Communications Manager $60,000 – $65,000 a year

Big Bend Region, Inc.; Tallahassee, Northern (FL, KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental

Vision

Flexible paid time off

Retirement plan and loan forgiveness

Job summary

Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Region, Inc. (ELC) seeks a Communications Manager to lead internal and external communications, ensuring mission-focused messaging across our seven-county service region.

The role oversees media relations, public awareness campaigns, stakeholder communications, and content development to enhance visibility and community impact for children and families.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required
• At least three years of successful business writing experience (press releases, presentation materials, reports, newsletters, etc.) required
• WordPress website maintenance preferred
• Video and photography skills preferred
• Understanding of child care programs, early childhood education, social service issues, and serving low-income communities

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement communications campaigns and messaging
• Collaborate with CEO/COO to plan strategy and growth plans
• Design graphics and digital content for targeted audiences
• Analyze campaign performance and adjust strategies
• Track performance and modify plans to achieve outcomes
• Build relationships with media partners and pitch story ideas
• Develop and enforce brand standards across materials
• Oversee website functionality, hosting, and content updates
• Prepare proposals and speeches for leadership and Board
• Distribute original promotional content (press releases, advisories, emails, videos)
• Direct social media efforts across networks
• Manage communication tools (Constant Contact, Canva, JotForm, Adobe Creative, SharePoint, Website, Zoom, Newsletter)
• Collaborate with departments to identify promotional needs
• Represent ELC publicly at meetings and events
• Stay current on trends and best practices in communications
• Participate in communications calls with the Division of Early Learning
• Engage in peer review to ensure quality and consistency

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Writing

Customer service

Organization

Attention to detail

Verbal and written communication

Travel availability

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

WordPress

Microsoft Office 365

Web-based programs & databases

Canva

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

We are looking to add a talented and dedicated Communications Manager to join our team.

This position leads ELC’s internal and external communications efforts, ensuring consistent, engaging, and mission-focused messaging that strengthens community awareness and stakeholder engagement across our seven-county service region. The Communications Manager oversees media relations, public awareness campaigns, stakeholder communications, and the development of graphic and digital content to enhance ELC’s visibility, strengthen our brand, and showcase the impact of our programs and services on children and families.

Minimum Educational and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required
• At least three (3) years of successful business writing experience (i.e., press releases, presentation materials, reports, newsletters, etc.) required
• Website maintenance, specifically WordPress, preferred
• Video and photography skills, preferred
• An understanding of child care programs, early childhood education, social service issues, community action programs, and serving low-income communities

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Strong leadership skills coupled with the composure require to perform under pressure
• Excellent customer service, interpersonal, organization and attention to detail skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (365) products, web-based programs, and databases
• Ability to adapt readily to change and be available as needed
• Ability to apply knowledge and understanding of rules, regulations and ELC policies, procedures, and practices
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, including providing technical programmatic information to nontechnical audience
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout the seven-county area, as needed
• Ability to manage multiple projects, follow-through and meet deadlines
• Must exhibit a positive attitude and be an example to others in problem-solving, teamwork, interpersonal relationships, and commitment to the organization’s mission and vision

What You Will Do (Summary):

• Seek new, innovative, and creative strategies to increase internal and external awareness of key campaigns and changes in the organization including the launch of new projects, special events, and other topics of interest that promote and positively represent the organization
• Collaborates with the CEO and COO to plan the communications strategy and growth plans for the organization
• Design and implement communications campaigns, including graphic and digital designs to target specific audiences
• Analyze campaign performance and engagement metrics to inform recommendations and strategies for future programs and initiatives
• Track the performance of communication strategies implemented and come up with timely modifications to facilitate desired outcomes
• Develop relationships with media partners to include media relations and pitching story ideas
• Develop and implement policies and procedures for a communication plan on behalf of the ELC that represents, promotes, and supports the mission and vision throughout our seven-county service area
• Develop, oversee, and direct from concept to completion the brand standards for the organization including but not limited to the development of an array of digital and/or print promotional and communication materials.
• Oversee the functionality of the website, evaluate, and manage performance, facilitate hosting and server management, and develop, maintain, and update/build website content.
• Draft and present proposals for special communications and promotional initiatives, and develop speeches, presentations, and messaging materials for leadership and Board officers from concept through final delivery
• Plan, prepare, and distribute original promotional content such as media advisories, press releases, email, video content, blog advertisements, articles, executive communication, photo opportunities, and other updates as deemed appropriate
• Direct social media efforts on various social networks and other tools to facilitate effective external and internal communication
• Direct and develop ELC communication tools including Constant Contact, Canva, JotForm, Adobe Creative, SharePoint, Website, Zoom, Newsletter, Annual Report, and other approved publications
• Direct ELC photo library including acquiring appropriate usage permissions
• Collaborate with departments and units to determine promotional and communication needs
• Represent the ELC publicly at meetings and other activities to promotes and report on organization successes, milestones, new hires, initiatives, program updates, etc.
• Maintain knowledge of trends, developments, and best practices in the field of advertising and communications
• Participate in the Communications calls with Division of Early Learning
• Participate in structured peer review activities to evaluate work quality, ensure consistency, and support continuous improvement across the team

About Us:

Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Region, Inc. (ELC) is a local non-profit organization with an annual budget of $32 million. Our mission is to provide leadership and advocacy to build a community where all children are prepared for success in school.

We are guided by our core values: Positive Attitude, Accountability, Respect & Teamwork.

Position: Full-time

Salary: $60,000 – $65,000 (depending on experience)

Benefits: This is a full-time position that includes the following benefits.

• health insurance
• dental
• vision
• flexible paid time off
• retirement savings plan and loan forgiveness eligible employer
• etc.

ELC is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a team that reflects a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.

Applicants may undergo a skills assessment.