Marketing and Communications Manager

Description

The Chris Long Foundation envisions a world that stands up to inequity, where access to clean water and education are considered basic human rights. Bringing together a community of elite athletes and passionate fans, we relentlessly serve our overlooked neighbors, both domestic and international, by creating solutions to these complex global challenges. We work with expert partner organizations in the United States and East Africa to create long-term change and improve the quality of life for families and entire communities. Our team of Ambassadors from the world of sports and media spreads the word about the importance of clean water and educational equity, raises funds and awareness, and inspires others to take action.

The Foundation was launched in 2015 by two-time Super Bowl Champion, global humanitarian, and media personality Chris Long and his wife Megan. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia.

The Chris Long Foundation is seeking a full-time Marketing and Communications Manager to help educate, recruit, and engage supporters of and advocates for our mission. This is an exciting opportunity for a creative marketing and communications professional who is enthusiastic about storytelling, brand building, and digital engagement. Our Marketing and Communications Manager will be responsible for strategy development, content and collateral creation, media outreach, social media and website management, and supporting special events. They will also create meaningful opportunities for our Ambassadors to engage around our clean water and educational equity work.

The Marketing and Communications Manager reports to the Foundation’s Executive Director. This position will be part of a small but growing team, and will work closely with the Director of Development and Program Manager to support resource mobilization and communicate program impact. The Foundation’s work is fast-paced, but we offer a collegial and collaborative work culture and casual office environment. This position also offers interesting opportunities for domestic and international travel. Employee benefits include health coverage, dental, and paid leave.

Job Duties

• Create marketing and communications plans and strategies that support CLF’s goals for growth, increased visibility, and impact; ensure brand clarity and consistency across program initiatives; monitor and analyze effectiveness.
• Determine the appropriate mix of media (e.g., digital, print, social media, videography, photography) and required investment (e.g., level of effort, budget) to further CLF’s audience engagement goals.
• Help craft compelling messages about the objectives and impact of CLF program initiatives.
• Produce bi-monthly digital newsletter; write regular blog posts; design other specialized digital and print collateral (e.g., program one-pagers, slide decks, infographics, backdrops, banners) to support program development and fundraising efforts.
• Manage and update content on three websites (org, waterboys.org, water4her.org), manage relationship with outside firm for website hosting and future site modifications for improved user experience.
• Develop social media calendar; manage day-to-day social media presence; generate and post regular, relevant, high-quality content to all channels to build community connections and issue awareness.
• Develop strategic social media campaigns that grow CLF’s audience and catalyze supporter engagement and action, including interaction and donations.
• Develop Ambassador recruitment, engagement, and retention strategies and supporting materials.
• Write press releases; serve as media point of contact; cultivate relationships with media outlets; secure local and national coverage of the Foundation’s work.
• Provide communications support for in-person and virtual events.
• Guide selection and design of items for branded merchandise, including for special events.
• Stay on top of trends in the field; identify and recommend new strategies and platforms to enhance the impact of CLF’s marketing and communications efforts.

Skills Required

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, media relations, or other discipline and at least five years of relevant professional experience.
• Genuine interest in the mission of the Chris Long Foundation and using marketing and communications tools for social change.
• Creative and strategic thinker, with a proven ability to develop and execute marketing and communications strategies that have engaged and increased audience base.
• Social media savvy and experience using all major social media platforms, with track record of designing effective social media campaigns as part of an integrated marketing and communications strategy.
• Experience or interest in using data to increase effectiveness of marketing and communication strategies.
• A proven ability to craft tailored messages for different audiences through a variety of communications tactics and channels.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and editing skills. High level of attention to detail.
• Collegial and collaborative team player, with ability to foster productive working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Highly organized and self-directed. Excellent time management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, web publishing software (WordPress preferred), design software (e.g., Adobe Creative). Skills and interest in video production and/or photography a plus.
• Ability to staff occasional events outside normal working hours.
• Experience working with brand ambassadors, influencers, or celebrities desired but not required.

Additional Info

The Chris Long Foundation appreciates the value that diverse experiences and perspectives bring to our team and our mission. We strive to create an inclusive environment for all employees.

While we have a strong preference for candidates who can be based in our Charlottesville office, we will consider candidates based elsewhere in Virginia or the Washington, DC area who can commit to traveling to Charlottesville on a frequent basis.

Please send a resume and cover letter to Nancy Hopkins, Executive Director, at nancy@chrislongfoundation.org by July 15, 2022.