Strategic Communications Manager (30-40 hours/week)

The Playtime Project seeks a Strategic Communications Manager to serve in a critical role that helps position the community-based nonprofit as a leader and advocate for children and families experiencing housing insecurity. We are looking for a strategic communicator to join a nimble team that serves 11 sites in the District of Columbia and Prince George's County, Maryland, to proactively tell the story of our impact in the region as we continue to grow into our 22nd year.

The Strategic Communications Manager (SCM) will report to the Development Director and lead the development of an integrated communications strategy that supports the mission, vision, and brand positioning of the organization and our initiatives. This new role will work proactively across our community of stakeholders to identify engaging story ideas and craft creative content for multiple audiences across the system’s channels. This role focuses on advancing the organization’s profile, fostering positive relationships with funders, community partners and the media. The SCM works closely with the development and program teams, oversees communications interns, and represents Playtime to the public and key corporate sponsors.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Communications: Manage and shape how the entire organization communicates — internally and externally — so that all messaging supports mission, reputation, and long-term goals, including fundraising.

1. 1. In conjunction with Playtime’s Development Director, design annual strategic communications strategies that will foster Playtime’s goals and objectives, and increase Playtime’s visibility with, volunteers, donors, client families and other key identified audiences.
   2. Chart the course for Playtime’s marketing and outreach strategy to Playtime’s client families and site partners to help promote Playtime among key audiences to grow our programs.
   3. Oversee robust communications content schedule, including: print newsletter, monthly e-newsletters, blog posts, social media posts, etc.
   4. Proactively identify and develop content opportunities that align with Playtime’s strategic goals and brand positioning.
   5. Ensures consistency of voice, messaging, and branding across all communication materials.

Development Communications: Inspire and sustain financial contributions through persuasive, donor-centered storytelling and materials.

1. 1. Partner with the Development Director and Development Manager to craft fundraising materials, including appeals, campaigns, newsletters, donor spotlights, and stewardship updates to effectively communicate the organization’s mission and impact.
   2. Support the team by drafting and editing proposals, reports, and presentations for foundations and corporate partners.
   3. Generate storytelling for donor cultivation events and peer-to-peer campaigns.
   4. Refine and prioritize key performance indicators for each communications channel to grow Playtime’s online impact. Monitor and report on each campaign's level of success.

Public and Corporate Engagement: Tells Playtime's story by generating compelling content.

1. 1. Seek and implement new methods and creative strategies to increase internal and external awareness of key events and changes at Playtime including the launch of new services and locations, fundraising campaigns, special events, and news.
   2. Develop and deliver presentations about Playtime’s mission, impact, and partnerships for community groups, donors, and corporate sponsors.
   3. Serve as a point of contact for select corporate partners, coordinating sponsorship benefits, volunteer engagement, and recognition with Development Director and Volunteer Coordinator.
   4. Represent Playtime at community events and speaking engagements regularly.
   5. Provide leadership and consultation to Playtime staff based on communications best practices and talking points, such as communicating with media or emergency communications.

Digital Presence and Brand Management: Oversee Playtime’s website, email communications, and social media channels, maintaining a regular schedule of content that promotes giving, volunteerism, and awareness. Monitor digital analytics to inform content strategy and monitor ROI.

1. 1. Provide editing and strategic communications guidance to Playtime documents across departments. Determine processes for review and disseminate to staff.
   2. Ensure Playtime’s website is dynamic, updated frequently, accessible, and consistent with best practices to engage with our audiences in an impactful way.
   3. Serves as the organization’s official photographer to cover Playtime events and produce regular content to engage our various audiences. Able to go to Playtime's programs at least monthly across DC and Prince George's County, MD.
   4. Identify emerging issues and trends around family homelessness, child development, poverty, and resilience. Monitor news outlets and regularly update staff through Teams channel and staff meetings on relevant issues to Playtime.
   5. Develop trusted relationships with media outlets to pitch stories and serve as sources of information towards the goal of creating news around public awareness about Playtime’s issues and goals.

Team & Intern Management

1. 1. Supervise communications interns and/or volunteers, providing mentorship, feedback, and project coordination.
   2. Collaborate with program staff to gather stories, photos, and data that illustrate Playtime’s impact and cultivate Playtime’s internal culture of storytelling.
   3. Work cross-departmentally to ensure communications efforts are integrated into organizational priorities.

EDUCATION, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism, public relations, or related field preferred. Master’s degree is preferred.
• At least five (5) years of experience in a similar role, preferably in a non-profit or social impact setting.
• Proven success designing and executing marketing and communications strategies and campaigns.
• Experience with successfully pitching stories to media outlets and handling inquiries.
• Record of strong and dynamic public speaking skills, both when presenting to staff and stakeholders.
• Outstanding storyteller and ability to develop and cultivate a storytelling culture in an organization.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to build trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Extensive knowledge of communications best practices and techniques, such as storytelling for impact, donor relations, and community engagement.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to translate complex topics into accessible messages for stakeholders including leadership, partners, funders, media, and the public.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to multi-task, work under pressure, and meet deadlines required. Creativity, adaptability, and initiative in developing communications solutions.
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, and customer service skills.
• History of driving projects forward independently, motivating, and inspiring audiences
• Project management or supervisory experience of interns preferred.

COMPUTER/TECHNOLOGY SKILLS

• Excellent graphic design skills using Canva, as well as more advanced tools (InDesign, Photoshop)
• Must be Mac proficient and able to thrive in a fast-paced setting
• Experience with MS Office software (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Photography experience, either with camera, DSLR camera, or phone, to take excellent pictures and update our content across platforms regularly
• Strong grasp of website design and development best practices

Benefits:

This position is 30-40 hours per week, classified as full-time, non-exempt. You will be eligible for the following benefits:

• Fully paid healthcare plan (medical, dental and vision)
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• 401K retirement plan with 3% employer contribution (after 6 months of employment)
• 13 paid holidays and end-of-year week-long paid holiday
• Generous PTO including vacation, sick, birthday, mental wellness, and summer flex leave

Benefits:

This position is 30-40 hours per week, classified as full-time, non-exempt. You will be eligible for the following benefits:

• Fully paid healthcare plan (medical, dental and vision)
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• 401K retirement plan with 3% employer contribution (after 6 months of employment)
• 13 paid holidays and end-of-year week-long paid holiday
• Generous PTO including vacation, sick, birthday, mental wellness, and summer flex leave