Brand & Communications Specialist

Put your love of children and families into action with a rewarding career at Way to Grow! For over 30 years, Way to Grow, Inc. (WTG) has been one of the preeminent early learning programs in the Twin Cities. We focus on the most important stages of life — from prenatal to third grade and parenting. Our program, Great by Eight, centers around the vision that every child is born healthy, stays healthy, and has an equal opportunity to succeed in school and life. Through our in-home and center-based programming, we help parents create a learning environment in the home as they become their child’s first and most important teachers.

The Brand and Communications Specialist will play a pivotal role in shaping and implementing Way to Grow's visual identity across all communication channels. This position requires a highly creative individual with strong design skills who can translate the organization's mission into compelling visuals, graphics, and multimedia content. The Brand and Communications Specialist will play an important role in developing, executing, and managing brand communication strategies, engaging with target audiences through various channels, including digital platforms, media, and events to support the organization's mission.

Essential Job Functions

Graphic Design and Content Creation

• Manage Way to Grow’s brand identity and design standards to ensure consistency across all platforms and materials
• Develop branded templates for internal and external communications (e.g., reports, presentations, flyers, and digital assets) to ensure all materials reflect the brand's mission and voice
• Design eye-catching and engaging content for digital and print formats, including social media posts, email newsletters, brochures, event materials, and advertisements
• Produce high-quality, visually appealing infographics, illustrations, and other graphical content that communicates Way to Grow’s programming and impact

Digital Marketing & Social Media

• Manage and grow the nonprofit's presence across social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and others
• Develop and execute social media campaigns to increase engagement, drive awareness, and promote key initiatives and events
• Monitor and report on social media analytics, adjusting strategies to optimize performance

Print & Digital Communications

• Design print and digital materials including direct mail, e-newsletters, blog materials, reports and presentation communications ensuring brand consistency
• Project manage larger branded projects including Annual Report and Annual Appeal
• Maintain Way to Grow’s website ensuring high impact visuals and stories reflect brand’s identity
• Coordinate with vendors for print production and ensure high-quality standards are met

Internal Communications

• Work closely with internal teams to understand design needs and ensure cohesive messaging across all departments
• Support staff and volunteers with messaging and tools to communicate the nonprofit’s impact and initiatives

Events and Promotions

• Support planning and logistics for annual Spring and Fall fundraisers
• Assist in development of communication campaigns and printed content to increase engagement and event attendance
• Create and manage event branding through print and digital materials
• Assist in coordination of smaller events throughout the year

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with diverse teams and external partners
• Passionate about the nonprofit sector and making a positive social impact
• Strong understanding of nonprofit branding, messaging, and engagement strategies
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, with a strong portfolio showcasing design skills, including graphic design, branding, digital content creation, and multimedia
• Thorough knowledge and experience with social media platforms and Microsoft products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)
• Proficiency in digital marketing tools, social media platforms, and analytics
• Familiarity with video editing software (Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, etc.), with photography and/or video editing experience preferred
• Experience in web design a plus

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communications, marketing or a related field

Experience

• 2 years of experience in design and communications, with a focus on brand management, digital design, or creative content creation

Physical Demands

• The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that are necessary for 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 regularly required to: sit for long periods of time, standing; walking; using hands to finger, handle, or feel; reaching with hands and arms; climbing or balancing; stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling; and talking, hearing abilities, and vision abilities. The employee must have the capacity to lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.
• Employee must be able to work in noisy and crowded environments.
• Employee is required to travel to multiple locations within the service area.

Way to Grow, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation/gender identity, creed, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, local human right commission activity, or on the basis on any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law for applicants/employees within jurisdiction of such law.

To apply, please send resume to Sara Brandt at sbrandt@mplswaytogrow.org

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $27.40 - $28.85 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person