Communications & Public Outreach Manager

About the role

Reports to the EVP/Executive Director, who will provide work direction and guidance regarding the prioritization of tasks, in collaboration with Directors, ENTER Editor-in-Chief, and Deputy Executive Director.

Responsibilities

• Write copy for member and public communications to be distributed/posted via email, newsletters, and promotional materials
• Manage, develop, post and monitor social media for AIA Minnesota, the local chapters, and the MAF, informed by staff colleagues, members, and collaborators
• Create and implement social media calendars for AIA Minnesota and local chapter events; track social media posts and followers
• Create graphics and prepare photos for a wide variety of organizational communications in Adobe Creative Suite and Canva
• Edit and proof digital and print publications
• Collaborate with and take work direction from various staff colleagues and volunteer leaders
• Coordinate with staff colleagues on sponsor outreach and ensure sponsor benefits are fulfilled
• Assist in staffing residential architecture committee meetings
• Maintain residential committee and event content on the AIA Minnesota website
• Assist in committee event logistics and event marketing and communications
• Keep various email and mailing lists updated
• Publicize residential awards programs and recipients
• Manage overall timeline and fulfill tasks for the Homes by Architects Tour (HBAT) event
• Develop and post social media content for the HBAT and keep related websites up to date
• Recruit and manage volunteers for HBAT
• Write copy for guidebook and other residential communications
• Set up virtual HBAT tours
• Create and arrange for printing of signage
• Prepare various supplies for HBAT tour homes and to support architecture firms and volunteers
• Staff the tour weekend (typically, the third weekend in September)
• Collaborate with the contracted PR and advertising firm for ad buys and earned media
• Support the Lake Superior Design Retreat (LSDR) Committee in planning and implementing this multi-day event, held annually in Duluth, MN
• Assist in gathering speaker bios and photos
• Update website
• Coordinate with staff colleagues on sponsor outreach and ensure sponsor benefits are fulfilled
• Design/update signage and event materials
• Gather and pack supplies
• Create event evaluation; summarize evaluation results for committee
• Take and edit photos and make slide decks
• Staff board meetings and retreats
• Set up registrations for and publicize chapter events via email and social media
• Coordinate with relevant parties on submitting events for continuing education credit as needed
• Support golf outings and other events (e.g., help with on-site registration, take photos, etc.)
• Update webpages as needed
• Update homepage and other website pages
• Review, format, and publish job board and events calendar submissions
• Answer general office phone calls and voicemails
• Coordinate catering and logistics for events
• Assist with registration / check-in for events

Qualifications

• Degree from a four-year college/university in communications, nonprofit management, architecture, or related field
• 2–5 years related work experience
• Proven history of reliability and responsiveness
• Excellent oral, interpersonal, and written communication skills
• Ability to switch from one task to another while maintaining a high level of work quality
• Experience and skill in managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders
• Proficient in interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills in English
• A strong collaborator, able to work successfully with people of various experience levels and who hold various types of power (e.g., positional, experiential, expert, relational)
• Excellent attention to detail
• A strong track record as an implementer who thrives on working on a variety of work projects and responsibilities
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and inclusively with a diverse team or with a diverse range of people
• Resilience and even temperament in dealing with unexpected challenges
• Takes direction well and takes responsibility for ensuring requests and expected results are well understood
• Takes initiative and is proactive in anticipating questions and needs
• Self-motivated to provide high-quality work; embraces a spirit of continuous improvement
• Excellent judgment and problem-solving skills
• Proficient in full Microsoft Office suite (including Excel and PowerPoint)
• Solid graphic design experience and expertise, including with Adobe Suite (including Photoshop and Illustrator)
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with people of diverse ethnic, economic, racial, and cultural backgrounds and geographies
• Strong time management and organizational skills with demonstrated ability to manage tasks, projects, and priorities
• Adept at working both independently and as part of a team

Desired Experience/Education

• Work experience with a professional association, trade association, nonprofit, architecture firm, or school of architecture
• Knowledge of architecture
• Experience with volunteer management
• Experience with events management
• Experience with WordPress and SquareSpace website management tools

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer match for retirement savings
• Separate vacation and sick time (available from the outset)
• Strong benefits to support leave for the birth/adoption/welcoming of a child
• Eligibility for a restorative or work-related sabbatical after seven years of employment

Pay

$59,000–$63,000 annually.