Public Relations and Communications Manager

YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta is seeking a Public Relations and Communications Manager to lead the association's external and internal communications. Reporting to the Vice President of Communications, you will shape strategy, manage media relations, and oversee intranet communications across branches.

You'll work with cross-functional teams to craft content, coordinate press opportunities, and ensure messaging consistency while supporting the YMCA's mission and values in the Atlanta metro

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations, or related field and 4+ years of experience OR high school diploma with 6+ years of experience in public relations or communications
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills
• Strong interpersonal communication with professional, collaborative and effective communication
• Exceptional organizational skills and detail orientation to manage multiple projects
• Experience supporting storytelling across multiple communication channels

Responsibilities

• Serve as a point of contact for local and national media
• Create & distribute media communications including press releases and advisories
• Secure, plan, and facilitate media visits and post-visit follow up
• Develop talking points and prep staff/partners for media interviews
• Day-to-day management of PR agency of record and crisis communications support
• Develop and execute internal communications plans across the organization
• Collaborate on larger YMCA marketing efforts and maintain knowledge of offerings

Skills

Press writing

Media relations

AP style

Content strategy

Project management

Internal communications

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications/marketing/journalism/public relations

High school diploma with 6+ years experience

Job description

As a thought-leader and best-in-class provider in education, wellness, youth development, and community-building, The YMCA of Metro Atlanta is one of the oldest and most essential non‑profits serving in Atlanta. Today, we’re looking for you to join us as we carry out our mission to positively impact lives and communities across the state.

At the Y, we’re an association of like‑minded people (staff, volunteers, and members), on the forefront of a movement to ensure that everyone — especially children — experience an equal opportunity to reach their full potential. In the course of a year, we provide more than 3,000 children, ages 6 weeks through Pre‑K with high‑quality literacy and STEAM‑infused learning; give 58,000 youth and teens access to sports, aquatics, day and resident camps, teen leadership development programs, and employment opportunities; provide over 200,000 members with programs, services, and facilities to enjoy connection and maintain wellness regardless of age; and engage over 25,000 volunteers and donors from across Atlanta to share in the gift of supporting their communities.

Nature And Scope

Reporting directly to the Vice President of Communications, the Public Relations and Communications Manager is responsible for the overall public relations and internal communications for the YMCA of Metro Atlanta.

Responsibilities include developing and implementing the Y’s strategy to build understanding and trust for the association for both internal and external audiences and stakeholders. As Manager, you will contribute to the creation of public relations strategies, forge relationships with local and national media, and manage tactical execution, including pitching journalists. You will also manage internal communications and the Y’s intranet to ensure timely, accurate, and aligned messaging across the association.

The ideal candidate will be equally confident in writing press releases and managing detailed media relations as developing story ideas and coordinating content across the Y’s communication channels.

RESPONSIBILITIES (including, But Not Limited To)

Media Relations, Public Relations & Crisis Communications

• Serve as a point of contact for local and national media
• Create & distribute media communications including press releases, media advisories, pitches, etc.
• Secure, plan, and facilitate media visits, remaining on-call during visits, and execute post-visit follow up
• Secure, prepare, and facilitate media opportunities and interviews
• Develop and review talking points and prep staff and partners for media interviews
• Day-to-day management & direction of PR agency of record
• Support crisis communications planning and execution as directed by Vice President of Communications

Internal Communications & Intranet

• Develop and execute internal communications plans aligned with organizational goals
• Collaborate with association teams including, but not limited to, HR, Operations, IT, Philanthropy, Social Impact, Early Learning, as well as branches to distribute key updates and resources
• Monitor intranet engagement and recommend improvements
• Manage content on the Y’s website, including the blog and media room, as well as our employee intranet

Strategy, Content & Collaboration

• Collaboration with Content & Communications Specialist, as well as marketing communications team and other internal and external partners, on story ideas and content distribution
• Assist with and collaborate on larger, strategic YMCA of Metro Atlanta marketing efforts
• Maintain active knowledge of the Y’s offerings and new developments

Reporting, Engagement & Additional Responsibilities

• On-going reporting of all earned media, showcasing PR performance with measurement analytics
• On-going reporting and optimization recommendations for employee intranet
• Represent YMCA of Metro Atlanta at local events and industry functions
• Additional administrative duties and special projects as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations, or a related field and 4+ years of experience in public relations or communications OR High school diploma with 6+ years of experience supporting social media and content operations
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofing skills
• Strong interpersonal communication skills with the ability to communicate professionally, collaboratively and effectively
• Exceptional organizational skills and detail orientation to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Superior interpersonal skills
• Expertise in AP style
• Experience with project management
• Team-oriented work style
• Experience supporting storytelling across multiple communication channels
• Experience working with creative teams, vendors, or agencies in a management role
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to follow established processes and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Commitment to the YMCA’s mission and values
• Reliable transportation for travel locally in the metro Atlanta area
• Ability to pass background and motor vehicle record checks

Preferred Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or related field of study or higher
• 6+ years of experience in public relations
• Agency experience plus

WORK ENVIRONMENT & EXPECTATIONS

• Hybrid work schedule with required in-person meetings and occasional travel to YMCA branches.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed to support scheduled content activities. This not an on-call position and after hours or weekend work would be scheduled ahead of time.

Employment and Benefits package for this job posting is offered through the YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta, Inc.

Employment Requirement

• Ability to pass a pre‑employment background check including Criminal Record check, Drug Screening, motor vehicle record (MVR) and reference check according to company policy.
• Must be legally eligible to work in the US without current or future sponsorship.

This job posting is subject to change at any time.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta offers excellent benefits and career opportunities as part of our culture of excellence. The opportunities to serve are vast, and we’re looking for like minded people, who share our values of CARING, HONESTY, RESPECT, and RESPONSIBILITY to join us and do their best work.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

Location: YMCA Leadership and Learning Center