What are the responsibilities and job description for the Communications Specialist position at Goodwill Northern Michigan?
The Communications Specialist helps tell the story of Goodwill Northern Michigan its mission, impact, and community programs through compelling and consistent messaging across channels. This role supports the execution of our communications strategy through organization-wide communications for internal audiences such as employees and volunteers, and external audiences including donors, shoppers, and community partners. The ideal candidate will possess strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills, along with proficiency in social media platforms and digital design tools.
Essential Functions:
Communicate the narrative of Goodwill Northern Michigan, both internally and externally,
Develop and publish content across print, digital, and multimedia platforms.
Gather and share impactful stories from programs, participants, and employees.
Maintain brand consistency and manage digital libraries.
Manage social media strategy, digital presence, and analytics tracking.
Primary Responsibilities
Support the mission and vision of Goodwill Industries of Northern Michigan.
Perform work in a safe manner by observing all Goodwill safety policies and procedures.
Interact with all Goodwill team members, clients, and customers in a professional manner.
Respect the diversity of others, including but not limited to, those with cultural, ethnic, and gender differences, individuals experiencing homelessness, and persons with visible and non-visible disabilities.
Draft, edit, and publish content for print, digital, and multimedia platforms, including newsletters, annual reports, social media, press releases, and presentations.
Gather stories from program leaders, participants, and employees to highlight impact and mission moments.
Maintain and update the organizations digital libraries (photos, videos, brand assets, and lived experience stories).
Ensure consistent brand voice and visual identity across all communications.
Create and update marketing collateral that supports fundraising, Goodwill Northern Michigan thrift stores and donation centers, program promotion, recruiting and hiring of employees, and donor stewardship.
Respond to public inquiries and FAQs across communication platforms to support community understanding.
Execute the social media strategy, including content creation, scheduling, and posting across channels.
Manage and maintain online presence (website, Google My Business, Apple listings).
Monitor analytics and track key performance indicators to inform communications strategies.
Support integrated marketing campaigns, including donation drives and retail promotions.
Assist with donor, volunteer, employee recognition and gratitude events.
Cultivate community relationships, including Chambers of Commerce and store communities.
Coordinate with independent contractors on creative and marketing projects as needed.
Collaborate with the fund development team to implement donor communications, cultivation, and stewardship strategies.
Collaborate with Human Resources on developing and executing employee-related communications as needed.
Uphold donor confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
Develop and manage communications budgets for assigned campaigns and projects.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Reports To: Chief Philanthropy Officer
Supervises: None
Education, Licenses, Certifications and Experience:
Bachelors degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or related field preferred.
2 years of professional experience in communications, preferably in a nonprofit setting.
Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
Proficiency with social media platforms, website CMS, and digital design tools. Adobe Creative Suite experience a plus.
Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholder input.
Understanding of brand management and community engagement best practices.
Physical and Other Requirements:
Works in well-lit office environment.
Routinely sits, stands, walks throughout the workday.
Routinely bends, stoops and stretches throughout the day.
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
Ability to work in-person at the Traverse City office at least two days per week in a hybrid work arrangement.
This position may occasionally require routine local travel and the ability to work a flexible schedule including early morning, evening, and weekend hours.
Essential Functions:
Communicate the narrative of Goodwill Northern Michigan, both internally and externally,
Develop and publish content across print, digital, and multimedia platforms.
Gather and share impactful stories from programs, participants, and employees.
Maintain brand consistency and manage digital libraries.
Manage social media strategy, digital presence, and analytics tracking.
Primary Responsibilities
Support the mission and vision of Goodwill Industries of Northern Michigan.
Perform work in a safe manner by observing all Goodwill safety policies and procedures.
Interact with all Goodwill team members, clients, and customers in a professional manner.
Respect the diversity of others, including but not limited to, those with cultural, ethnic, and gender differences, individuals experiencing homelessness, and persons with visible and non-visible disabilities.
Draft, edit, and publish content for print, digital, and multimedia platforms, including newsletters, annual reports, social media, press releases, and presentations.
Gather stories from program leaders, participants, and employees to highlight impact and mission moments.
Maintain and update the organizations digital libraries (photos, videos, brand assets, and lived experience stories).
Ensure consistent brand voice and visual identity across all communications.
Create and update marketing collateral that supports fundraising, Goodwill Northern Michigan thrift stores and donation centers, program promotion, recruiting and hiring of employees, and donor stewardship.
Respond to public inquiries and FAQs across communication platforms to support community understanding.
Execute the social media strategy, including content creation, scheduling, and posting across channels.
Manage and maintain online presence (website, Google My Business, Apple listings).
Monitor analytics and track key performance indicators to inform communications strategies.
Support integrated marketing campaigns, including donation drives and retail promotions.
Assist with donor, volunteer, employee recognition and gratitude events.
Cultivate community relationships, including Chambers of Commerce and store communities.
Coordinate with independent contractors on creative and marketing projects as needed.
Collaborate with the fund development team to implement donor communications, cultivation, and stewardship strategies.
Collaborate with Human Resources on developing and executing employee-related communications as needed.
Uphold donor confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
Develop and manage communications budgets for assigned campaigns and projects.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Reports To: Chief Philanthropy Officer
Supervises: None
Education, Licenses, Certifications and Experience:
Bachelors degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or related field preferred.
2 years of professional experience in communications, preferably in a nonprofit setting.
Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
Proficiency with social media platforms, website CMS, and digital design tools. Adobe Creative Suite experience a plus.
Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholder input.
Understanding of brand management and community engagement best practices.
Physical and Other Requirements:
Works in well-lit office environment.
Routinely sits, stands, walks throughout the workday.
Routinely bends, stoops and stretches throughout the day.
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
Ability to work in-person at the Traverse City office at least two days per week in a hybrid work arrangement.
This position may occasionally require routine local travel and the ability to work a flexible schedule including early morning, evening, and weekend hours.
