Special Olympics Vermont

Communications & Social Media Manager | Full Time

Category: Advertising/Marketing/PR

Location: 16 Gregory Drive, South Burlington, VT, USA

Communications & Social Media Manager 

SUPERVISOR: Director of Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs

POSITION: Full Time Exempt

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POSITION OVERVIEW

The Communications & Social Media Manager is responsible for growing engagement, excitement, and participation in Special Olympics Vermont (SOVT) events from all internal and external constituents including athletes, families, Heads of Delegation, coaches, program support, volunteers, sponsors, partners, event participants and donors. This position will manage the creation and execution of engaging content, containing information related to all programmatic and fundraising efforts. This role will create open lines of communication, implementing strategies to build a broad, inclusive SOVT community.

SOVT CULTURE

Special Olympics Vermont is a dynamic non-profit providing services to children and adults with intellectual disabilities through a framework of programs, training and competitions. We believe deeply in the power of sport to advance inclusion. The organization has a small, fun, closely-knit staff. We often share a heavy workload, sometimes meet tight timelines, and have evening and weekend events several times a year. Employees must demonstrate motivation and personal discipline, a commitment to working as a team, a desire to experience the joy of the Special Olympics mission, and a sense of humor.  Each SOVT staff member is expected to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, professionalism, attention to detail and flexibility in assignments, tasks, schedules and roles.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Communications & Social Media Manager is responsible for:

• Formulating a communications plan including, but not limited to, email, newsletters, blog posts and website updates for all internal and external constituencies
• Formulating a social media strategy, and manage all SOVT pages including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and beyond
• The creation of engaging content such as videos, photos and graphics to enhance all print, digital and social media
• Acting on the above communications and social media plans in a way that focuses on keeping current stakeholders engaged, while attracting new stakeholders, therefore growing the reach of SOVT
• Analyzing the success of the communication & social media strategies and making adjustments as needed
• Serving as a member of the Advancement Team, working with Marketing & Fundraising Manager to increase participation and awareness of fundraising events including the Penguin Plunge, SOVT Benefit Golf Tournaments and Law Enforcement Torch Run
• Serving as a member of the Program Team, work with the Program Managers to learn about upcoming events and determine the best way to message athletes, families and volunteers
• Implementing proactive initiatives to strengthen the collaboration between state and local programs. Troubleshoot and respond to local program concerns, issues or questions
• Working closely with the Program Managers to lead recruitment and retention of the volunteer base for Young Athletes, Unified Champion Schools, Colleges, Community and Health programs
• Attending all games, competitions and fundraising events to provide consistent, meaningful social media updates
• Increasing athlete and coach participation by driving interest, recruiting, and facilitating access to the athlete leadership and coach training programs
• Infusing and elevating athlete voices in engagement efforts/communications and collecting athlete input to inform programmatic delivery
• Utilizing all possible communication mediums, including phone, email, video, newsletters, virtual meetings/events, focus groups, etc. to achieve goals
• Oversight and execution of all Special Olympics North America communications and social media campaigns
• Working with Marketing & Fundraising Manager on Special Olympics North America IDMP campaigns (ex. End of Year Giving) and SOVT campaigns (ex. End of Year Appeal)
• All program, athlete, health and school related website updates, virtual newsletter communications, postcards and other mailings
• Recruiting, interviewing, hiring and managing interns to assist with event social media and communications coverage
• Assisting the Director of Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs with additional efforts, as needed

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job. Other duties may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum 3 years experience in communications, marketing and/or social media, preferably for a non-profit organization
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to think outside the box and offer creative solutions
• A team player, committed to proactive collaboration and idea sharing
• Energy, enthusiasm, flexibility, creativity and a positive attitude
• Experience in Adobe Creative Suite, Wix (or similar website host), and Microsoft Office
• Experience in social media management
• Experience in creating, editing and publishing video

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Include but are not limited to the following:

• Long periods of standing, and moving around, especially while at events.
• Work requires occasional nights, weekends and travel. Travel by automobile to communities throughout Vermont for events and competitions is required. Employees must maintain a valid Vermont driver’s license and manage travel arrangements, including overnight accommodations.
• Assist in loading and moving various materials, sometimes into personal vehicles or other vehicles as needed.
• The position requires considerable computer work and detailed reading of documents/contracts.

BENEFITS and SALARY

• Medical and Dental Insurance, 90% of the individual policy premium paid by SOVT
• Twenty (20) days of Combined Time Off, additional Paid Holidays and Winter Break
• HSA Employer Contribution
• Flexible & Supportive Work Environment
• 401k Employer Match
• Disability, Life, ADD Insurance
• Cell Phone Stipend
• Mission-Driven Work

The budgeted starting salary for this position is $45,000, commensurate with the candidate’s experience.

EMPLOYMENT and DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION at SPECIAL OLYMPICS VERMONT

SOVT is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.  We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, neurodiversity, age, parental status, socio-economic background, military service, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable law.

Special Olympics Vermont strives to create an organization that reflects our communities and where everyone feels empowered to do their best work. SOVT will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or bullying. Anyone who does not comply with this policy and/or is found to have engaged in discrimination, harassment, or bullying will be subject to appropriate action, up to and including separation from the organization.

Interested candidates should send resume and cover letter to Director of Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs, Kelsey Conway – kconway@vtso.org.

Deadline: July 29, 2023 12:00 am

To Apply:

Interested candidates should send resume and cover letter to Director of Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs, Kelsey Conway – kconway@vtso.org.