Communications & Events Manager, Making Cents, Washington, DC

Communications & Events Manager

Posted on: August 14, 2014
Application deadline: September 5, 2014
Posted by: Making Cents

Founded in 1999, Making Cents International is a woman-owned social enterprise based in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, DC. We increase economic opportunities for youth, women, smallholder farmers, and vulnerable populations around the globe by helping them start and grow businesses, participate in profitable value chains, access finance, and obtain meaningful work. We achieve this by building the capacity of local institutions to develop and deliver products and services tailored to the needs of these populations. Corporate site: www.makingcents.com

In 2006, Making Cents International initiated a Knowledge Management platform (KM Platform) to Increase Youth Economic Opportunities. The platform is comprised of an annual global Summit (www.YouthEOSummit.org), online learning hub located at www.YouthEconomicOpportunities.org .

THE POSITION

1. Manage all marketing & communications for the Knowledge Management Platform activities;
2. Manage the development of and updates to all Making Cents websites;
3. Responsible for managing events and ensuring deadlines and budgets are adhered to related to annual Summit and other Co-Lab learning events;
4. Work on discreet client projects that intersect with the Co-Lab communication platforms;
5. Development of written technical briefs and management of communities of practice;
6. Participate in the development of and implement Making Cents' corporate communications and branding strategy

RESPONSIBILTIES

This is a hands-on role, and involves working as part of a collaborative team. S/he must be able to complete a wide range of activities requiring clear communication, excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

S/he will also have experience in planning events for +400 people with the ability to manage all logistical processes as well as market the event to appropriate stakeholders in order to increase registration and sponsorship opportunities.

S/he will develop and implement Making Cents' corporate communications strategy which includes print, on-line and social media. S/he will be able to digest information about a project and be able to develop collateral that will communicate project outcomes externally.

S/he will work with senior-level staff to develop and be responsible for implementing a communications strategy to strengthen the youth economic opportunities (YEO) field and build the KM Platform brand within the field.

S/he will support the communication, marketing and operational needs of the Global Youth Economic Opportunities Summit, http://www.YouthEOSummit.org.

S/he will create and manage Co-Lab's communications channels including refinement and postings on www.YouthEconomicOpportunities.org, and build collaborative partnerships and strategic communications relationships with existing and potential partners and/or clients that invite contributions to this portal in new and fresh ways.

S/he will have experience working on website development and be able to make small updates independently and also manage vendors/developers on larger projects.

S/he will create and disseminate a bi-weekly newsletter; manage communications aspects of monthly webinars, and conduct social media outreach while demonstrating a proven ability to write succinct and compelling copy that requires minimal or no editing.

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

·Bachelor's degree in business, communications, marketing or equivalent preferred 
·Six or more years of experience in marketing/communications in progressively more senior positions
·Six or more years of experience in event planning & management, especially for +400 person events

·Experience working in a small business, entrepreneurial environment
·Experience with venue selection & management and travel booking an asset
·Track record of successful project management experience related to communications and event management
·Communications strategy development and execution, especially at small to mid-sized entrepreneurial organization(s) including copy and design
·Experience with being a part of website design and/or managing a portal designed to foster exchange
·Writing and editing experience (externally focused) with a variety of print and online communications media
·Experience interfacing with external clients
·Brand development and marketing experience

Preferred Experience:

·Experience related to knowledge management
·Experience related to on-line community management
·Experience in the international development sector
·Exposure to the economic growth and/or youth economic development opportunities field
·Basic to intermediate knowledge of Nation Builder, html5 and Drupal CMS an asset~.~

Skills & Competencies:

·Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with a strong attention to detail
·Interfaces effectively with senior management, able to manage up, articulate opinions and present resourceful alternatives. 
·Works well independently and as part of a team
·Strategic and innovative thinker bringing strong analytical and problem-solving skills
·Creative writer and designer with the ability to consolidate large amounts of information and present it in new, fresh ways
·Results-oriented approach which is expressed in a positive, can do attitude
·Knowledge of and active engagement in social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube required
·Understands how to leverage IT systems to manage projects & suggests improvements or recommendations to improve company performance. Accurately scopes, plans and organizes human and technical resources. Strong command of all project details; translates information effectively into reports on project status using both structured written and verbal forms of communication.
·Able to deliver technical assistance or training services on behalf of MCI in one or two disciplines/ technical areas
·Develops and/or adapts drafts of materials for use with project partners
·Works well in a fast-paced environment that requires communicating with team members while working on a variety of initiatives simultaneously. Must be able to self-manage and think on their feet
·Flexible – willing to work outside of job description and to multi-task, self-prioritize, and manage several different projects or team functions at one time, especially during busy periods team
·Fluent in English

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online at www.makingcents.com with cover letter, resume, and a short writing sample. Application deadline is September 5, 2014. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.