Communications Manager

The YMCA of Snohomish County provides jobs and careers with a cause. Every day, the Y makes a lasting impression in our communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Our unique work environment constantly changes to adapt to the needs of our communities. We are a non-profit, in the people business. This means that we help members meet a fitness or ability goal, see that children thrive in our child care programs, encourage family togetherness, and give youth an opportunity to learn life skills through water safety, sports, and teen programming.

Our Commitment to Inclusion:
The Y is made up of people of all ages and from every walk of life, working side by side to strengthen communities. Together we work to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, ideology, income, national origin, race or sexual orientation, has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity. Our core values are caring, honesty, respect and responsibility—they guide everything we do.

We look forward to having you on our YMCA team!
*The YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer that celebrates diversity at all levels of our organization!

Position Summary:

Be a storyteller and steward of the YMCA’s brand, shaping how we connect with our community – crafting impactful messages that reflect our values and bring our mission to life. Write for a variety of audiences, from families in our programs to staff and stakeholders, ensuring every word embodies the Y’s commitment to achievement, belonging, and friendship.

Exceptional writing skills are essential. This role requires clear, compelling communication that highlight’s the Y’s impact and fosters a sense of community.

Essential Functions:  

External Communications. Elevate the Y’s presence in Snohomish County.

• Maintain awareness of the Y’s programs, membership and fundraising initiatives, community engagement efforts, and organizational priorities.
• Help lead message framing exercises, determining the language, tone, and positioning needed to execute clear and consistent messaging strategies.
• Build and maintain connections with regional and local news and media contacts.
• Draft and distribute press releases and media communications, fielding questions, inquiries, and interview requests as necessary.
• Coordinate with Marketing staff to ensure customer and community facing content aligns with overall communications strategy.
• Assist Association departments (Human Resources, President’s Office, etc.) to create and execute external communication plans.

Internal Communications. Help shape how we communicate to internal stakeholders.

• Support the creation of communication plans, communication guidelines, style guides, and other types of documentation that provide staff with critical information and key messages in a timely manner.
• Draft communications on behalf of organization leadership.
• Support other internal communications efforts as needed, including but not limited to internal newsletters or updates, training materials and guidelines, staff messages, and internal messaging templates.

Impact Communications. Support the engagement and stewardship of YMCA volunteers, donors, and stakeholders.

• Partner with Office of Financial Development (OFD) to craft internal and external communication plans relating to financial development efforts, including but not limited to the Community Campaign, events, micro fundraising campaigns, and on-going stewardship of the Y’s supporters.
• Support the drafting, editing, and distribution of written impact materials.

Crisis Communications. Support the Y’s response to potential incidents or emergencies.

• Help execute elements of the Crisis Communication Plan relating to media communications, record retention, and post-crisis assessments.
• Monitor and analyze developments that could impact the Y, assessing the potential risks and impacts.
• Monitor and analyze the organization's reputation and public perception during a crisis, and develop strategies to address any negative impact on the organization's image or credibility.