Communications Manager

The Communications Manager is responsible for oversight of the communications team, the development of effective strategic communication plans, and for the creative development and implementation of communications to achieve corporate and department objectives and provide outstanding customer service to participants, Wisconsin Education Association Council members, school districts, union leaders, and internal staff.

The Communications Manager works to ensure messages are consistent with the overall brand and meet company standards to maintain and promote a positive image on behalf of the organization.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

40% — Assist in defining, prioritizing, and implementing effective strategic communication plans that aid in meeting the organization’s mission, goals, and objectives.

• Collaborate with departmental management and cross functional teams on long-term communications strategy, content, and delivery, and the operating budgets to carryout those plans. 
• Develop and manage the Member Benefits brand and ensure alignment across all areas of the organization and product platforms. 
• Leverage member feedback and current trends related to the industry, marketing, and technology to ensure communication plans are innovative, relevant, and effective. 
• Oversee the usage of the organization’s customer relationship management system and its continued development. 
• Assess and measure the effectiveness of communications and the developed communications plan.

30% — Educate key audiences through the planning, development, production, and dissemination ofeffective, relevant, creative, accurate, and compelling communications, advertising, public relations, and marketing materials about the products and services offered by Member Benefits as follows:

• Work collaboratively to create clear and accurate educational content for a variety of communication channels including publications, print, online, video, or face-to-face communication tactics. 
• Use appropriate software, online services, and applications to create and distribute communications directed to and designed for targeted audiences that meet the strategic goals and objectives of Member Benefits. 
• Work closely with internal staff and external vendors to coordinate the production and distribution of communications. 
• Oversee the creation and management of public relations functions. 
• Create and implement communication plans and maintain a comprehensive communications calendar for Web content, news, advertising, and social media. 
• Ensure effective vendor management by creating requests for proposals, negotiating fee agreements, reviewing contracts, assessing vendor effectiveness, and monitoring performance. 
• Utilize current and new technologies to maintain monthly Web analytic reports and assess the effectiveness of these communications, as well as assist in investigating and implementing new digital advertising opportunities. 
• Maintain organization’s social media sites including Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn and manage Web site development and maintenance.

15% — Assist staff to ensure all written communications to customers are consistent with Member Benefits’ mission and goals, practices and intent, and regulatory requirements as follows:

• Review and provide feedback on the content and layout of letters, articles, and other communications. 
• Provide strategic guidance for communication opportunities that enhance the member service experience and reinforce the Member Benefits brand.

15% — Provide competent, effective management and development of two professional staff and one represented staff who:

• Educate relevant publics through the planning, development, production, and dissemination of effective, relevant, creative, accurate, and compelling communications, advertising, and marketing materials about the products and services offered by Member Benefits.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Minimum of 7 years of related work experience 
• Respect for the value of public education, labor unions, and cooperative insurance programs. 
• Commitment to excellence in member service and all Member Benefits values. 
• Occasional travel may be required. A valid Wisconsin driver’s license and satisfactory driving record. 
• Ability to lead others to achieve desired results. 
• Respectful disposition of all dealings with employees, participants, vendors, and others that promote teamwork, engagement, and a pleasant work environment. 
• Knowledge and familiarity with content marketing strategies. 
• Proven excellent written communication skills using appropriate tone, grammar, and word usage to clearly and concisely explain complex ideas in a manner that: a) Communicates messages consistent with Member Benefits’ policy, plans, and provisions, b) Is easily understood by various audiences, c) And motivates recipient to take specified actions. 
• Excellent verbal communication skills, including the ability to effectively and persuasively communicate with individuals and groups and the ability to listen effectively. 
• Strong dedication to customer service; the ability to remain flexible and adaptable to meet the demands of internal clients and demonstrate enthusiasm and passion for their business. 
• Ability to define, prioritize, and implement effective strategic communication plans. 
• Ability to multitask, and maintain high performance under pressure in a dynamic, fast paced environment. 
• Ability to edit written communications for clarity and conciseness, and to provide counsel to the Member Benefits’ staff on their specific written communication projects. 
• Ability to perform market research and analytics. 
• A talent for creative thinking and problem solving. 
• Ability to follow critical business processes to ensure quality and timely execution of initiatives. 
• Ability and willingness to work nontraditional business hours as needed to meet deadlines or facilitate and attend off-site conferences.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, or related field. 
• Previous supervisory experience.

WEA Member Benefits offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Health, dental, vision, disability, long-term care, and life insurance
• Company-paid holidays
• Paid time off for vacation, illness, and personal time
• Retirement plan with employer contributions
• Competitive pay
• Training opportunities

Other employee services/benefits:

• Employee recognition program
• Employee assistance program
• Employee matching gift program
• Volunteer time off program
• Free parking
• Vending area
• On-site exercise room with showers
• Near Capital City bike path
• Option to purchase auto and home insurance and open an IRA with the added convenience of payroll deduction