Communications Manager

[sthou...@gmail.com]

Communications Manager

Alexandria, VA | Financial Services Trade Association

 

    Industry:  Financial Services

    Position Type:  Full-Time

    Functions:  Public relations, social and digital media, marketing

    Experience:  3-5 years

 

JOB DESCRIPTION

 

A high profile national trade association serving a niche segment of the consumer lending market is seeking an individual who is an essential part of the communications team.  The Communications Manager will be responsible for drafting releases and statements for proactive stories and will manage the rapid response process.  More importantly, the Manager will design, produce, update, and disseminate web-based, multimedia news and marketing pieces and content for the Association’s website, e-blasts, and social media channels to maintain and enhance its online presence.

The Manager will work to maximize the benefits of online media channels and technology in advancing the Association’s communication goals, working collaboratively with staff to effectively reach target audiences with priority messages through the Association’s website, email communications, and social media. The Manager will coordinate the use of online and digital media channels in a complementary role to other aspects of a comprehensive communications plan, and propose new digital technology as it complements the Association’s overall communications strategy. He/she will create, edit, and collaborate on the design and production of a broad range of web and electronic communications content.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

The Manager works with the Director of Communications and other staff to:

• Write and edit press releases, news statements, op-eds and other media materials as needed.
• Serve as primary online content producer and editor, with responsibility for ensuring that the Association’s website meets high standards of editorial quality, accuracy, relevance, readability, user experience, and search engine optimization.
• Create and distribute the Association’s regular membership emails and other communications e-blasts and announcements as needed.
• Assist with creating and disseminating content related to financial services and consumer lending policy and research on social media channels, and follow online conversations that may be of interest to the Association.
• Attend and live-tweet events as needed.
• Generate data and analytics reports as requested for the Association’s website, campaigns, and social media platforms.
• Design basic graphics for website, e-blasts, and social media.
• Develop web videos using basic video and audio editing skills.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field from a four-year college or university required. Relevant fields include journalism, communications, public relations, English, marketing, mass media, or a branch of financial services or public policy with relevant experience in communications. Proficient in Microsoft Office. Knowledge of financial services and consumer lending is a plus.

Other desired qualifications include:

• Three years experience as a press secretary or deputy press secretary on Capitol Hill or in a political campaign, with strong skills as a social media specialist, writer, or in a similar role in a financial services, policy, or journalism organization.
• Familiarity with Google Analytics, Adwords, and Webmasters.
• Experience writing web-based multimedia news stories, blog posts, and/or marketing content.
• Experience helping to manage an organization’s presence on the web and social media (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, YouTube).
• Demonstrated experience with online communication channels and digital media, and strong understanding of their complementary role in larger, comprehensive communications planning.
• Excellent collaboration skills, particularly in soliciting and incorporating critique and feedback from multiple stakeholders. The candidate must work collaboratively with others, in groups large and small, as well as independently.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please submit your resume and a cover letter to Susan at sth...@cfsaa.com.

Applications will be reviewed and telephone interviews will be conducted with selected candidates before finalists are invited for on-site interviews.