Michigan Veterinary Medical Association Job Posting

Job Title: Director of Communications & Design

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Posting Opens: Monday, March 14, 2022
Posting Closes: Monday, April 4, 2022 at 5 p.m.

The Director of Communications & Design is responsible for all communications, public relations, marketing, and digital media strategy and execution for the organization. The role requires innovative data-driven thinking to connect all aspects of communications with MVMA membership, media, and the public at-large, to promote the MVMA brand and its members. The position requires strong experience in graphic design, writing, and working under tight deadlines. The ideal candidate will have the skills to blend the creation of strategies and content for traditional public relations and communications outlets with web-based and electronic communications (websites, email, social media, video, graphic design and other emerging platforms). The Director of Communications & Design will collaborate with the CEO as well as other MVMA staff to ensure that messaging and branding across all platforms are seamless, creative, and impactful. We’re looking for a strong storyteller who can easily create print and digital materials that are engaging, easy to understand, and closely adhere to the organization’s mission and vision.

Key responsibilities include:

Lead, develop and implement communications and marketing strategy across both print and digital platforms
Graphic design work for our quarterly magazine (The Michigan Veterinarian), weekly e-newsletter (The Weekly Paws Button), emails blasts, conference brochures, and other materials

Develop and sustain a vibrant, interactive, and branded digital communications strategy across multiple platforms to support and enhance the advancement MVMA’s goals and initiatives
Work collaboratively with staff and members to create timely communications, public relations, and marketing materials
Shoot and edit MVMA videos to be used for digital communications, learning, and news updates for membership, the media, and public at-large
Ability to develop and implement a plan for public advocacy to raise awareness of veterinary medicine and promote the industry
Develop strategies for member outreach to ensure member needs are not only being met, but exceeded at all stages of their careers

The ideal candidate will possess:

Degree in journalism, public relations, marketing, graphic design, video production, or related field (equivalent work experience will be accepted)
Minimum of two years of experience producing and directing digital communications, graphic design, video production, or other related areas
Knowledge of content development, information technology and architecture, site design, search-engine optimization, and web analytics
Prior experience in digital storytelling
Proficiency in communicating effectively with diverse audiences in conversations and through publications
Proficiency with Adobe Design Suite
Excellent oral/written communications and interpersonal skills; effective time management and organizational skills
Excellent planning and web project management skills
The ability to problem-solve, using investigative research and analytical skills to develop and implement creative solutions
The ability to take initiative, accurately establish priorities, complete complex assignments in a timely manner, and adapt quickly to changing needs and conflicting challenges
Ability to work collaboratively and as a team player
Competency in problem solving; ability to inspire and motivate collaborators
Strong knowledge of various digital communications and social media software and platforms, including content management systems and digital publishing tools
A sophisticated understanding of digital audiences and fluency in best practice tools and techniques for digital communication
The ability and willingness to travel
Bold, innovative thinker who isn’t afraid to try new methods and techniques

Working Conditions: Work to be conducted primarily in office, however travel will be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands: Some lifting required (up to 30 lbs.). Long hours on computer keyboard. Prolonged periods of sitting, standing and/or walking. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Salary/Benefits: The position is full-time salary with regular workdays of Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some nights and weekends required. Generous benefit package including health, dental, and retirement plan. Salary range $50,000 to $65,000 commensurate with experience.

Application Procedure: Interested candidates should send a resume, cover letter, three references, and samples of your work to John Tramontana, MS, CAE, CEO of MVMA at tramontana@michvma.org. Please use the subject line: DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & DESIGN.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Michigan Veterinary Medical Association ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of race, creed, gender, color, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or disability.