Communications Manager

**Position Summary** The Communications Manager is responsible for the day-to-day production and delivery of LeadingAge Southeast’s communications to members, business partners, the media, and the public across Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. The Manager writes, edits, schedules, and distributes the Association’s publications, digital and social media content, and event and program communications, ensuring that every message is accurate, timely, on brand, and relevant to members in each of the states we serve. **Working Relationships** Reports to the Senior Director of Membership. Works in close cooperation with the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Operating Officer, the Vice President of Advocacy, the Director of Convention & Brand Experience, the State Directors, and the Membership, Education, and Events teams. Manages day-to-day relationships with the Association’s creative services vendors. Requests for communications support from across the Association are coordinated through the communications calendar, with priorities set by the Senior Director of Membership in consultation with the Chief Operating Officer. **Essential Functions and Responsibilities** Responsibilities are listed in the order in which they will be assumed. Core responsibilities begin at hire. Developmental responsibilities are added progressively as the Manager demonstrates proficiency, at the direction of the Senior Director of Membership and the Chief Operating Officer. **Core Responsibilities** **Content & Publications** * Writes, edits, assembles, and distributes LeadingLink, the Association’s weekly member newsletter, including original content, graphics, and photos. * Coordinates the twice-yearly LeadingAge Southeast magazine with the third-party producer, including content planning, member story development, deadlines, and review for accuracy and brand alignment. * Researches, interviews, and writes member stories, features, and member announcements that reflect the Association’s full four-state membership. * In coordination with the Vice President of Advocacy, prepares and distributes public policy alerts, legislative updates, and pre- and post-session summaries for each state. * Provides copywriting, editing, and proofreading for Association materials, applying consistent style and LeadingAge Southeast brand standards. **Digital & Social Media** * Manages the Association’s Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X (Twitter) accounts, including content creation, scheduling, and posting. * Maintains the Association’s communications calendar, coordinating content planning and scheduling across all channels and departments. * Prepares and distributes email communications, including e-blasts, alerts, and campaigns, and maintains distribution lists in coordination with the Membership team. * Updates and maintains content on leadingagesoutheast.org, ensuring the website remains current, accurate, and relevant to members’ information needs. * Monitors engagement and responds to comments and messages as appropriate. * Tracks and reports on analytics across social media, email, and web channels, and recommends adjustments based on results. **Event and Program Communications** * Develops and executes promotional and registration campaigns for the Annual Convention & Exposition, education offerings and conferences, Advocacy in Action, State Night, and networking and member events. * Produces pre-event, on-site, and post-event communications, including attendee messaging, live social media coverage, and post-event recaps. * Coordinates event signage and promotional materials with the events team and outside vendors. * Supports the planning and execution of Association events, including the Annual Convention & Exposition, and assists with on-site operations, event logistics, attendee engagement, and other responsibilities as needed to ensure the overall success of Association programs and events. This may include duties outside the position’s primary communications responsibilities. **Membership & Business Partner Communications** * Supports the Membership team with communications for member recruitment, dues renewal, retention, and new member onboarding. * Develops communications that recognize and promote business partners, sponsors, and exhibitors, consistent with sponsorship commitments. * Works with the State Directors to ensure communications address the priorities of members in each state. **Vendor & Creative Services Management** * Manages day-to-day relationships with the Association’s creative services vendors, including video production, photography, and graphic design providers. * Scopes projects, makes assignments, and manages deadlines and deliverables. * Coordinates vendor budgets and reviews invoices for approval. * Reviews vendor work for quality and brand compliance. * Maintains the Association’s photo, video, and graphic asset library. **Developmental Responsibilities** **Service Communications** * Develops and executes communications for Value First group purchasing, MCSP, and Quality Consulting Services, in coordination with each service line’s leadership. **Public Relations & Media** * Drafts and distributes press releases and organizational announcements, including internal staff communications. * Responds to and manages media inquiries in coordination with the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer. * Develops and maintains a media contacts list across all four states and builds relationships with key media contacts. * Develops and maintains a LeadingAge Southeast media kit. * Prepares talking points for Association leadership. * Supports crisis and issues communications and reputation management. Prior to assuming this responsibility fully, the Manager provides drafting and distribution support under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer. * Coordinates with LeadingAge national on media and communications efforts. **Qualifications** * Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or a related field. * Three to five years of professional communications experience; association, nonprofit, healthcare, or aging services experience preferred. * Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with a portfolio of published work. * Demonstrated experience managing organizational social media accounts and email marketing platforms. * Working knowledge of website content management systems; basic HTML is a plus. * Proficiency with design and content tools such as Canva or Adobe Creative Cloud, and with Microsoft Office. * Experience coordinating creative vendors or freelancers preferred. **Skills and Attributes** The Communications Manager must be highly organized, detail oriented, and dependable, with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines, take direction well, and work collaboratively across departments. The Manager is expected to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and grow steadily toward independent performance with minimal guidance. The Manager must also be flexible and team oriented. Association events, particularly the Annual Convention & Exposition, are an all-hands effort, and the Manager is expected to step in wherever needed, including on tasks outside the position’s traditional role. **Work Environment and Travel** This is an in-office position based in the Association’s Tallahassee, Florida office. Travel within Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi is required for the Annual Convention & Exposition, Advocacy in Action, and other Association events. Some evening and weekend work is required, particularly during events and the legislative session. *This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties. Responsibilities may be modified or added at the discretion of the Association. LeadingAge Southeast is an equal opportunity employer.* Pay: $65,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year Benefits: * 401(k) * 401(k) matching * Dental insurance * Flexible schedule * Flexible spending account * Health insurance * Life insurance * Paid time off Work Location: In person