Communications & Marketing Lead

This role leads communications and marketing for Y.O.U., guiding brand storytelling, donor communications, and integrated campaigns to boost visibility and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute integrated communications campaigns that support fundraising, employer engagement, and organizational priorities.
• Provide creative direction and editorial oversight to keep messaging aligned with brand standards and strategic goals.
• Develop organizational messaging and storytelling for diverse audiences.
• Oversee writing, editing, and design of key publications, including annual and quarterly impact reports, donor stewardship reports, and campaign collateral.
• Design and produce visually compelling materials, presentations, reports, infographics, assets, and publications that convey organizational impact.
• Create engaging written and visual content for print, digital, web, email, video, and social media channels.
• Maintain a consistent voice, visual identity, and high quality across all communications.
• Collaborate with the Communications & Marketing Coordinator to develop content calendars, social media campaigns, and digital initiatives.
• Provide guidance and feedback on creative projects while supporting the Coordinator’s professional growth and development.
• Coordinate workflows to ensure projects are completed efficiently and consistently.
• Monitor communications performance and propose improvements based on audience engagement and campaign outcomes.
• Partner with program and leadership teams to identify opportunities and craft messaging that advances organizational priorities.
• Manage vendors who design, print, and publish marketing materials; train and support staff and board on marketing best practices; provide talking points for press engagements and coach spokespeople.
• Plan and attend Y.O.U. and community events to support and capture activities aligned with the mission.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, or Journalism preferred; substitution with 4 years of relevant experience; High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of three years of experience in communications, marketing, public relations, or nonprofit communications.
• Strong writing and editing portfolio.
• Solid graphic design experience.
• Experience developing multi-channel communications campaigns.
• Ability to produce donor reports, annual reports, impact reports, or publications.
• Skilled at managing brand standards.
• Proven ability to communicate with diverse audiences.
• Advanced proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Microsoft Office, Squarespace, Mailchimp, Hootsuite, and other social media management platforms.
• Ability to provide creative guidance and feedback to team members.
• Strong understanding of donor communications and nonprofit fundraising.
• Must have valid transportation to Y.O.U. offices, partner organizations, and events locations.
• Must pass a background check (BCI/FBI) as a condition of employment.

Technologies

• Adobe Creative Suite
• Canva
• Microsoft Office
• Squarespace
• Mailchimp
• Hootsuite

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Company-paid life insurance, AD&D, Short-Term Disability, Parental Leave, Employee Assistance Program, and Long-Term Disability
• Retirement Plan with generous employer contributions
• Generous paid time off including 17 paid holidays
• Professional Development Assistance Program

Knowledge, Abilities & Skills

• Commitment to Y.O.U.'s mission, vision, and values
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational abilities
• Ability to manage multiple initiatives with minimal supervision
• Strong video editing skills

Work Environment

• Hybrid position based in Cleveland, OH; in-office at least 3 days per week, remote 2 days per week.
• Travel to offsite locations for meetings, programs, and events as part of responsibilities.
• Fast-paced work environment with tasks that may run up to 2 hours at a time.
• Physical requirements include sitting for long periods, lifting up to 25 lbs, carrying supplies, standing, and walking throughout office buildings.
• Frequent interaction with team members, vendors, partners, and participants.
• Work may occur outside standard office space with exposure to extreme temperatures, noise, or other hazards.
• Remote work requires a distraction-free workspace free of pets, children, or background noise.