Communications Manager

The Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance is seeking a highly qualified candidate to fill a full- time position. The Communications Manager (CM) is a unique opportunity to work with a National Heritage Area. The candidate is expected to implement external communications & digital media messaging, and proactively contribute to the efficient operations of the organization.

The Arabia Alliance is a non-profit 501(c)3 with a long history of community engagement. It works to preserve, protect and promote the historic, cultural and natural resources of the Congressionally- designated National Heritage Area and includes portions of DeKalb, Rockdale and Henry Counties. The National Heritage Area program is affiliated with the National Park Service.

The communications staffer reports to the Executive Director of The Arabia Alliance and works closely with the staff, board and partner organizations of the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area. The position is based at the historic Vaughters’ Farm in Stonecrest, GA.

The ideal candidate is a:

• Strategic, creative thinker who can integrate communications plans across partner groups & distribution channels and can express complex subjects clearly and imaginatively.
• Content curator who can market to diverse constituent groups and the general public utilizing social, digital and traditional media.
• Outlets include: digital newsletters, press releases, website updates, social media management, and maintenance of a digital library and image files.
• Media messenger who can grow audiences and engagement.
• Dynamic personality & self-starter who can build relationships with the board, general public, partner organizations and volunteers.
• Detail-oriented, innovative thinker who can juggle multiple projects and priorities.
• Technology champion who can use digital tools and databases to help an organization run efficiently.
• Must be comfortable learning new systems and searching out new solutions.
• Flexible personality with both time and energy, understanding that as a public and community-orientated organization, many events and obligations may occur on evenings, weekends, or on holidays.
• Work days and hours may adjust accordingly.

Essential responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Implementing overall editorial calendar and communications strategy for the NHA and coordinating that strategy with partner organizations.
  • Employee will be assigned to create a long-term organization communications strategy document
• Coordinating day-to-day media / communication efforts with outside creative agency.
• Drafting and distributing periodic press releases through cultivated relationships with local and regional media outlets and in coordination with creative agency.  
• Coordinating media and promotional opportunities with the local and regional CVBs.
• Directing all social media efforts including content curation, implementing current industry best practices, and growing engagement by engaging followers and attracting new audiences.
• Website maintenance and regular blog creation
• In partnership with creative agency, coordinate and manage Google AdWords campaigns and create blogs to support Adwords strategy
• Producing engaging “storytelling” text and images for an email newsletter. 
  • Email list maintenance and growth
• Monitoring and managing the on-line brand of the organization and partners both on social media and on sites such as Yelp, ExploreGeorgia, Google Business etc.
• Manage assets and collateral such as printed materials and image library.
• Coordinating promotional opportunities (i.e. “tabling”) at events around the NHA and metro-Atlanta such as regional and local festivals.
• Maximizing the impact of sponsorship opportunities and supporting sponsorships for NHA events.
• Assisting with other organization needs, as assigned.

To qualify for consideration, the ideal candidate should possess:

• 3- 5 years’ work experience in a related field (e.g. communications, marketing, public relations) and a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or combined workplace equivalent.
• Experience, interest or training in environmental or natural sciences, history, tourism or outdoor recreation is preferred.
• Experience with non-profits, on either a paid or volunteer basis, beneficial.
• Proven skills and experience in digital media, content creation, and brand management.
• Commitment to accuracy, attention to detail, efficient work habits and conscientiousness.
• Ability to work independently without close oversight and proactively take on responsibilities.
• Professional demeanor and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, experience with publication software (such as Illustrator or Photoshop), understanding of Wordpress, MailChimp (or similar) Google AdWords and Google Analytics.
• Social media proficiency.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.
• Applicants may be subject to a background check.