Strategic Communications & Media Director

YMCA of the USA; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of Silicon Valley is seeking a Director of Public Relations & Communications to protect and elevate the organization’s reputation through strategic communications, media relations, executive messaging, and social media oversight. This leader partners with senior leadership to ensure timely, accurate, and impact-driven communications across the association.

The role requires coordinating with Marketing Strategy, Brand & Creative Services, Development, HR, and Operations to maintain

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, or related field, or at least 5 years of experience as a communications professional.
• Background in PR, including drafting press releases, pitching media and developing long-term media relationships.
• Exceptional communication skills, including speaking and writing, with experience developing executive communications and media materials.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality with sensitive information.
• Demonstrated success building relationships with journalists and securing earned media.
• Experience serving as an organizational spokesperson and preparing executives for media interviews.
• Experience developing and executing crisis communications strategies.
• Experience with social media management and execution.
• Experience working with nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or mission-driven organizations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the YMCA's public relations strategy to increase visibility, awareness, and credibility.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and national media.
• Proactively identify and secure earned media opportunities.
• Write and distribute press releases, media advisories, fact sheets, talking points, and media kits.
• Monitor media coverage and identify opportunities to amplify positive stories.
• Track media performance and provide regular reporting on earned media results.
• Prepare executive messaging, speeches, presentations, talking points, opinion pieces, and public statements.
• Coordinate media interviews and prepare organizational spokespersons for interviews and public appearances.
• Crisis communications: develop crisis plans and response protocols; lead communications during incidents.
• Coordinate with leadership to ensure timely, accurate communication.
• Conduct crisis communication training and media preparedness for leadership.
• Develop and execute YMCA social media strategy to increase brand awareness and community engagement.
• Create and manage content across social channels; collaborate with Brand & Creative Services for visual content; monitor engagement and reputation.

Skills

Public relations

Media relations

Crisis communications

Executive communications

Social media management

Nonprofit experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, or related field

Job description

YMCA of Silicon Valley is seeking a Director of Public Relations & Communications to protect and elevate the organization’s reputation through strategic communications, media relations, executive messaging, and social media oversight. This leader partners with senior leadership to ensure timely, accurate, and impact-driven communications across the association.

The role requires coordinating with Marketing Strategy, Brand & Creative Services, Development, HR, and Operations to maintain