COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
YMCA of Southeastern NC, Wilmington, NC, United States
Communications Specialist
The Communications Specialist/Coordinator plays an important role in advancing the mission of the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina through strategic communications, storytelling, and media engagement. Based at the association office in Wilmington, this position supports communications across the organization, helping to elevate awareness of the YMCA's programs, services, partnerships, and community impact. This role is responsible for developing compelling written and digital content, supporting media relations efforts, coordinating storytelling initiatives, and ensuring clear and consistent messaging across multiple communication channels including newsletters, website content, mobile app updates, press releases, and program communications. The ideal candidate is a strong writer, creative thinker, and organized communicator who is passionate about mission-driven work and enjoys collaborating with program staff to highlight stories of impact. This position also helps coordinate video testimonials and promotional storytelling projects that showcase the YMCA's work strengthening individuals, families, and communities. Essential Functions: Draft, edit, and proofread content for newsletters, press releases, email communications, website updates, blog posts, mobile app messaging, and program promotions. Ensure communications are clear, consistent, and aligned with YMCA brand standards and voice. Support the development of messaging that effectively communicates the YMCA's mission, programs, and community impact. Collaborate with program and membership teams to gather information and translate program details into engaging communications. Help identify and develop meaningful stories that highlight the YMCA's impact across youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Assist in planning and coordinating testimonial videos, interviews, and promotional storytelling initiatives. Support development of content for impact reports, annual campaigns, and donor communications. Participate in or help coordinate on-site interviews, photography sessions, and video shoots as needed. Assist with drafting press releases and media advisories promoting YMCA programs, partnerships, initiatives, and events. Build and maintain relationships with local media outlets to increase visibility of the YMCA's work. Coordinate interview opportunities, story placements, and media outreach. Support logistics for press conferences, announcements, and public-facing communications. Assist with updates to website content, ensuring information is timely, accurate, and engaging. Contribute to email marketing communications and digital messaging through the YMCA mobile app. Support content planning across communication channels to ensure consistency and alignment with organizational priorities. Track engagement metrics and provide insights to help improve communication effectiveness. Support marketing and promotional efforts for YMCA programs, campaigns, and special events. Assist in development of promotional materials and communication timelines. Provide on-site support for select events, including capturing stories, photos, or content when appropriate. Work closely with staff across departments to support communication needs and highlight program impact. Assist the Marketing & Communications Director in executing strategic communication initiatives. Maintain organized files of communication materials, media coverage, and storytelling assets. Provide general communications support as needed to ensure timely completion of projects. Our Culture: Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. At the Y, we strive to live our purpose of strengthening communities with intention and purpose every day. We welcome all: we are open to everyone. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We nurture: we support you on your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you. YMCA Part-Time Benefits Overview: Complimentary YMCA Membership Flexible Scheduling Professional Development Retirement Benefits Employee Resource Groups YMCA Competencies (Leader): Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruit volunteers and build effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fundraising. Collaboration: Works effectively with people of diverse backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person's point of view and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others. Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces innovative approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans of work, and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures and reports for all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members. Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change and seek opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology. The YMCA of Southeastern NC does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, faith, gender, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, sexual preference, gender identity, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law, except where a bona fide occupational qualification applies. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, English, or a related field preferred. Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills with attention to detail. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively across a variety of platforms and audiences. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment. Interest in mission-driven work and community impact. Desired Skills: 1-3 years of experience in communications, public relations, or marketing, ideally in a non-profit setting. Familiarity with content management systems, email marketing platforms, and social media tools. Experience coordinating or supporting video, photography, or storytelling projects. Comfort working with digital platforms including websites and mobile apps. Basic understanding of media relations and public relations practices. Bilingual skills in English and Spanish to assist the Y in better communicating to a larger audience. Physical Requirements: Must be able to see and hear. Must be able to speak clearly. Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs. Must be in good health. Must be able to bend, stand, stoop, walk, and climb a ladder. Must be able to comprehend and communicate written and verbal instructions. Must wear equipment including eye and face protection as well as close toe shoes, gloves, and other personal protective equipment while on the job when necessary. YMCA Safety Requirements: CPR & First Aid Must be able to complete and maintain certification in CPR and First Aid; able to assist individuals in need until professional help arrives. Emergency Response Ability to quickly identify emergency situations (medical, fire, environmental, etc.) and respond appropriately following established procedures. Incident Management Required to report all safety incidents and hazards immediately and accurately to supervisors. Safe Environment Commitment to maintaining a safe, clean, and hazard-free environment for all staff, members, and participants. Physical Readiness Must be able to perform physical tasks related to safety, including assisting individuals of various ages and physical abilities. Compliance Follow all YMCA safety protocols, OSHA standards, and state/local regulations as applicable. Reasonable Accommodation Statement: The YMCA provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. If you require accommodation to complete the application
The Communications Specialist/Coordinator plays an important role in advancing the mission of the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina through strategic communications, storytelling, and media engagement. Based at the association office in Wilmington, this position supports communications across the organization, helping to elevate awareness of the YMCA's programs, services, partnerships, and community impact. This role is responsible for developing compelling written and digital content, supporting media relations efforts, coordinating storytelling initiatives, and ensuring clear and consistent messaging across multiple communication channels including newsletters, website content, mobile app updates, press releases, and program communications. The ideal candidate is a strong writer, creative thinker, and organized communicator who is passionate about mission-driven work and enjoys collaborating with program staff to highlight stories of impact. This position also helps coordinate video testimonials and promotional storytelling projects that showcase the YMCA's work strengthening individuals, families, and communities. Essential Functions: Draft, edit, and proofread content for newsletters, press releases, email communications, website updates, blog posts, mobile app messaging, and program promotions. Ensure communications are clear, consistent, and aligned with YMCA brand standards and voice. Support the development of messaging that effectively communicates the YMCA's mission, programs, and community impact. Collaborate with program and membership teams to gather information and translate program details into engaging communications. Help identify and develop meaningful stories that highlight the YMCA's impact across youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Assist in planning and coordinating testimonial videos, interviews, and promotional storytelling initiatives. Support development of content for impact reports, annual campaigns, and donor communications. Participate in or help coordinate on-site interviews, photography sessions, and video shoots as needed. Assist with drafting press releases and media advisories promoting YMCA programs, partnerships, initiatives, and events. Build and maintain relationships with local media outlets to increase visibility of the YMCA's work. Coordinate interview opportunities, story placements, and media outreach. Support logistics for press conferences, announcements, and public-facing communications. Assist with updates to website content, ensuring information is timely, accurate, and engaging. Contribute to email marketing communications and digital messaging through the YMCA mobile app. Support content planning across communication channels to ensure consistency and alignment with organizational priorities. Track engagement metrics and provide insights to help improve communication effectiveness. Support marketing and promotional efforts for YMCA programs, campaigns, and special events. Assist in development of promotional materials and communication timelines. Provide on-site support for select events, including capturing stories, photos, or content when appropriate. Work closely with staff across departments to support communication needs and highlight program impact. Assist the Marketing & Communications Director in executing strategic communication initiatives. Maintain organized files of communication materials, media coverage, and storytelling assets. Provide general communications support as needed to ensure timely completion of projects. Our Culture: Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. At the Y, we strive to live our purpose of strengthening communities with intention and purpose every day. We welcome all: we are open to everyone. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We nurture: we support you on your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you. YMCA Part-Time Benefits Overview: Complimentary YMCA Membership Flexible Scheduling Professional Development Retirement Benefits Employee Resource Groups YMCA Competencies (Leader): Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruit volunteers and build effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fundraising. Collaboration: Works effectively with people of diverse backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person's point of view and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others. Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces innovative approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans of work, and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures and reports for all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members. Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change and seek opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology. The YMCA of Southeastern NC does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, faith, gender, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, sexual preference, gender identity, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law, except where a bona fide occupational qualification applies. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, English, or a related field preferred. Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills with attention to detail. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively across a variety of platforms and audiences. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment. Interest in mission-driven work and community impact. Desired Skills: 1-3 years of experience in communications, public relations, or marketing, ideally in a non-profit setting. Familiarity with content management systems, email marketing platforms, and social media tools. Experience coordinating or supporting video, photography, or storytelling projects. Comfort working with digital platforms including websites and mobile apps. Basic understanding of media relations and public relations practices. Bilingual skills in English and Spanish to assist the Y in better communicating to a larger audience. Physical Requirements: Must be able to see and hear. Must be able to speak clearly. Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs. Must be in good health. Must be able to bend, stand, stoop, walk, and climb a ladder. Must be able to comprehend and communicate written and verbal instructions. Must wear equipment including eye and face protection as well as close toe shoes, gloves, and other personal protective equipment while on the job when necessary. YMCA Safety Requirements: CPR & First Aid Must be able to complete and maintain certification in CPR and First Aid; able to assist individuals in need until professional help arrives. Emergency Response Ability to quickly identify emergency situations (medical, fire, environmental, etc.) and respond appropriately following established procedures. Incident Management Required to report all safety incidents and hazards immediately and accurately to supervisors. Safe Environment Commitment to maintaining a safe, clean, and hazard-free environment for all staff, members, and participants. Physical Readiness Must be able to perform physical tasks related to safety, including assisting individuals of various ages and physical abilities. Compliance Follow all YMCA safety protocols, OSHA standards, and state/local regulations as applicable. Reasonable Accommodation Statement: The YMCA provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. If you require accommodation to complete the application