The PR Girl

Job Opportunity: Manager of Digital Communications

About FARE

Formed in 2012 as a result of a merger between the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) and the Food Allergy Initiative (FAI), FARE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to food allergy research and education with the mission of ensuring the safety and inclusion of individuals with food allergies while relentlessly seeking a cure. Food allergies are potentially life-threatening and affect as many as 15 million people in the United States, including one in 13 children. FARE funds world-class research that advances treatment and understanding of food allergies, provides evidence-based education and resources, undertakes advocacy at all levels of government, and increases awareness of food allergies as a serious public health issue. For more information, please visit www.foodallergy.org.

Position Description

The Manager of Digital Communications is a hands-on digital generalist who will be responsible for managing FARE’s websites, online fundraising platforms and social media accounts. With support from the communications team, the Manager of Digital Communication will plan, develop and implement strategy, content and design for the organization’s digital and social platforms. This position will work closely with team members throughout the organization to help ensure all online content is mission-driven and evidence-based. With the recent completion of the merger between FAAN and FAI, the Manager of Digital Communications will be a critical team member in the launch of FARE’s new websites and rebranded digital platforms. This position will report to the Vice President of Communications.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic plans for website content and social media platforms in partnership with members of the communications department
• Work with VP of Communications and the development department to develop plans and design for online fundraising platforms and e-marketing materials
• Manage all technical aspects of the websites, online marketing platforms and e-marketing tools; execute design and development across the organization’s online platforms
• Develop thoughtful, well-written content consistent with established, evidence-based messaging
• Manage day-to-day updates to the website and social media platforms; work with members of the communications department to monitor online discussions about food allergies and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and topics of interest
• As one of the primary online “faces” of the organization, be proactive, professional, approachable and responsive with online community members and ensure social platforms live up to our commitment to be evidence-based and mission-driven
• Employ SEO best practices and work with team members to incorporate these into all content developed for the web
• Track and report on website, e-marketing/e-communications and social media metrics
• Make strategic recommendations to communications team on ways to provide increased value to our active online community and enhance community engagement

·         Project coordination and management for digital launches

·         Work with the VP of Communications to develop a social media policy

Qualifications

·         Bachelor’s degree and 6+ years of web design, development and programming experience, preferably in a nonprofit environment

·         Experience creating database-driven websites using any of the following web programming and design technologies: HTML, CSS, Javascript, jQuery, PHP, Flash, Dreamweaver

·         Demonstrated experience in designing and programming within the Sphere platform

·         Knowledge of and experience with Blackbaud’s NetCommunty Grow CMS preferred

·         Experience with strategy and day-to-day management of nonprofit social media platforms

·         Strong written and verbal communications skills

·         Ability to juggle multiple projects at once, prioritize and manage expectations

·         Commitment to quality and excellence in online communications

·         Integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven and self-directed

·         A team player, who can work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people within a collegial, yet demanding, work environment

·         Strong work ethic, common sense and a sense of humor are essential

·         Friendly and willing to learn, with an overall great attitude

To Apply

Send resume and work samples to vbrown@foodallergy.org.

If you have a smartphone, most likely you’re using Instagram. I love using Instragram to tell a story of my day using pictures. As cliche as it is, a picture is worth a thousand words, especially when you’re a sleep-deprived mom who can barely string together a 3 word sentence. So, why not tell it with visuals - pictures are attention-grabbing, evocative, and promote click ability. Here are 4 fun and practical ways to use Instagram to promote yourself or your brand.

1. Build a collateral collage. Most likely you have a few pieces of branded printed collateral that were designed to look really great together. Use an app like PicFrame (my favorite) or Diptic to create simple collage of your marketing materials and share it with your social networks. Be sure to link the caption to full-sized versions of your collateral.

2. Photoblog LIVE: Blog about your special event using pictures and smart, story-telling captions in real time. 

3. Share your portfolio: Photograph your best work, and share this shameless promotion with your fans. Don’t overuse this approach - as long as your promotion posts are 20 percent or less of your total posts, you won’t be branded a walking commercial.

4. Shoot up the party. Take photos at your next networking event to record and share the connections you made. Include those connections in your caption, which will help promote them among the networks as well as help build your new relationship.