Communications Director

Job Overview: 

The Communications Director is responsible for developing and executing a strategic and integrated internal communication, community engagement and public relations strategy that supports the growth, image and strategic initiatives of the organization consistent with Howard Hanna’s mission, vision and values. This position is responsible for the continuous generation of awareness of the organization's services and accomplishments. The individual will lead strategy and message development to focus on building preference, leads and brand equity. The Communications Director is a tech-savvy professional with an in-depth understanding of how content marketing can help us achieve our business goals. This individual has a solid understanding of digital distribution strategy and can manage the massive influx of content created by, about, and for Howard Hanna on a daily basis. The Communications Director works hand-in-hand with individuals throughout the entire marketing department at Howard Hanna. This is a leadership role that will be managing a team of 3 (Social Media Coordinator, Copywriter and Email Coordinator); experience developing and leading a team is a requirement. 

Responsibilities and Duties:

Public Relations 

• Develop and execute an effective public relations strategy to meet the business objectives within schedule and budget
• Create a climate of cooperation between the media and Howard Hanna for mutual benefit in disseminating thought leadership and industry to public audiences
• Organize media relations activities, media conferences, news releases and crisis communication; anticipate emerging opportunities and develop proactive communications  
• Contribute to media relations efforts by developing story concepts, write and edit press releases, and produce district newsletters and other district communications
• Lead local PR specialists or agencies to maximize earned media, media relations, and community penetration
• Direct the implementation and maintenance of a communications and community relations program that will increase the public’s awareness of Howard Hanna’s community engagement
• Establishes, nurtures and maintains positive external relationships with individuals, businesses, and community based organizations that support the organization’s goals.
• Develop a local PR strategy for each region, including training & assisting administrators in writing regional PR
• Monitor brand mentions online and in print; manage Howard Hanna’s reputation online by responding to inquiries and reviews; develop & communicate a crisis management plan for social media & PR

Content Creation, Copywriting, and Editing 

• Write content for the Media Room, blog, website, social media, etc.
• Develop and send internal communications, such as all company emails, as needed
• Editing and proofreading as needed

Digital Content Strategy 

• Develop and maintain a strategic editorial calendar, including press releases, blog posts, videos, social media, etc. to maximize the brand equity and reputation of Howard Hanna
• Maintain content management system (CMS) for Media Room
• Maintain an understanding of industry trends affecting customers and make appropriate recommendations regarding communication strategy surrounding them
• Conduct periodic competitive audits
• Ensure all digital content is on-brand, consistent in terms of style, quality, and tone of voice

Management & Vendors

• Manage direct reports (team of 3 including: Social media coordinator, copywriter and email coordinator)
• Coordinate and meet with vendors, review current vendor performance
• Explore additional opportunities for vendors in conjunction with the Chief Marketing Officer

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Business, or other related field
• Proven work experience in social media, content management, and public relations ( min. 5 years )
• Demonstrated success developing media outlet relationships
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Hands-on experience with project management software (Wrike is a plus)
• Understanding of Content Management Systems, HTML, and CSS
• Excellent organization and time management skills
• Excellent communication and team management skills
• Strong writing skills, with the ability to summarize complex information into concise copy
• A passion for learning new things
• Highly organized, self-directed, and detail oriented
• Team player mentality; a willingness and eagerness to help others whenever necessary

This is a hybrid position with a schedule of 3 days in office and 2 days work from home. This role will be located in our Cleveland office but must have flexibility to travel to our Pittsburgh corporate office for meetings and team development.

Hanna Holdings, Inc. affiliates and assigns are committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of such factors as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran's status or disability. The Company abides by all local, state and federal laws and regulations affecting the hiring of employees.