Brand Manager

POSITION TITLE: Brand Manager STATUS: Exempt, FT GRADE: 5

DEPT: Strategic Engagement PROGRAM: N/A SALARY: $55K-$65K/yr

REPORTS TO: Vice President, Marketing and Communications SUPERVISES: N/A

SUMMARY: As a critical member of the Strategic Engagement (marketing and development) team, the Brand Manager will partner closely with the Vice President, Marketing and Communications to create, implement and oversee communications programs and fundraising initiatives to help YWCA Metropolitan realize its mission of eliminating racism and empowering women to promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Key responsibilities include the creation of informative content, project management and implementation; intensive writing and editing on deadline; interagency collaboration; assistance with the production of YWCA marketing materials and videos; and general communications.

This position is best suited for someone who is a strong storyteller and writer, strategic problem solver, curious learner, has a passion for action, and has excellent communication skills. The ideal candidate for this role must be comfortable collaborating with multiple teams across different program areas horizontally and vertically across a multi-faceted and highly complex organization. They must have a proven track record of keeping multiple projects and priorities moving forward to achieve agreed-upon deadlines so that they can serve as a key partner to the VP of Marketing and Communications and work with organizational leadership to drive forward the future of YWCA Metropolitan Chicago.

COLLABORATES WITH: Strategic Engagement team, different members across various programs in economic equity, safety and wellness, youth and family potential, and outside consultants.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Content Creation & Storytelling:
  • Building from a strategic framework, help develop clear and compelling messaging that effectively communicates the organization's mission and impact to a diverse range of audiences with an emphasis on current and potential donors across a range of platforms, particularly web and email.
  • Pitch, source, write, edit and refine compelling YWCA articles, blogs, success stories, and other content; Conduct interviews as necessary with other YWCA staff, clients, and other relevant stakeholders.
  • Partner with internal and external experts to develop YWCA public awareness and advocacy campaigns around signature issues and grow YWCA Metropolitan Chicago’s position as a leading voice for gender, racial, and economic equity in the Chicago region.
  • Craft YWCA marketing materials for a broad variety of needs including but not limited to program brochures, one-pagers, special reports, and advertisements.
  • Draft copy for internal and external communications for organizational e-newsletter, e-mail communications, press releases, and organizational statements.
• Digital Community Building:
  • Work with teammates to develop and execute digital strategies to build and maintain an active and engaged online YWCA community, including managing social media platforms, website content, and email marketing.
  • Daily monitoring of traditional and social media to identify trending topics on which the organization should comment or contribute; internal sourcing of relevant content to publish.
  • Work with the Individual Giving team to grow YWCA YWCA's direct response and online giving platforms, increase email open and conversion rates, and increase funds YWCA raises online.
• Brand Management:
  • Collaborate closely with the VP of Marketing and Communications to ensure consistent and compelling branding across all communication channels, materials, and initiatives, maintaining and enhancing the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago’s visual and verbal identity.
  • Working across three primary programs focused on distinct issue areas, further develop strategies to equip YWCA staff leadership, Board members, and other key stakeholders with training and tools to be strong brand ambassadors for the organization.
• Administrative and Management:
  • Help to triage and manage numerous marketing requests from YWCA program teams; develop and automate processes within platforms, document and maintain standard operating procedures.
• Event Support:
  • Collaborate with the Strategic Engagement team to support several fundraising and community engagement events and programs throughout the region, throughout the year, playing a vital role in their promotion and success.
• Analytics and Reporting:
  • Work with the Vice-President of Marketing and Communications to monitor, analyze, and report on the performance of communications efforts, using data to refine and improve strategies.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED: Other duties outside of the responsibilities of the position may be assigned, whether for a project, special needs task, or other assignment. The Senior Brand Manager will be asked to participate in departmental events and activities and in enterprise-wide events.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS/COMPETENCIES:

• Accountability: Effectively manages own work, and work of teams when relevant, ensuring delivery of high-quality work
• Collaboration: Helps colleagues as needed, views responsibilities as shared
• Communication: Uses effective written and oral communication with internal staff, teams, and community served; demonstrates empathy and listening
• Expertise in Area of Focus: Has skills and expertise in area of technical or functional expertise for at least three years
• Adaptability: Adapts and responds to change effectively; proactively seek opportunities to be supportive of change
• Critical Thinking: Consistently identifies, gathers, and applies relevant information to work
• Cultural Sensitivity: Demonstrates the values of diversity and inclusion; fosters environments that facilitate more diverse and inclusive spaces
• Customer-Service Orientation: Recognizes needs of diverse stakeholders and approaches relationships with a service orientation, to ultimately maximize impact
• Initiative: Proactively seeks opportunities to develop self and serve the organization
• Mission Driven: Demonstrates commitment to the mission of the organization as a whole
• Curiosity and Learning Orientation: Demonstrates curiosity and eagerness to learn; seeks to understand what is/isn't working and how to improve
• Growth Mindset: Views growth as important for personal and professional development; seeks out opportunities to expand skills, even if change is required
• Professionalism: Acts with a commitment to professionalism and models professionalism in interactions with staff, families, and other stakeholders
• Workload Management: Breaks down a work task/project into process steps and executes them effectively, adjusting course as needed

EDUCATION REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s or equivalent combination of training and experience.

CERTIFICATION(s) REQUIRED: N/A

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The primary work environment includes dedicated desk space within a downtown Chicago office. This position may also require travel to other YWCA offices or off-site locations for special events. The noise level is usually moderate. Movement requirements include walking, stooping or kneeling. There may be a need to reach, lift or move objects, such as packages, supplies and computers. Normal (or corrected) vision range; ability to see color and to distinguish letters, numbers and symbols are necessary to the work, which may require close viewing. Occasionally may need to lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Communication needs include seeing, hearing and speaking. While in the office, there will be periods of sitting, holding a telephone and using computers. Reasonable accommodation may be made for an incumbent to meet the essential responsibilities of the position.

WORK SCHEDULE: HYBRID – Work from home 2 days a week, in the office 3 days a week. Normal working hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30AM – 4:30 PM. This position may require work on some evenings and weekends. Schedule can vary depending on the needs of the agency.