Job Abstract

The Director of Advocacy and Stakeholder Communications will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive communication strategies with a primary focus on engaging donor audiences and advocating with public stakeholders for the YMCA of Central Ohio, as an integral component of the organizations partnerships while strengthening the organizations brand and growth. They will serve as a key team member on outward-facing messaging and will work closely with senior leadership, program directors, and community partners to effectively communicate the YMCAs mission, vision, impact, and solutions. The Director will assist with strategy and focused efforts on advocacy and relationships with public and elected leaders at the local, state, and federal levels.

1. Thinks, communicates and behaves as a cause-driven leader and role model for other staff and members when it comes to desired staff behaviors; promotes youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility in all job-related functions.
2. Leads the donor and public stakeholder communications plan for the YMCA of Central Ohio: In alignment with the organizations strategic and communication plans, develops and executes communications focused on donor engagement and advocacy.
3. Identify key messages, target audiences, and communication channels to effectively promote the YMCAs programs and initiatives with donors and public stakeholders, ensuring goals are met through the development and implementation of quality communications that lead to strong partnerships and revenue growth.
4. Create and implement communication strategies to engage and retain donors, including major donors, families, corporations, and foundations. Develop compelling narratives (written and visual content creator) and impact stories that highlight the YMCAs successes and needs, driving donor interest and investment.
5. Develop materials for funding campaigns, grant stewardship and proposals, and leadership opportunities.
6. Draft business correspondence for YMCA of Central Ohios Board of Directors and YMCA executive team, as it relates to YMCAs advancement and strategic endeavors .
7. Supports relationships and partnerships with public stakeholders, including government officials, policymakers, community leaders, and advocacy groups.
8. Develop and implement advocacy campaigns to advance the YMCAs policy and funding priorities to meet our communitys growing and pressing needs.
9. Identify communications in order to deliver clear, high-quality, persuasive content leading to increased engagement, awareness, strategic partnerships and donations.
10. Creates dynamic deliverables which are consistent with our brand voice, style and tone that help convey the heart and soul of what YMCA represents in a way that resonates with audiences and stakeholders alike.
11. Ability to work effectively with diverse groups and viewpoints from all social and economic segments of the organization and community. A commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism is expected from our staff.
12. Adheres to policies related to boundaries with youth. Participates in required abuse risk management training. Reports suspicious and inappropriate behaviors. Follows mandated abuse reporting requirements.Adheres to job-specific abuse risk management responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors degree in advertising, journalism, marketing, communications, or related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Ideal candidates will have 5-10 years of professional experience in communications, business development, or advocacy, or related fields such as journalism.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful communication strategies for donor engagement and public advocacy.
• Strong organizational and project management skills. Capable of owning direction and effectively driving execution.
• Strong business maturity, professionalism, interpersonal, management leadership, analytical, and relationship building skills.
• Ability to collaborate as a team and/or work independently.
• Able to use a digital SLR and proficient in creative content software (Adobe CC, Canva)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including conceptualizing, writing, proofreading and editing original content and the ability to present to diverse audiences.
• Passionate belief in the YMCAs cause of nurturing the potential of all youth, supporting healthy living for all people and finding ways to help and support our neighbors.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups and viewpoints from all social and economic segments of the organization and community. A commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism is expected from our staff.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.