Jefferson County Greenways Foundation Communications Manager Birmingham, AL · Pinson, AL · Birmingham, AL · Remote · Full time

The Communications Manager will play a pivotal role in shaping and implementing the communications strategy for the Jefferson County Greenways. This position will focus on enhancing internal understanding of the organization, promoting park initiatives, and strengthening community engagement through various media channels. Responsibilities include coordination of external communications with public and private stakeholders and community partners, public relation efforts, and digital media management. The Communications Manager will report directly to the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer and work closely with the development, membership, and program teams.

Description

Organization Overview:

The Jefferson County Greenways Foundation is one half of a public-private partnership comprising the Jefferson County Greenways Foundation and Commission. The Commission and Foundation oversee the operations, maintenance, and programs of Ruffner Mountain, Red Mountain Park, and Turkey Creek Nature Preserve. 

Ruffner Mountain, Red Mountain Park, and Turkey Creek Nature Preserve are the three largest green spaces in Jefferson County, collectively covering over 3,000 acres of protected forests and waterways and attracting more than 300,000 visitors annually. These natural areas play a critical role in preserving habitats for native plants and animals, fostering connections between communities and nature, and preserving Birmingham’s industrial history. 

Position Summary:

The Communications Manager will play a pivotal role in shaping and implementing the communications strategy for the Jefferson County Greenways. This position will focus on enhancing internal understanding of the organization, promoting park initiatives, and strengthening community engagement through various media channels. Responsibilities include coordination of external communications with public and private stakeholders and community partners, public relation efforts, and digital media management. The Communications Manager will report directly to the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer and work closely with the development, membership, and program teams.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Strategize communications to reach a diverse range of audiences, from community groups who visit our parks, neighbors of our greenspaces, government officials, large donors, and other key stakeholders
  • Build an organizational communications strategy that includes:
  • Standards for external communications, including newsletters, social media, press releases, press relations, and organizational messaging
  • Support collateral for organizational goals such as fundraising, programs, memberships, and community partnerships
  • Organizational print and digital collateral
  • Advertising and strategic promotion pieces
  • Work closely with Leadership, Development, Membership, and Programs staff to build strong, cohesive communications pieces for targeted initiatives throughout the year
  • Draft presentations, proposals, and visual media for staff use
  • Develop support materials as needed to present to board and commission members and other key stakeholders
  • Campaign development: strategize with development and create media campaigns for the annual end-of-year campaign; strategize with development to create media campaigns for long-term major projects.
  • Standardize promotion of program-related events and partnerships through monthly newsletters, quarterly program posters, and ad-hoc social media posts. Highlight program initiatives and partnerships through creative storytelling and other media.
  • Content Creation: Develop and manage engaging content for websites, social media platforms, email newsletters, and other digital communication outlets.
  • Seeks out and leverages ideas and content created by staff.
  • Public Relations: Build relationships with media outlets, craft press releases, and respond to inquiries to boost public awareness of park initiatives and events.
  • Branding: Ensure consistent use of logos, colors, and messaging across all platforms for Ruffner Mountain, Red Mountain Park, and Turkey Creek Nature Preserve.
  • Event Promotion: Assist with promoting events and programs through digital channels and media outreach, ensuring community participation and engagement.
  • Data and Analytics: Monitor engagement metrics and provide regular reports on the effectiveness of communication efforts. Use data to refine strategies and increase impact.
  • Technical Writing: Develop, write, edit, and distribute electronic newsletters, press releases, statements, Communications Calendar, Request for Proposals
  • Internal Communications: Support internal communications by working with staff to proactively draft messaging to support updates and initiatives across the three parks.
  • Work with staff on internal communications charter and hold staff accountable to agreed internal practices

Desired Skills and Qualifications:

  • A minimum of three years of professional experience leading communications and PR initiatives
  • Communications Expertise: Demonstrated experience in creating and managing digital content, including social media, websites, and newsletters
  • Public Relations: Experience working with media, writing press releases, and handling inquiries
  • Community Outreach: Strong ability to connect with diverse communities and promote programs/events
  • Collaboration: A team player with excellent interpersonal skills, capable of working with staff, volunteers, and community partners
  • Project Management: Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
  • Technical Proficiency: Email marketing software, Google Suite, website content management systems, and social media management tools
  • Graphic Design Experience is a plus. 

Salary and Benefits:

  • Full-time position: 40 hours per week, requiring some evenings and weekends for organizational events
  • Hybrid work opportunity
  • Salary Range: $57,000-70,000 based on experience
  • Paid Holidays and Time Off: 18 days annually, plus holidays
  • Health/Dental Coverage: 100% of individual premiums covered
  • IRA with Employer Match: 3% after one year of employment
  • Life Insurance/AD&D: 100% of premiums covered

Jefferson County Greenways is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Application deadline Friday, November 8, 2024

Salary

$57,000 - $70,000 per year