Communications Manager

Job description

Company Background:

Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) is the country’s largest patient organization focused exclusively on Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy. Through comprehensive Advocacy, Care, Education, Research programs and the largest global Duchenne patient registry, PPMD accelerates research, impacts local and federal policy, demands optimal care for all families, and strives to ensure access to approved therapies. For more information, visit www.parentprojectmd.org.

Job Summary

The Communications Manager plays a vital role in managing the organization's digital presence and visual communications in support of PPMD’s overall marketing and communications strategic efforts. This position combines technical website management, graphic design skills, and communications expertise to maintain and enhance the organization's digital platforms and brand identity. The ideal candidate will have strong technical abilities in website backend management along with creative design skills and excellent written communication skills.

Key Responsibilities:

Website Management

• Manage backend systems and databases for the organization's website and web applications
• Oversee website content management system (CMS)
• Monitor website performance, security, and functionality
• Implement and track SEO strategies
• Maintain website architecture and navigation
• Troubleshoot technical issues and coordinate with IT vendors as needed
• Ensure mobile responsiveness and cross-browser compatibility
• Manage user permissions and access controls
• Coordinate regular website backups and updates
• Track and analyze website metrics and user behavior

Digital Applications

• Manage organization's digital tools and communication platforms
• Configure and maintain integrations between systems
• Oversee email marketing platform setup and maintenance
• Manage digital asset management systems
• Support database management and maintenance
• Assist with implementation of new digital tools and platforms

Communications

• Manage organizational webinars - planning, hosting and archiving
• Write and edit website content
• Craft compelling stories for various platforms
• Support social media strategy and content creation
• Assist in developing and implementing communication strategies
• Help maintain editorial calendar
• Contribute to email newsletter production
• Support creation of annual reports and other key publications
• Ensure consistent messaging across all platforms

Graphic Design

• Create engaging visual content for digital and print materials
• Design graphics for social media, website, and email communications
• Develop presentations, infographics, and data visualizations
• Maintain brand consistency across all materials
• Design marketing collateral and promotional materials
• Create and edit images, photographs and video
• Manage organization's digital asset library
• Support design needs for special events and campaigns

Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Web Development, Graphic Design, or related field and/or equivalent certification in technical fields as previously noted prefered.
• 3+ years’ experience in website management and digital communications
• Proficiency in HTML, CSS, and basic JavaScript
• Experience with content management systems (WordPress, Drupal, etc.)
• Strong knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Understanding of UI/UX principles
• Experience with SEO and Google Analytics
• Excellent project management and organizational skills
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities

Technical Skills

• CMS platforms (WordPress, Drupal, etc.)
• HTML/CSS/JavaScript
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Email marketing platforms (Salesforce, Mailchimp, Constant Contact, etc.)
• Google Analytics and SEO tools (Yoast)
• Social media platform management forms
• Database management
• Basic PHP or other backend language
• Digital asset management systems

Preferred

• Experience in non-profit sector
• Knowledge of accessibility standards (WCAG)
• Experience with marketing automation
• Video editing skills
• Photography skills
• Experience with API integrations
• Knowledge of data visualization tools
• Understanding of database architecture

Working Conditions:

• Full-time, 40 hours per week
• Remote work
• Flexible schedule required

Physical Requirements:

This is largely a sedentary role which requires use of PPMD’s technology systems and standard office equipment. This position requires the ability to perform the following tasks with or without reasonable accommodations:

• Ability to keyboard 5+ hours/day with breaks as necessary
• Ability to lift files of approximately 2-3 lbs., open filing cabinets and utilize standard office equipment (computer, phones, postage meter, scanner, copier)
• Ability to communicate verbally (written, speaking with or without assistive devices) in an easily understood fashion
• Ability to travel (local/national) by different modes of transportation and to navigate meeting and event sites[AD1] as necessary.

Travel:

Occasional travel (15-20%) to events or meeting sites is required.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance Requirements:

Valid Authorization to Work in the United States.

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement:

PPMD provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applications for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.