Director of Marketing and Communications

Schedule: Full Time, typically Monday-Friday with occasional evenings and weekends for media 
Pay: $65000 - $75000

Benefits: Approximate benefits package value: $23,000+

• Low-cost medical, dental, and vision coverage. Health savings account. 403b retirement plan with employer match (50% match up to 3%).
• Employee Assistance Program for all employees.
• 33 paid days off: 11 observed paid holidays, 12 sick days, and 10 vacation days to start. Vacation increases to 12 days after 1 year, 15 days after 2 years, and more at 5 and 9 years of service.
  • Sick and vacation time accrue hourly per pay period.
• $50,000 in employer-paid life insurance; additional coverage available.
• $1,200 annual employer contribution to your Health Savings Account (paid quarterly).
• Employee Referral Program including cash bonuses and paid time off.

Volunteers of America, Utah provides community-supported paths for those who are vulnerable to improve their lives and increase their self-reliance. In alignment with our mission, VOA Utah encourages individuals with lived experience to apply. We recognize that a person’s life experiences can provide firsthand knowledge relevant to being successful in the work that we do.

The Marketing and Communications Director is a crucial leader within VOA Utah's External Relations team, overseeing brand management, strategic marketing and communications strategies, and press and media relations. In addition, this role plays an integral part in fundraising efforts, special event planning, volunteer engagement, and donor acquisition and retention. 

The Director will lead our agency's communications, public relations, and advocacy efforts, aligned with VOAUT's mission and strategic plan. Leveraging the power of creative storytelling and crafting compelling narratives, they will drive initiatives to generate widespread awareness and passionate support for our programs and services across various media and distribution channels.

This role reports to the Chief Development Officer and collaborates with various stakeholders, including the senior management team and Division/Department Directors.

Essential Duties

• Align marketing and communications strategies with VOA Utah's mission and execute internal and external communications to create momentum and awareness for the organization, programs, and fundraising events. Ensure consistent brand management and messaging.
• Tell compelling stories that engage and increase brand awareness and recognition among donors, staff, volunteers, clients, and the community.
• Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with the media, developing and pitching newsworthy stories on VOA Utah initiatives, programs, partnerships, and events. Coordinate media opportunities with staff and clients.
• Write and edit various communications materials and content, including press releases, grants, sponsor proposals, programs, award nominations, speeches, and presentations.
• Conduct research and analysis to identify competitive advantages, recommend product, service, and policy changes, and stay current with market conditions and trends.
• Oversee website and social media platforms, ensuring regular posting of accurate, relevant, and compelling information to enhance business effectiveness.
• Manage a group of two coordinators, actively mentoring and building their skill sets. 
• Work on special projects as assigned.

Secondary Duties

• Identify tools and trends to enhance communication and marketing practices.
• Manage VOA's presentation (speaker's bureau) request process.
• Support development efforts to cultivate and build donor relationships.
• Represent VOA Utah at community and networking events as needed.
• Uphold and practice VOA's mission, vision, and messaging throughout the organization.
• Monitor legislative, policy, and political activities and provide strategic advice on their impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, marketing, public relations, or equivalent experience.
• Five or more years of experience in communication, marketing, and public relations, preferably in a non-profit organization.
• Demonstrated expertise in multi-channel communications campaigns.
• Established working relationships with professional media associations and individuals, with knowledge of Salt Lake City area media a plus.
• Proficiency in Office 365, email management programs, graphics presentation programs, Adobe Suite, website development, and all aspects of social media.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong writing and proofreading abilities.
• Effective project management skills with the ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines.
• High level of professionalism and ethical standards for handling confidential information.
• Valid driver's license is required (must be at least 21 and insurable through VOAUT's auto insurance).
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 20 pounds.
• Comfortable working in various environments, including program facilities, trade shows, events, and outdoor areas with varying noise, temperatures, and terrain.

Submit your resume on the career page of our website: www.voaut.org/careers

Volunteers of America, Utah is committed to creating a diverse environment, where all people feel valued, have the opportunity to do their personal best and where leadership development is fostered. The organization is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All employment decisions are based on business needs without regard to race, ethnicity, skin color, nationality, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, mental and developmental abilities, physical ability or religious belief. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.