Sr. Communication Associate, Start Early Washington

Start Early (formerly known as the Ounce) is an energized, future-focused organization devoted to providing quality early learning and care across the country.

Our desire to close the opportunity gap and build more equitable early learning experiences for our youngest learners guides everything we do. As a leader in early learning and care, we scale our deep expertise across program, policy and research through partnerships across the country.

We are recruiting individuals who want to join us in this mission and share a commitment to our core values of appreciation & respect, empowerment, diversity, excellence, learning and communication.

Become part of our rewarding, mission-driven culture! We want our employees to feel empowered, motivated, energized, and passionate about the work they do!

This position supports implementation of strategic internal, external communications and marketing efforts to drive external awareness and engagement with potential supporters and people working in early childhood and related fields. This position works across Start Early Washington teams including Policy and Advocacy, and Program teams, and includes coordination and collaboration with Start Early national Marketing and Communications team. Additionally, this role supports some Development efforts for Start Early Washington.

Reporting to the Asst. Director Development & Communications, This position will support the following components of our work at Start Early Washington (SEWA): Internal and External Communications, Digital marketing in partnership with the National Communication and Marketing team, and Development Support.

Internal and External Communications:

In partnership with Asst. Director of Development & Communication ensure consistent and audience-appropriate messaging across all internal and external communication channels including:

• Building and maintaining brand awareness
• Execute integrated stakeholder engagement strategy to expand SEWA’s reach and influence in early learning and care field with practitioners, policymakers, advocates and potential funders
• Coordinate content generation and website support with internal Start Early teams
• Update web content and create/coordinate new landing pages for blog posts, event pages, donation forms, other as needed in partnership with national Mar-Comm team leads
• Support and maintain Policy content online and on SEWA web pages including policy documents, weekly Bill Tracker, and Notes from Olympia e-newsletter and blog posts in a responsive and timely manner
• Provide content development support (writing blog posts, newsletter content and other web copy as needed) Follow SEO best practices when developing new web content
• Maintain website assets including Policy documents, Home Visiting and SEWA content
  
  

Marketing:

• In partnership with national Digital team, manage day-to-day support of social media channels – including developing social copy, creating social graphics, posting, community management and tracking and measurement.
• Responsible for maintaining SEWA social media calendar in partnership with nationalteam calendar
• Lead execution of SEWA emails in Marketing Cloud, building and testing sends and reporting out on performance. Oversee email calendar and partner cross-functionally to maintain proper spacing for sends by WA and national audience (Funder Newsletter, WA Newsletter, Notes from Olympia, etc.)
• Support the maintenance of brand assets and help with internal socialization of new materials (visual guide, branded templates, images, etc.). Serve as SEWA’s HomeRoom intranet content manager
• Develop new SEWA digital creative and other marketing materials as needed for campaigns (website graphics, external creative, etc.). Project manage campaign asset development (develop timelines, identify external support if needed, route for feedback, etc.)
  
  

Development:

• Provide support for new grant proposals (draft development, donor research)
• Provide support for annual Funder reports
• In partnership with Asst. Director of Development & Communications provide prospect research (including funding history, timeline for submittals, etc.)
• Provide support for funder communication, future campaign development and support including some writing, layout and design and e-marketing.
  
  

General Team Responsibilities:

• Contribute to collaborative, supportive and cross-team culture
• Support quarterly retreats and team building
  
  

Capabilities:

• Exhibit independent decision making skills; ability to manage projects from inception through completion
• Self-starter that takes initiative and can work independently
• Strong analytical skills, ability to resource information and problem solve
• Ability to communicate clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles
• Ability to provide informed Communications recommendations based on current and technology and trends
• Ability to scope, schedule, execute, and measure and evaluate results
• Adaptability to ambiguity and facility for change management
  
  

Qualifications:

• Must live in WA/be willing to relocate to WA
• BA/BS in Marketing, Communications major preferred or equivalent experience
• Marketing Cloud (formerly ExactTarget) or similar email marketing platform, WordPress, GA4, Adobe Suite (proficiency required), Canva, SmartSheet, AirTable, Google Tag Manager, Cision, UTM tracking, SEO experience
• Experience Preferred: Salesforce or donor mgmt CRM, Zoom Webinars and virtual meetings/ Events experience
• Strong organizational skills and project management skills
• Strong writing skills including digital content and Blog experience
• Understanding of digital marketing concepts, strategies, and execution best practices
• 5 years experience in digital execution
• Familiarity with content management systems; WordPress experience preferred
• Familiarity with email marketing systems and building and executing emails
• Executing social media posts across channels (Twitter/X) and community management
• Strong working knowledge of graphic design tools (Adobe Suite)
• Knowledge of early childhood and social service programs, research, policy issues and/or nonprofit organizational issues a plus
• Content marketing campaign experience
• Familiarity with Development and Grant Writing, grants management a plus
• Experience with Zoom webinars, sessions, or events a plus
• Comfort with working in an ‘all remote team
• Deep commitment in advancing diversity, racial equity, and inclusion into organizational routines and practice
• Effectively establish and maintain effective relationships with customers and gain their trust and respect
• Comfort and experience in handling risk and uncertainty to move work forward
  
  

We recognize that few candidates might meet every single piece of knowledge, experience, or education listed here. Research shows that women and people of color, among many other historically excluded groups, are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. Start Early is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your qualifications don’t perfectly align with everything in the job description, we still encourage you to apply!

Base Annual Salary: $67,125 - $75,000

We believe that all employees should be paid fairly and equitably. As of the time of this posting, this is the expected base annual salary range. The base annual salary will be based on a wide range of factors, including skills, qualifications, experience, as well as business needs and limitations.

Our generous benefits plan includes:

Comprehensive Health Plans, Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, Holistic Wellness Program, Professional Development Program, 401k Contribution, Paid Volunteer Days, 6 months paid parental leave, and much more.

Start Early is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to our core values by creating an inclusive environment for all staff.