Marketing and Communications Director at Frost Valley YMCA – Claryville, New York

The Marketing and Communications Director is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive marketing strategies, ensuring adherence to brand standards, and generating data-driven insights to drive decision-making and campaign effectiveness. They oversee the creation and execution of various marketing materials and initiatives, including brochures, advertisements, websites, social media campaigns, and direct mail pieces. Additionally, the role plays a pivotal role in maintaining a consistent brand voice, managing social media presence, identifying new opportunities, directing multiple projects, and collaborating with stakeholders across the organization

• Develop and execute comprehensive marketing strategies encompassing benefit statements, design strategy, advertising strategy, contract negotiation, and vendor relationship management.
• Generate actionable marketing strategies, actively participating in the creation and implementation of brochures, advertisements, websites, e-newsletters, presentations, direct mail pieces, flyers, and social media campaigns
• Ensure adherence to YUSA brand standards for all public-facing communications and merchandise.
• Acquire an in-depth understanding of the "Y Voice" and apply it consistently in all marketing and communications, while maintaining a working knowledge of Y-USA National Graphic Standards.
• Create data reports to inform decision-making, strategy development, and campaign evaluation for executive and administrative staff. Utilize the data to communicate the effectiveness and value (ROI) of collaborative marketing efforts with Directors of Programs.
• Edit marketing copy suggested by program staff to maintain a consistent Frost Valley "Voice," improving clarity, comprehension, language usage, logical flow, consistency, and effectiveness. Obtain approval where applicable from Departmental, Senior , Executive leadership, and the CEO for major publications and advertising. Ensure timely completion and submission of projects to vendors to meet deadlines.
• Consistently contribute innovative ideas and strategies to enhance marketing campaigns and projects. Provide visionary leadership for individual projects and overall marketing strategy for programs and the organization as a whole.
• Proactively identify new opportunities that support a comprehensive and consistent brand strategy.
• Strategically manage Frost Valley's social media presence across various platforms (Facebook, X, Pinterest, YouTube, Yelp, Instagram) by implementing engaging campaigns to maintain top-of-mind awareness among the audience. Monitor content creation and utilize monitoring tools to promptly respond to sales-oriented inquiries or program questions, while effectively addressing any content potentially damaging to the Frost Valley brand. Prepare organization-wide statements of support and develop plans for major public announcements, videos, websites, and other significant communication initiatives, including crisis communications.
• Integrate Development Dept strategies throughout all Frost Valley marketing including but not limited to appeal strategies and create compelling e-appeals for major campaigns, including but not limited to Year End Appeal, Spring Appeal, and Project 332.
• Devise innovative word-of-mouth marketing initiatives that leverage the existing guest and camper base to generate new leads and enhance retention.
• Conduct audience research to understand demographic needs and expectations, ensuring messaging aligns with their preferences and delivers impactful results.
• Direct and support multiple projects concurrently, employing project management best practices to meet goals, deadlines, and quality requirements.
• Engage in monthly meetings with Directors and Executive Team members to identify key markets and align marketing efforts accordingly.
• Take responsibility for creating and maintaining the department's budget, credit card reports, and check requests, ensuring compliance with the budgetary constraints while meeting marketing goals and objectives.
• Stay updated on industry trends, social media conversations and relevant news to aid in developing comprehensive crisis communication strategies that align with the organization's values and objectives.
• Will work with a Marketing Department consisting of a Creative Director, and Assistant Marketing Director and a Social Media Manager. Will hire, on board, train, oversee and evaluate the Creative Director and the Assistant Marketing Director.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in Marketing and/or Communications preferred, minimum qualification of Bachelor’s degree with three years of leadership experience in the field
• Experience managing staff teams and implementing short and long range goals
• Proven success with brand management and positive PR campaigns
• Proficient computer and technology experience, including but not limited to use of Google Suite, internet, email, databases, social media networks and AI such as Gemini and LM Notebook.
• Energy, enthusiasm, creativity, innovativeness, open and transparent communication skills,
• High level of professionalism, leadership skills and personal organization skills
• Successful working under pressure
• Valid and clean US driver’s license,
• Willingness to travel, both day and overnight trips will be required for conferences and meetings.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

• Able to sit for long periods, bend, reach, and lift up to 25lbs.
• Able to stand and walk on a variety of terrain to reach various activity areas.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
• This position often requires a commitment of 40+ hours per week.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

FROST VALLEY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

RATE OF PAY: $85,000 to $95,000 Annually + generous benefits plan.