience in marketing, marketing communications, or public relations. A solid understanding of strategic public relations and marketing planning is essential, along with proficiency in writing and editing for diverse audiences across various platforms. The ability to create sponsor return on investment materials, as well as skills in print and video design, including script writing and video production, are highly desirable. Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite is required, and experience in engaging communities through social media, with metrics to support strategies, is also important. Additionally, candidates should be able to lift and move large objects as necessary and be willing to travel within the assigned territory for events.

Educational Background:
While a university or college degree is preferred, it is not explicitly required. Candidates with relevant experience in nonprofit organizations or agencies will be given preference. Familiarity with AP Style writing and experience with web-based platforms such as Canva and Animoto are also advantageous.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of three years of relevant experience in marketing, marketing communications, or public relations. Experience in nonprofit settings or agency environments is preferred, as is a proven track record of engaging communities through effective communication strategies and campaigns.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is implied as a requirement for effective communication. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not explicitly stated as necessary for this position.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and offers a hybrid work schedule. The American Heart Association provides a competitive compensation package, including merit increases and incentive programs based on performance. Employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, as well as a robust retirement program with employer matching. The organization emphasizes professional development opportunities, including access to an online university and tuition assistance for further education. Employees also benefit from a minimum of 16 days of paid time off per year, increasing with seniority, and 12 paid holidays annually. The AHA is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce and workplace culture.