Communication Manager, Strategic Communications

The Communication Manager supports the administrative infrastructure and protocols that allow the Strategic Communications and External Affairs department to reach its strategic goals by executing a range of ongoing tasks using department systems and tools, including: electronic newsletter management, setting up, scheduling and sending eblasts, maintaining internal communication channels, supporting media relations work, content creation and project management of communication tasks for strategic events.

Reporting to the Director of External Communications, the successful Communication Manager will be a natural collaborator/team player who listens well and possesses clear communication and customer service skills that enable them to work well cross-departmentally. As a front-line worker on various communication channels, the Communication Manager will assist the Director in ongoing improvement and innovation of communication efforts at Erikson.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES

DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS-40%

Maintain cross-department email campaign schedule to ensure audiences are not fatigued with communications from Erikson

Develop email campaigns: writing content, use branded templates and make adjustments as needed, send email campaigns by target dates

Analyze campaign performance and suggest improvements

Work with Marketing staff to upgrade email templates

Ensure emails follow industry policies and best practices

• Ensure mobile-friendly email templates

Managing Audience List

• Collaborate with Raiser’s Edge manager to maintain data integrity
• Conduct regular data reconciliation to ensure audience lists are updated

Review email communications for other departments to ensure messaging is aligned with Erikson’s editorial standards.

• Proofread emails for clarity, grammar and spelling

INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS-35%

Monthly Inside Erikson employee newsletter: collect news items across the institution, write, edit and layout newsletter and send test to Director

Storytelling: Identify and write stories on faculty, staff, students and alumni for Erikson.edu and OneErikson intranet.

Create content for internal intranet and submit to Marketing for upload.

Manage the dissemination of other internal communications as needed

Maintain monthly calendar of events and upload to TV news monitors located in the Erikson building

Communication tasks related to Erikson Events:

• Assist in executing communication plans for Commencement, Annual Luncheon, Inspire Circle events and twice-yearly fundraising appeals.

Create decks in PowerPoint to support all-staff meetings

EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS-25%

Assist with Media Relations

• Researching outlets, updating media contact list,
• Creating press packets and content for eventual “newsroom” page on erikson.edu

Manage requests for Speakers Bureau

• Research opportunities for President to speak to influential audiences
• Input speaking opportunities in department tracker
• Create decks in PowerPoint to support speaking presentations

Assist in creating social media post copy

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Required: Expertise in Mail Chimp or similar platform— list management, design/template creation, scheduling, sending, troubleshooting.
• Required: Expertise in project management.
• Required: Expertise in Office 365, Zoom.
• Strong copywriting abilities along with an understanding of design principles.
• Experience in audience segmentation and targeted messaging.
• Operational Mindset: The ability to support cross-functional work by using and maintaining the communication systems and tools that support Erikson’s strategic priorities.
• Team player---must work seamlessly within Strategic Communications, and between other departments
• Detail-oriented with a focus on quality and accuracy.
• Optional: Photography/video editing skills.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA/BS degree in communications, digital marketing, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 3+ years’ work experience in a marketing, advertising, communication, or business setting.

Erikson is open to individual candidates from all backgrounds and experiences. Candidates should apply whether or not they feel that they meet all the requirements or qualifications for the position. We are looking forward to having exciting conversations with engaging candidates and will welcome your application.

Salary Range: $60,000.00 To $65,000.00 Annually