Associate Director, Marketing and Communications

Please submit a cover letter as part of the application process.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

The Governor's Prevention Partnership (The Partnership) actively supports Connecticut's youth by focusing on preventing underage drinking and substance misuse. As the Connecticut affiliate of MENTOR, the organization plays a pivotal role in supporting youth mentoring initiatives across Connecticut. The Partnership works collaboratively with businesses, community groups, educators, and families to create safe and supportive environments for young people. Their approach is about bringing everyone together to share knowledge and resources, making sure that young people have the guidance and support they need to make healthy choices and build a promising future.

At The Partnership, we are deeply committed to our core values that prioritize the success of Connecticut’s youth. Our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion shapes every aspect of our work, ensuring that our efforts effectively meet the diverse needs of the communities we champion and serve. We stand firm in our commitment to provide inclusive and comprehensive support that guides young people toward a positive and healthy future. Our core values are the foundation of our strategic approach, influencing every decision and action we undertake in our mission to support Connecticut's youth.

SUMMARY

The Associate Director, Marketing and Communications is responsible for generating multi-channel communications strategy for all GPP initiatives for both internal and external use including media releases, articles, blogs, presentations, social media posts, development and maintenance of the organization’s website. This position also leads, develops, and implements communications and public and media relations strategies in support of youth substance use prevention and mentoring programs and services

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Meet with executives and directors on policy, planning and status; lead staff meetings in the planning of communications initiatives and develop and write communications policies; measure and report results of communication and public relations efforts
• Manage the editorial and approval process to ensure the delivery of creative content, ideas, and themes for all publications including but not limited to brochures, flyers, signage, presentations (in necessary languages), display boards, social media, newsletters, and branded promotional items.
• Manage the internal communication requests process and systems
• Ensure management and consistency of brand usage
• Proactively conducts market research to better understand target markets, segmentation, appropriate advertising/promotional techniques, and best practices to remain up to date on the latest trends.
• Manage and oversee departmental staff and vendors; manage and ensure effective and efficient control of the communication budget and tracking.
• Oversee and develop plans for critical marketing opportunities including but not limited to National Mentoring Month (January), National Prevention Week (May), Red Ribbon Week (October)
• Create and maintains annual and monthly communications plans (including calendars) across all channels in order to effectively manage daily messaging/posts and maintain engaging brand messaging.
• Support communications and event logistics for press conferences and/or other events hosted by GPP including annual Governor’s events
• Work closely with Resource Development to create compelling messages and campaigns to generate funding
• Develop and implement communications strategies to support the state and federal legislative agendas
• Respond to information requests; create and direct media events and foster/maintain relationships with key media in Connecticut; prepare co-presidents or designees with talking points or remarks
• Conduct Internal team trainings on current and evolving communications technology and processes

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND ABILITIES:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing or other closely related field.
• 5-7 years' experience in communications, journalism or public relations with strong knowledge of the Connecticut media market.
• Knowledge of best practices in media relations, public relations, and crisis communications strategies.
• Expertise in writing press releases, pitching a story, organizing media events, conducting on-camera interviews, and building working relationships with members of the media and Lottery staff.
• Ability to create compelling content for storytelling in all communication channels and mediums.
• Ability to follow detailed oral and written instructions, coordinate multiple priorities, prioritize assignments and function effectively in a fast paced environment to meet strict deadlines.
• Excellent writing and editing skills including proficiency in using of the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and SharePoint).
• Experience with photography, videography and editing.
• Ability to travel within the state of Connecticut required.
• Ability to occasionally work flexible hours, including weekends.

WORK CONTEXT

For the first 90-days the Associate Director, Marketing and Communications will work on site at the East Hartford office, 37.5 hours per week. On-site may be a combination of on-site work and work events. Thereafter, the work environment is hybrid, with a combination of remote work, on site work, and work events. Travel is statewide, primarily during the business day. Some nights, weekends, and out-of-state may be required. Work events may be required approximately 15% of the time.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The position requires sitting/standing and utilizing a computer daily, and using other office equipment such as printers, projectors, and new technology as the need arises, on an as needed basis. The position requires occasionally lifting up to twenty pounds to transport materials to and from meetings, events and trainings.