Boston Marathon – Responsible for the planning, development, and implementation of the B.A.A.’s communications activities

The successful candidate will be an important member of the B.A.A.’s administrative staff and must believe in the mission and philosophy of the B.A.A.  She/he will have experience working in a non-profit environment, be able to multi-task, be very detail-oriented, work well with a variety of constituents, and is capable of working both independently and as a member of a team. The position’s responsibilities have a broad range; as such, qualified candidates should demonstrate like experience and the enthusiastic ability to work both within and outside of the scope of the job description.

The B.A.A. and our Mission:
Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running.

Position Summary:
Reporting directly to the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, the Communications Director will lead the team responsible for executing and  implementing the B.A.A.’s communications activities, both external and internal. The director is also responsible for managing the relationships and deliverables for all external support teams, individuals, and consultants who collaborate with the B.A.A.’s strategic marketing and communications efforts to achieve and sustain long-term success. This requires working effectively with a variety of different groups and individuals, including PR and agency partners, consultants, interns, and volunteers.

Position Responsibilities:
Online Communications

• Create, implement and oversee all communications on the organization’s website – www.baa.org. All communications will effectively describe and promote the organization and its events, as well as inform the public and event participants about B.A.A. news and race information.
• Will also leverage electronic publishing software including e-communications (internal and external), including but not limited to Constant Contact, to communicate with potential and registered runners in all B.A.A. events.
• Must work effectively to communicate all club, organizational, and marketing outreach efforts, via traditional and new platforms including electronic Power Points presentations, quarterly newsletters, membership directories, and more.
• Will be expected to create and assist in the preparation of important B.A.A. presentations – electronic, file-shared, and printed – and materials which further public relations, community, club, organizational, and marketing efforts, including Power Points, videos, etc.

Social Media

• Working collaboratively with the Digital Communications Manager, the director is responsible for the creation, execution, delivery and evaluation of the overall year-round, seasonal, and event day social media plans.
• Responsible for keeping the organization’s communications current, timely, and active across all social media platforms in a nature that is consistent with views, mission, and brand voice of the organization. Must be an innovative thinker in this area who will be responsible for the execution of these social media platforms.

Printed Materials

• Management of a robust year-round collection of printed materials including runner information, media, community, and public relations materials. Responsibilities in this area will include writing, photo selection, concept design, thorough editing, and production. These materials include the Boston Marathon Media Guide, Official Race Program, Record Book, and others.

Public Relations

• With oversight from the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, prepare and disseminate information regarding the organization through newspapers, periodicals, television, radio, internet and other forms of media. Responsible for executing and  implementing, a comprehensive full-year and seasonal events communications plan.

Advertising

• Lead and assist communications efforts of other staff members – especially quickly executing, transferring, and managing electronic files and documents in a variety of formats and platforms.
• Will oversee all electronic communications, including social media, e-mail marketing, and most importantly – content of the organization’s website: www.baa.org.

Writing

• Must deliver a variety of articles, reports, brochures, and/or manuals for a wide range of uses, including but not limited to marketing, media relations, and other organizational projects. Quickly and expertly prepare and/or write speeches, briefings, and other materials. Research, develop and package stories on a variety of B.A.A. subjects, both historical in nature and forward-looking.

Administration & Brand Management

• Will perform a variety of other important tasks, including working with the media and a team of related communications staff/consultants at B.A.A. events. These include: technology, PR, interns, team captains, graphics, photographers, etc.
• Will rely on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
• Must be detail-oriented with particular attention to historical accuracy and an appreciation for facts and statistics.
• Must have exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and communications skills.
• Must have exceptional grasp of electronic technologies / methods of communications and marketing techniques including e-communication, web site, electronic files and formats.
• Must be a “team player,” adapting to various management styles and methods of workflow in a dynamic open office environment. Must be able to work on multiple projects simultaneously, and must also meet deadlines while often allowing (and being comfortable) having multiple constituents weigh-in on important decisions and contribute to the final outcome.

Knowledge & Skills Requirements:

• An understanding and some experience with successful relationship management with the media on a national or international basis including:
  –  Fielding media inquiries
  – Writing and pitching stories
• Basic understanding and some experience in crisis communications planning and execution.
• Bachelor’s degree. Master’s degree in Communications or Marketing a plus.
• Must have at least 5 years of relevant experience in the field or in a related area.
• Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures of a non-profit organization and/or sporting events, and/or the Boston Athletic Association.
• Must have exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and communications skills as well as the skills necessary for working with the media. Must have exceptional grasp of electronic methods of communications and marketing techniques including e-communication, web site, electronic files and format, and current evolving communication technologies. 
• Must have exceptionally strong writing and editorial skills, and be exceedingly comfortable with website management and social media planning and execution.
• Must be a “team player,” adapting to various management styles and methods of workflow. A high degree of creativity and independence is required. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
• Must be able to work well under pressure and on deadline. Must be extremely detail-oriented with particular attention to historical accuracy and an appreciation for facts and statistics.
• Should believe in the events, programs, and mission of the Boston Athletic Association, and should have a passion for being part of the team responsible for the organization’s future long-term success and positive impact in the community.
• Ability to work non-traditional hours.
• Superb communication skills – both verbal and writing – are required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• A seasoned problem solver. Must respond well under pressure, especially during periods with high volume activity and tight deadlines.
• Proven experience with budget planning, management, and forecasting.

For consideration please forward a resume, cover letter and salary requirements to:

Matt Gill
Managing Partner
MICA Consulting Group, LLC
mgill@micacg.com