Job Purpose

The Virginia Institute of Autism (VIA) seeks a Marketing and Communications Coordinator (MCC). The MCC reports directly to VIA’s President and CEO and works closely with the advancement team, human resources department, and program directors tell the story of VIA’s work and impact, both externally (to potential donors and candidates for hire) and internally (to current staff, families, board members, donors, and other stakeholders). A significant part of this job is creatively sharing the impact of VIA services on the students, adults, and families we serve in four different service centers (Charlottesville, Lexington, Lynchburg, and Roanoke) through print media, web and social media, video, radio, television and personal appearances.

Duties and Responsibilities

External Stakeholder Services

• Communicate the mission and impact of VIA to the Charlottesville, Lexington, Lynchburg, and Roanoke communities
• Create and send monthly staff email newsletters based on information obtained from program staff
• Create and send monthly newsletter to caregivers, parents, and families receiving services
• Assist the Advancement Team with creating monthly donor newsletters celebrating VIA success and providing opportunities for engagement
• Maintain VIA’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts. Use social media to the fullest extent possible.
• Keep VIA’s website updated
• Assist with the promotion of events and Advancement engagement and stewardship activities. Includes assistance with annual impact reports
• Working with CEO develop legislative alerts, position papers, and priority announcements
• Serve as VIA’s press liaison - coordinating press engagements and releases as needed. Serve as the chief media strategist and VIA spokesperson; responsible for identifying and building relationships with new and existing editors, reporters, producers, bloggers, and tech analysts to increase media coverage

• Assist the HR Department with recruiting candidates through a variety of methods:
• Print media (must have design skills)
• Radio and television
• Social media, websites, video
• Representation at community events and/or support in coordinating representation at events

Internal Stakeholder Services

• Assist with managing family and staff communication lists
• Develop and maintain a bank of templates, tools, and related content to support the internal program needs of staff and the external communication needs of the administrative team. Develop and maintain a variety of print, presentation, web, video, and social media templates to assist with PPT presentations, brochures, and training announcements
• Serve as an editor in chief to proofread and review communications
• Manage basic data analytics on website, social media posts, and legislative alerts
• Supervise Marketing and Communications Specialist

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Demonstrable writing and editing skills
• Social media/website management skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including comfort with public speaking/media appearances
• Exceptional organizational skills and ability to balance multiple priorities in a complex environment
• A data-driven work approach and immense personal initiative is required to anticipate requests before they are received
• A personable and professional manner is required, including discretion with sensitive material involving constituents
• Exceptional oral, verbal, written and presentation skills
• Proven problem solving skills and ability to exercise good judgment
• A positive and professional team player attitude that works well under pressure and is flexible and responsible
• Attention to detail, strong work ethic, and proactive
• Experience with digital media analytics – including SEO and Google Analytics
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word, Excel), Google, Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.), Canva, content management systems, and different social media platforms

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, Journalism or other related fields required
• Master’s Degree in Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, Journalism or other related fields preferred
• 3-5 years of experience in Marketing and Communications
• Valid Driver’s License

Must provide three samples of work in addition to application and references.