Communications Manager

Position Title:                Communications Manager

Classification:               Full-time, Salaried, Exempt

Reports To:                   Executive Director

The National Flute Association (NFA) was founded in 1972 as a common ground for flutists to exchange ideas and inspiration and has expanded in the decades since to include a quarterly online magazine, an annual convention, and a dynamic assortment of scholarship programs, commissions, and member-driven initiatives. The NFA values and celebrates the contributions of all its stakeholders and is committed to growing as a diverse and equitable organization.

The NFA is a membership organization serving almost 4,000 diverse flutists. Members are deeply involved in all aspects of the organization and participate in more than 24 committees across the organization. The staff and members/volunteers work collaboratively throughout the year and especially in preparation for the annual convention.

Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Communications Manager of the NFA is responsible for implementing the communications strategy for the organization. The Communication Manager manages NFA messaging through a variety of channels to connect with members of the flute community and expand the reach and impact of the NFA.

Essential Functions, Duties, and Responsibilities

Marketing/Communications

• Develop and manage annual communications strategy
• Create all content and visuals for the weekly e- newsletter for NFA members
• Plan, schedule and implement compelling social media content on all relevant channels
• Create e-blasts for special announcements
• Create and send hosted e-blasts on behalf of commercial members, in collaboration with the NFA Advertising Representative
• Update website content regularly
• Maintain digital archive of visual assets
• Work with Membership Manager to analyze membership data and initiate and implement recruiting and outreach campaigns
• Promote NFA’s virtual events and scholarship and education initiatives
• Promote NFA publications and merchandise
• Collaborate with NFA members on the creation and promotion of blog posts, videos, NFA web pages, articles, and additional media content
• Develop and implement a PR plan to gain attention to the NFA’s programs and initiatives
• Create print materials, which may include merchandise, brochures, and postcards

Annual Convention

• Develop and implement a detailed communication plan for the annual convention, working with the Convention Program Chair, NFA committee Chairs, and the Executive Director
• Promote convention events on social media
• Manage photography, live streaming, and audio/video recording of events
• Coordinate announcements during convention
• Write and distributed press releases
• Work with the Executive Director and Program Chair to attract and manage advance and onsite media coverage
• Hire, train and supervise a team of convention interns for social media, photography, and video

Publications Support

• Work with the Publications Director to promote each issue of Flutist Quarterly
• Reach out to members to create content in collaboration with the Publications Director
• Assist with content creation of the convention program book

Other

• File regular and special reports to the Executive Director and board upon request
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned

Qualification Requirements

• Exemplary writing skills
• Minimum 4 years full-time experience serving in a marketing, development, or communications position – non-profit arts organization experience preferred
• Familiarity with flute musicians and music preferred. Knowledge of music, musicians, and academic environments in general highly preferred
• Ability to work in multiple software platforms and learn and retain technical software applications quickly
• Demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google Office Suite, Adobe Suite, CANVA, video editing software and database management, CMS; Experience with MemberSuite and Sitefinity strongly preferred
• Outstanding interpersonal communications skills (written and verbal)
• Outstanding project management and organizational skills
• Graphic design and video editing skills
• Basic knowledge of HTML/CSS
• Knowledge of Google analytics/comparable analytics platforms
• Commitment to the NFA’s diversity, equity and inclusion goals and the ability to represent these goals in all marketing and communication efforts
• Ability to work collaboratively with volunteers and build collaborative partnerships
• Ability to understand analytics and improve communications strategies based on findings
• Ability to succeed in a team environment
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to understand and work within an organizational budget
• Flexibility and the ability to pivot to new initiatives
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Work Environment:

This position is a full-time, permanent, salaried position

Office hours:  9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Central Time. The NFA offices are located in downtown Chicago, Illinois. The majority of the NFA team works remotely - hybrid work schedules are available to staffers based in the Chicago area.

Some weekend and evening hours required on occasion.

Attendance at the NFA annual convention in August is required (Phoenix, AZ, 2023)

Compensation for this position is competitive. Paid vacation days and health insurance benefits are offered

Application deadline: October 26, 2022.  Start date: When filled

The National Flute Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from diverse applicants.

Please send a cover letter and resume, two writing samples of different kinds (e.g., newsletter, blog post, webpage, press release; examples of professional social media posts (no academic work, please) to the Executive Director, Jennifer Clarke with “Communications Manager” as the subject. No calls, please.