Sr. Manager, Communication and Media Relations

YMCA

  • Seattle, WA
  • $78,000-81,000 per year
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 18 days ago
Overview:Our Commitment to Equity
The Y actively promotes a culture free from bias and injustice. We are dedicated to removing institutional and systemic barriers that result in oppression and racism. We will be accountable to marginalized communities for creating equitable and sustainable environments where social justice is woven into every facet of our programs, and by caring for our communities in a culturally versatile and respectful manner.Job SummaryThe Senior Manager, Communication and Media Relations will report to leadership of the Marketing & Communication team, to implement the internal communication, executive communication, and media relations strategies for the YMCA of Greater Seattle – developed in partnership with the Associate Vice President of Marketing & Communication. In any given week, the Senior Manager may be drafting copy for an Intranet article announcing an employee event; researching Y programs and activities to add data to a leader’s event talking points; coordinating a response to a media inquiry and preparing a Y spokesperson; or building out a crisis communication plan.We are seeking a highly motivated and adaptable communicator who thrives on collaboration, creativity, and clarity. This role is ideal for a communication generalist with excellent writing and editorial judgment, familiarity with news media trends and engagement techniques, and the ability to tailor messaging for a range of stakeholders. The successful candidate will be skilled tat navigating shifting priorities and deadlines and energized by the opportunity to elevate the YMCA of Greater Seattle’s visibility and voice through thoughtful, audience-centric storytelling.This communicator will be a key connector across departments, helping ensure that our internal and external messaging reflects the Y’s mission, values, and strategic priorities. From developing executive communications and supporting media opportunities to leading content planning for internal channels, the Senior Manager will contribute to a unified narrative that builds trust, fosters engagement, and advances our commitment to equity and community well-being.Success in this role will be measured by two primary outcomes:
  • Effectively communicating and amplifying key messages that showcase the Y’s leadership in youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility – through appropriate means, including owned communication channels and media coverage.
  • Delivering clear, timely, and engaging executive and internal communication that supports employee connection, alignment, and shared purpose.
POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORKThis is a full-time position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand. Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-the-area and evening/overnight travel may be expected.What you'll get from working at The Y
  • Membership to the YMCA of Greater Seattle for you and your household
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance
  • Retirement with generous employer contributions
  • Free access to mental health resources
  • Rapidly accruing paid time off (PTO)
  • Full-time employees qualify for a 50% discount, and part-time employees qualify for a 25% discount, on eligible Childcare Services.
  • Some benefits only available to full-time staff
Hiring Range: $78,000 - 81,000 annuallyResponsibilities:Strategic communicator and media relations lead with a focus on brand reputation, executive communication, and organizational storytelling.Brand Reputation Management
  • Responsible for developing key messages about the YMCA’s signature programs and projects, including announcing partnerships, expansions, and milestones.
  • Build messaging and positioning based on research and audience feedback.
  • Support and implement the crisis communications strategy.
  • Prepare messages, FAQs, talking points, and other external & internal communication for crisis and/or emergency situations.
  • Develop guidance and resources for employees, volunteers, and members to serve as “brand ambassadors” to amplify the Y’s stories and brand reputation messages.
Storytelling and Communicating Values
  • Lead the development of impact messaging including annual reports, emails to donors, newsletters, etc.
  • Support annual philanthropic communication needs, such as fundraising luncheons.
Media Relationship Management
  • Cultivate strategic relationships with key media partners and trade outlets to support earned and paid media opportunities.
  • Write news releases and op-eds, and customize pitches to news media representatives and trade outlets.
  • Evaluate and coordinate paid media opportunities.
  • Plan and implement media at events, develop asset packages, and track/report out on coverage.
  • Coordinate responses to media inquiries by collaborating with stakeholders and leaders on messaging.
  • Facilitate media interviews with responsibility for preparing Y representatives and directing conversations to align with acceptable Y media policy guidelines.
  • Identify and prepare a team of internal experts and find opportunities to position these thought leaders in events and media.
  • Track and summarize media coverage for internal reporting.
Executive Communication
  • Support drafting internal and executive communication from the CEO/President’s Office -- including all-staff emails and social media posts.
  • Identify and pursue opportunities for op-eds, speaking events, and strategic partnerships that raise the profile of the CEO/President and other leaders.
Internal Communication
  • Support drafting messages that communicate opportunities and updates, celebrate accomplishments by programs and people, and thoughtfully promote change adoption.
  • Partner with program stakeholders to advise and/or shape effective communication on key initiatives with high visibility and/or impact.
This description is intended to outline the general nature and key responsibilities of the role. It is not an exhaustive list, and additional duties may be assigned as needed to support evolving communication priorities.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.WORK ENVIRONMENTThis job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment. Hybrid work environment with at least two days in the Downtown Association Office or from other YMCA of Greater Seattle sites (branches, camps, childcare sites, etc.), as needed.PHYSICAL DEMANDSThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies, up to 20 pounds.*Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in communication, journalism, English, or related field. Master’s preferred. Other applicable education, training, and experience, which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position will be considered.
  • 6-8 years of experience working in corporate communication or brand management roles.
  • Minimum of 2 years of media relations experience.
  • Preferred: 2+ years of experience with the YMCA, other youth-serving organizations, and/or other non-profit organizations
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to strategize and work with internal and external stakeholders. Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
  • Ability to effectively manage multiple, concurrent projects against aggressive timelines without compromising accuracy or quality
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Prefer project management experience.
  • Prefer knowledge of and previous experience with diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.).
  • Ability to speak any language in addition to English may be helpful.
You'll be a great fit for the Seattle Y if you:
  • Thrive on working in a collaborative environment.
  • Are very adaptable.
  • Have high ownership and strong work ethic.
  • Are a great problem solver who can think on your feet.
  • Truly enjoy being of service to people.
  • Like being part of a team that cares about one another as people and enjoy working together.
  • Want to know that the work you do contributes to building a better, stronger community for all.
OUR MISSIONBuilding a community where all people, especially the young, are encouraged to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body.OUR VALUES
  • Respect
  • Responsibility
  • Honesty
  • Caring
  • Passion for Excellence
YGS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and equitable work environment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by local, state, or federal law.We are a drug & alcohol-free workplace. We participate in the Federal E-Verify system.If you need assistance of any kind with the application process, reach out to

YMCA