Director of Marketing and Communications

Director of Marketing and Communications

Reports to: Executive Director

Status: Exempt Schedule: 40 hours per week

Pay scale: $58-62,000

The Organization: Better Basics is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization advancing children’s reading and mathematics literacy. Better Basics works to eradicate illiteracy among children in Central Alabama by delivering reading and math instruction and resources to empower the educationally vulnerable.

Position Summary: The Director of Marketing and Communications is responsible for developing and implementing marketing, communications and public relations initiatives to enhance Better Basics’ image with internal and external stakeholders. The Director works closely with the Executive Director, Director of Development, Director of Programs, and the Marketing Committee of the Board of Directors to develop materials that advance the organization’s work. The Director of Marketing and Communications is a member of the Leadership Team, reports to the Executive Director and is not currently responsible for supervising other staff.

Qualifications and Requirements

● A bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience in marketing, communications, public relations or a related field

● Minimum of 5 to 7 years of experience in marketing or communications roles with a strong focus on messaging and branding; nonprofit experience is a plus

● Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills

● Exceptional organizational skills, ability to multitask, make decisions and take initiative

● Knowledge of and passion for the organization's programs, mission and brand identity

● Experience incorporating media outlets into a marketing plan and familiarity with key local, regional and national media

● Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule including some nights, weekends and holidays

● Ability to work on-site; this position can include some remote work but at least three days per week in the office are required

● Familiarity with (or the ability to learn) SEO and Google Analytics including the ability to set goals and execute projects that will improve online presence and visibility is a plus

● Mastery of AP Style or mastery of another style guide and familiarity with AP Style

● Experience in social media, content creation and graphic design

● Experience in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and Canva *Starting salary for this position is commensurate with the selected candidate’s background and experience.

BETTER BASICS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Responsibilities:

● Develop, implement and oversee a comprehensive internal and external marketing and communications plan that aligns with Better Basics’ mission, vision and values, with a focus on brand narratives, messaging and public relations strategies

● Manage all aspects of Better Basics brand, ensuring consistency across platforms, including print publications, website, email and social media

● Direct and oversee website updates; lead any re-design or development of the website

● Lead social media strategy, delivering appealing content to increase awareness, engage users and create interactive relationships ○ Utilize analytics to drive social media strategy

● Lead strategic messaging, development of promotional materials and cross-departmental coordination for a unified and compelling brand voice, amplifying Better Basics’ overall image and impact. Collateral may include:

• Annual impact report
• Funder and community presentations
• Other sponsorship and fundraising material
• Quarterly newsletter and targeted emails
• Promotional brand items
• Program content for other platforms
• Articles, speeches, and other storytelling vehicles
• Videography and photography

● Serve as staff partner for the Better Basics’ Junior Board

● Develop, monitor, and evaluate budgets for marketing and public relations

● Meet regularly with the Better Basics Leadership Team to actively formulate a strategy for designated promotions ● In collaboration with the Executive Director, facilitate the development and implementation of a formal crisis communication plan

● Monitor national philanthropy and marketing trends bringing fresh ideas to the organization.

● Represent Better Basics when needed at community events and initiatives

● Develop robust mechanisms for measuring the effectiveness of branding, messaging and overall communications programs, refining strategies based on data-driven insights

● Other duties as assigned