Now Hiring: Communications Director
OPPORTUNITY: COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Position Identification: Communications Director; Class 2 position, full time, FLSA-exempt position.
POSITION SUMMARY
Norte seeks a Communication Director. This position will develop and execute a varied and proactive communication strategy to share the Norte story to a wide audience in ways that are engaging, welcoming, and spur action. The role requires consistent communication and coordination with both the Norte staff and the community and supports our internal and external communication strategy.
NORTE'S MISSION AND VALUES
At Norte, we champion bikes and community in Northern Michigan. We do this mainly through youth bike programs and promoting active living to create happy, healthy, and strong communities.
The Communications Director will be an essential part of our mission to empower individuals to be active and engaged with their communities. This work will be guided by our values, which are integral to the success of our organization. Our core values include Health and Well-Being, Inclusivity, Community, Trust, and Respect.
RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to: Executive Director
Supervises: Outreach Coordinator
BRAND RESPONSIBILITIES
Help plan, communicate, oversee, and manage the steps and the people necessary to share the work, message, and mission of Norte Youth Cycling to a varied audience using numerous platforms.
Develop and maintain consistent brand messaging across all Norte materials.
Represent Norte at community events and media opportunities.
Build media and community relationships to attract earned media and drive positive action for Norte.
Monitor media coverage and community discussions about Norte and respond professionally.
Continually evaluate and fine-tune Norte’s style guide and core messaging.
Help create and order Norte branded merchandise, letterhead, signs etc.
COMMUNICATIONS RESPONSIBILITIES
Study and understand the history, structure, objectives, programs, impacts, and financial needs of the Norte Youth Cycling to accurately share our story.
Create an editorial/event calendar and communication strategy for internal and external communications on a yearly basis.
Implement communications strategies via Norte's distribution outlets to connect with key audiences, build Norte's image, and drive action from supporters, volunteers, and community participants.
Manage the design and content of Norte's website with an integrated strategy for storytelling and calls to action.
Maintain and elevate the Norte presence on search engines and affiliate websites. This responsibility requires a basic understanding of SEO, Google Analytics, and website structure.
Take the lead in creating visual (e.g., graphics, photography, video) and print content, including advertisements in various forms.
Produce reports to celebrate organization accomplishments and inspire donor and participant engagement such as the annual report and program reports.
Create, distribute, and analyze program survey data and then create simple reports that can be shared with Norte stakeholders and used as supporting evidence for grant requests.
As necessary, serve as a copy editor and ghostwriter for Norte's team members.
Provide strategic support, editing, writing, and branding oversight to coworkers.
Create and manage the newsletter, the subscription list, and track engagement across various platforms.
As needed, oversee and manage outside communication contractors (e.g., graphic designers, photographers).
Create letters of support for community organizations and projects as needed.
Establish relationships with media outlets.
Prepare language and messaging that could be used in an emergency.
Oversee the storage and organization of Google Drive and files.
Speak to large and small audiences, Norte stakeholders, regional news outlets etc. in a professional, informed, and engaging manner.
Prepare, distribute, and file weekly, all-staff agendas.
Ensure policies, handbooks, and manuals are consistent, current, error free, and accessible.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Help plan, communicate, oversee, and manage the steps and the people necessary to execute community events and initiatives.
Bring enthusiasm for the Norte mission and those in our region.
Contribute to the workplace culture with a collaborative, friendly, and professional work ethic.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, or related fields preferred.
7+ years of experience in writing, communications, marketing, or related fields.
3+ years of supervisory experience.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong project management skills and attention to detail.
Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external partners.
Proficient with social media and content management systems such as Squarespace.
COMPENSATION & STRUCTURE
The Communication Director position is a Class 2, full-time FLSA-exempt position with a starting annual salary of $49,000 - $54,500.
Benefits: Health insurance for the employee, 3% contribution to a 401K, paid vacation, paid holidays, paid personal health time, technology stipend, flexible work schedule.
Hours: M-F during the day plus availability to work on weeknights and weekends when necessary.
This position reports to the Executive Director.
This position oversees the Outreach Coordinator
A TYPICAL DAY AT NORTE
On a typical day, the Communication Director will work with core staff in Norte's business casual environment at the Norte offices. These include the Club House, Wheel House, and Norte Headquarters all located in or near the Grand Traverse County Civic Center Park. In-person work is expected sixty percent of the time. Some remote work is possible after a pre-approved schedule has been established. In addition, the position will include a wide variety of events and community initiatives at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center, regional trailheads, local schools, with community partners, and at Norte-sponsored outreach events.
Some evening and weekend work is required. This will be communicated prior to the event and work hours during the typical week will be flexed to accommodate this time.
Norte is an equal opportunity and an at-will employer. The above position description describes the position currently available and is not intended to be an employment contract. Norte reserves the right to modify the duties or position description. This position is located in Traverse City and is considered to be exempt.
To apply, email a resume and cover letter to jobs@norteyouthcycling.org.
