Communications Manager/Director

HEAL Utah seeks to hire a communications professional as a Communications Manager or Director. Candidates are encouraged to apply for this single position and to note in their application if they are specifically applying for one role or the other. ‘

 

Areas of Responsibility: 

The Communications Director/ Manager collaborates with the Executive Director, HEAL Utah staff, board members, and supporters to continue building one of Utah’s most successful statewide grassroots environmental advocacy organizations. This role is critical to the sustainability and effectiveness of our small, collaborative organization and to our relevance within the larger community. We seek someone who is passionate, professional, organized, enthusiastic, and deeply skilled in communications.

About HEAL Utah

HEAL is a grassroots organization focused on safeguarding the health of the people of Utah by advocating for 1) clean air policies and practices, 2) minimizing and mitigating the impacts of climate change through the accelerated transition to clean energy and carbon drawdown strategies, 3) limiting exposure to radioactive waste and other industrial toxins, and 4) preventing and reversing the impacts of these environmental health risks that are borne disproportionately by racially and ethnically marginalized, rural, and low-income communities.

 

HEAL’s primary tools are grassroots education/activation, evidence-based policy development/advocacy, and assuring the integrity of democratic processes and institutions to facilitate policymaking in the general public’s best interests.

 

HEAL educates the residents of Utah about environmental problems, solutions, and policies. We also work to build civic participation skills to foster a more engaged and effective environmental constituency base. We believe that we must not just clean up our physical environment but empower community members to influence the decisions that impact their health and environment and advocate for democratic processes that assure their voices will be heard and valued.

This opportunity allows a strong candidate to help set strategy, implement plans, see the outcomes of their success, and grow with the organization. The Communications Manager/Director's work will encompass the following: 

Strategy Development:

• Collaborate with leadership to develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies that align with HEAL Utah’s mission and goals.
• Create year-long strategy planners and campaigns, setting clear objectives and measurable outcomes.
• Regularly review and adjust strategies to ensure they remain effective and relevant.

 

Content Creation:

• Oversee the creation of compelling content for various platforms, including social media, website, newsletters, press releases, and marketing materials.
• Develop content for major social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Reddit, ensuring each platform’s unique audience is engaged.
• Create and manage a content calendar to maintain a consistent and strategic online presence.

 

Public Relations:

• Manage media relations, including drafting press releases, organizing press conferences, and building relationships with journalists and influencers.
• Respond to media inquiries and proactively seek opportunities to position HEAL Utah as a thought leader in environmental advocacy.
• Monitor media coverage and track the effectiveness of public relations efforts.

 

Digital Engagement:

• Enhance HEAL Utah’s digital presence through effective use of social media, email marketing, and the organization’s website.
• Use analytics to track engagement and adjust strategies to maximize reach and impact.
• Implement and manage CRM systems to track supporter interactions and send targeted engagement communications when needed.

 

Advocacy Campaigns:

• Support communication efforts for campaigns related to energy and climate, clean air, and radioactive and toxic waste—HEAL Utah’s three main issue areas.
• Develop and disseminate campaign materials that educate and mobilize the public and stakeholders.
• Coordinate with the policy team to ensure accurate and timely communication of legislative and advocacy updates.

 

Community Outreach:

• Engage with the community to raise awareness and build support for HEAL Utah’s initiatives through events, partnerships, and collaborative efforts.
• Organize and participate in community events, ensuring HEAL Utah’s presence and messaging are effective and engaging.
• Build and maintain relationships with community leaders, organizations, and volunteers.

 

Brand Management:

• Ensure consistency and integrity of HEAL Utah’s brand across all communication channels.
• Organize and manage brand assets, such as images from events, logos, and promotional materials.
• Update the website with relevant information and maintain its functionality, including updating plugins and ensuring a user-friendly experience.

 

Fundraising Support:

• Collaborate with the Development Director to create communication materials that support fundraising efforts and donor engagement.
• Develop compelling narratives and case statements that highlight the impact of HEAL Utah’s work.
• Assist in planning and promoting fundraising events, ensuring effective communication with donors and supporters. 

QUALIFICATIONS

This position is a good fit for individuals who are self-motivated, well-organized, detail-oriented, comfortable working independently, able to multitask, and willing to take initiative. It requires excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to quickly learn and use software. Confidently interacting with the public is a must.

Required:

• Passionate about protecting public health and the environment, specifically HEAL Utah’s mission, campaigns, and strategies.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• At least 2 years of professional experience in communications, with a preference for experience in developing and executing major communication strategies, annual campaigns, events, and content creation.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically in communicating HEAL’s work.
• Experience envisioning and assisting in events that will raise awareness, engage new and existing supporters, and enhance public relations.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to lead the organization’s interactions with media, supporters, and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in data and budget management, including metrics and evaluation creation and management.
• Ability to prioritize and complete multiple tasks, projects, and high-quality deliverables on tight deadlines.
• Aptitude for leading and collaborating with other staff, and coordinating activities across a team through clear internal communication.
• Professionalism, accountability, independence, and initiative.
• Demonstrated commitment to centering the values of justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion in environmental advocacy work.

 

Preferred:

• Familiarity with the Utah-specific context and the statewide communities where we work.
• Familiarity with relevant management software and online platforms for communications and task management, including Salsa, ClickUp, social media platforms, etc.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud software, specifically Premiere Pro and InDesign.
• Experience using Canva for content creation.
• Applied nonprofit experience.
• Bilingual with a high level of proficiency in writing and speaking Spanish.

 

Director-level Qualifications:

• Substantial experience successfully creating and managing organizational communication strategies.
• At least 3 years of applied nonprofit communication experience.
• Ability to lead with initiative, accountability, and attention to detail.

 

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Occasional lifting and moving around materials and equipment up to 25 lbs.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Some localized travel is required.
• The Communications Manager/Director is a 40-hour per week, regular full-time position, with some occasional evening and weekend activities.

COMPENSATION

• The starting pay for the Communications Manager position will be between $55,000 to $62,000 per year, depending upon experience. The starting pay for the Communications Director position will be between $63,000 to $74,000 per year, depending upon experience. The decision to hire a Manager versus a Director will depend on the skills, experience, and qualifications of a given candidate.  
• HEAL offers an excellent starting benefits package: including four weeks of paid time off (a mix of holidays, sick/personal leave, and vacation), fully paid health and dental insurance for the employee, and 50% of premiums paid for domestic partners and dependents, and up-to-3% match of SIMPLE IRA retirement contributions. We also offer stipends for professional development; partial reimbursement for the use of a personal phone, computer, and home office; and, within limits set in coordination with the ED, flexible work hours and location.

APPLICATION

Please send it to jobs@healutah.org with the Subject line: “HEAL Communications Position”

 

• Resume
• Cover letter (please indicate if you are specifically applying for the Manager or the Director role)
• Name, title, and contact information for three references 
• 1-3 writing samples and/or portfolio. 

Questions can be directed to info@healutah.org or (801) 355-5055. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with an intent to hire as soon as possible. Applications should be submitted for a first review no later than July 11, 2024. Initial interviews will begin in the first week of July.