The Events & Communications Manager will plan and execute meaningful and effective Community Foundation events and provide general communications support to attract and deepen relationships with current & potential donors, professional advisors, nonprofit organizations and civic leaders…….see complete job description below
Events & Communications Manager
Title: Events & Communications Manager
Reports To: Vice President, Communications
Status: Regular, Full-time, Exempt
POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Events & Communications Manager will plan and execute meaningful and effective Community Foundation events and provide general communications support to attract and deepen relationships with current & potential donors, professional advisors, nonprofit organizations and civic leaders. This position will play a meaningful role in connecting constituents to our main areas of community concern such as increasing literacy, ensuring racial equity, providing access to higher education and ending childhood lead poisoning.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Event Planning – Sets the pace and standard for event excellence. Includes working in collaboration with colleagues or teams, including affiliate funds, to design effective in-person, hybrid and virtual events that attract and motivate our partners to engage with our mission; maintaining an event calendar and working with staff to set major milestones; tracking project timelines; ensuring expenses fall within event budgets; leveraging technology to streamline effectiveness; and building strong relationships with vendors and event locations.
- Event Execution – Promotes and carries out events that are meaningful and rewarding for those in attendance. Includes producing and distributing print and electronic invitations; promoting events on social media and the Community Foundation website; maintaining online registration; serving as a liaison between staff and outside vendors to firm details such as set-up, food and beverage orders and AV requirements; designing and printing signage and/or handouts; purchasing and setting up decorations, gifts or favors; preparing nametags; coordinating logistics on the day of the event such as onsite or offsite set-up of registration, audio/visual or decorations; taking photos at all events and maintain online photo albums; and writing scripts and handling technology during virtual events.
- Collateral Design and Inventory – Maintains a library of brochures, handbooks and corporate identity stationary that assists staff members in communicating about Community Foundation benefits and support. Includes designing layouts; coordinating with staff for copywriting and editing; overseeing printing and delivery; tracking and reordering print inventory; and maintaining a digital catalogue for staff access.
- Website Maintenance – Maintain the Community Foundation’s online presence with timely updates to content on cnycf.org, sayyessyracuse.org, cnyvitals.org and any additional organizational sites. Includes upkeep of annual update plan; coordination of staff and board photos; timely additions to evolving content including additions and changes to online fund and scholarship search tools; and buildout and maintenance of online forms and giving pages.
- Email Communications – Assist the Development and Community Investment departments with timely electronic communications about grant deadlines, events or other important announcements. Involves design and distribution of email announcements and social media promotions.
- Storytelling – Express the Community Foundation value proposition through exceptional and vivid storytelling. Includes identifying story ideas with team members; conducting interviews; collecting photos and release forms; coordinating reviews; and distributing stories through online channels.
- Communications Support – Provide general communications, public relations and marketing support toward the implementation of publicity campaigns. Includes coordinating with and providing marketing support to the Community Foundation’s affiliate funds in the form of event promotions, public relations, collateral pieces, email announcements and other communications; writing and distributing social media announcements and press releases; ordering promotional items and maintaining their inventory; maintaining advertising contracts with external vendors; assisting with the design and placement of print advertisements; and contributing to the development of the department’s strategic plan.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Deep interest in and commitment to the Central New York area, its people and their concerns
- Commitment to be guided in all work by the vision of diversity, equity and inclusion that has been established by our staff and board.
- Minimum of three years of relevant work experience required
- Computer proficiency including knowledge of Microsoft Office, and a willingness to learn all appropriate Community Foundation software
- Familiarity with Adobe Suite publishing software and social media management a plus
- Project management experience a plus
- Excellent analytical, organizational and communication skills
- Superior attention to detail
- Ability to organize and prioritize work and manage multiple priorities simultaneously
TIME REQUIREMENT: This is a full-time, exempt position requiring 37.5 hours per week. Work hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with some flexibility. Occasionally, early, late or weekend hours are required for executing events onsite and offsite.
BENEFITS: Salary range starts at $50,000. Employee benefits include health insurance, annual vacation and sick days, 12 paid holidays, term life insurance, additional disability insurance, parking, 401(k) retirement savings program with employer contribution and match, optional flex spending accounts for medical or dependent care expenses and other benefits as outlined in the employee handbook.
HOW TO APPLY: Please send a letter of interest and resume to careers@cnycf.org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
