Posting: Communications Strategist – Co.act Detroit
November 12, 2019
About TechTown Detroit:
TechTown is Detroit’s entrepreneurship hub. We’re a different kind of incubator and accelerator, offering a full suite of programs for both tech and neighborhood small businesses. We work with businesses at all stages, helping startup, emerging and established companies develop, launch and grow. Leveraging a strong network of community partners, we deliver support services at our Midtown hub and in neighborhoods throughout Detroit. At TechTown, we don't just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for our employees, clients and partners. To learn more about us, please visit: techtowndetroit.org
About Co.act Detroit
Drawing on our expertise delivering programming and curating connections for a range of nonprofits and social enterprise organizations, TechTown partnered with the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation to launch Co.act Detroit. Co.act Detroit is a hub for accelerating collaborative action in Southeast Michigan’s nonprofit community. We connect nonprofits to one another and to the resources and knowledge needed to amplify their impact. We believe deeply in our mission, and so do a growing number of philanthropic organizations and nonprofits. The success of our mission depends deeply on our reputation and brand awareness in the nonprofit community in the region.
Position Summary:
TechTown Detroit is seeking an exceptional candidate to serve as the Communications Strategist for Co.act Detroit. As our audience, level of engagement with the community, and pace of programming and events has grown steadily; we are ready for a full-time, in-house Communications Strategist. Working under the direction of the Co.act Detroit Executive Director and serving as a liaison to the TechTown Communications team, this completely new role for Co.act Detroit represents an exciting opportunity for you to cultivate a fresh voice and new ways of engaging with the Co.act Detroit community.
Essential Functions:
General Communications: Manage the voice and brand of Co.act Detroit across various channels, including newsletters, e-blasts, social media and media relations.
Brand Identity: Implement an integrated strategic communications plan to broaden awareness and strengthen Co.act Detroit’s brand identity across audiences, which include nonprofit and community-based leaders and organizations, funder organizations, and technical assistance service providers. Contribute to Co.act’s programmatic strategy with particular attention to brand perception.
Visual Identity: Guide the use of Co.act Detroit’s visual identity. Engage in basic image editing (cropping, resizing, and captions). When necessary, coordinate and manage the development of content with external partners and consultants, including graphic designers, web designers, copywriters and photographers/videographers.
Co.act Detroit officially launched in June 2019 with strategy, branding and communications support from EarlyWorks, LLC. When you start, you will be equipped with support from our consultant at Earlyworks as well as a strategic communications plan, which includes:
Co.act Detroit’s key messages, communications/marketing assets, communications channels, goals, objectives and strategies
Our main audiences (nonprofit and community-based leaders and organizations, funder organizations and programmatic service providers)
The location and use of previously developed collateral, including photography and templates
Qualifications and Characteristics:
Demonstrated commitment to advancing equity and justice in professional or personal work.
Strong understanding of and networks with Southeast Michigan nonprofit community.
Understanding of human dynamics and cultural relevance across a broad spectrum of communities.
Exceptional project management skills and the ability to track and analyze communications reporting metrics.
Desire to be part of a team that prioritizes learning, adaptability, and self- and community – care.
Commitment to creating persuasive, clear and meaningful connections that extend the reach of Co.act, particularly among underestimated populations.
Experience working in a startup (nonprofit or for-profit) environment or transferable life/work experience that had similar factors.
At least five years of experience in communications, marketing, or public relations roles of increasing responsibility, or relevant transferable life/work experience.
Demonstrated ability to write clearly and succinctly for different purposes on complex topics. Outstanding verbal and written communication skills (framing, grammar/spelling, editing, proofreading).
Experience managing a communications budget.
Demonstrated experience in crafting persuasive and informative communications, including briefs/memos and presentations.
Experience managing relationships with consultants/freelancers in communications, web and graphic design, photography and more.
Experience content management systems and implementing web content updates. Experience with Wordpress preferred.
Familiarity with email marketing systems, content management systems, and the ability to learn new programs quickly. Experience with Zoho preferred.
To Apply:
This is a full-time position. To apply, please send a statement of interest and a resume detailing experiences, accomplishments and personal/professional traits relevant to the work of Co.act Detroit and communications strategist role via the TechTown Job Portal.
We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education and transferable skills as qualifying unless specifically stated as required. Candidates should be clear and specific about how their unique backgrounds and experiences are relevant.
Compensation is competitive with national industry averages and dependent on experience. In addition, TechTown offers a generous benefits package including full health benefits, a generous amount of time off and professional development opportunities.