Marketing & Communications Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Job Description:  

The Marketing and Communications Manager supports Ride Connection and its services by managing implementation of the organization’s marketing strategy. This includes managing Ride Connection’s blog and email marketing, maintaining website content, and managing digital marketing efforts including social media. This person will develop and maintain partnerships in the community that advance Ride Connection’s marketing efforts, and work directly with customers to gather stories and testimony as well as develop an advanced understanding of our audience. The person in this role will be responsible for identifying and developing promotional and advertising opportunities, supporting Ride Connection’s special events, coordinating agency collateral including all outward facing materials, and managing Ride Connection’s brand in collaboration with all departments. 

What We Do, and Why It Matters: 

Ride Connection is a private, nonprofit organization based in Portland, Oregon, committed to meeting community transportation needs one person at a time. Our mission is to move lives by providing safe, personalized transportation for people who need it, helping individuals access healthcare, essential services, and opportunities to thrive. By giving people the means to get around, we promote independence, inclusion, and improved quality of life throughout the communities we serve.

How You’ll Make a Difference - (Essential functions): 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. 

Digital Marketing and Web

• Support the development and lead the implementation of the organization-wide digital marketing strategy.
• Execute social media strategies and create content that advances programs, campaigns, events, and Ride Connection’s mission and values.
• Use website and social media analytics to measure impact and guide decisions.
• Manage website content and coordinate updates.

Communications and Media Relations

• Prepare press releases and media communications about organizational events and activities.
• Lead or collaborate with senior leaders to develop communications, including posts, emails, newsletters, marketing materials, solicitation letters, annual reports, and event invitations.

Brand and Marketing Materials

• Manage the development of marketing materials and collateral that increase organizational visibility.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and contracted designers to produce materials.
• Maintain consistent use of Ride Connection’s logo, tagline, and key messages.
• Manage the production, ordering, and storage of printed materials for services and programs.

Partnerships, Customer Engagement, and Events

• Build and maintain relationships with staff, transportation partners, customers, supporters, and community organizations to advance marketing efforts.
• Develop integrated marketing approaches that promote the Ride Connection network and its programs.
• Gather customer stories using compelling, ethical storytelling and an equity lens.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to understand audience personas.
• Manage the customer and program photo library.
• Support Ride Connection events and represent the organization at meetings and community events.

General Responsibilities

• Provide respectful, responsive customer service to every person.
• Attend staff, management, board, and committee meetings as required.
• Complete required training.
• Follow Ride Connection personnel policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What You Bring - (Competencies): 

Required

• Five years of experience in marketing, social media management, or related fields.
• Experience Project Management strategies and tools.
• Comfort and experience with public speaking at events and giving presentations.
• The ability and willingness to work some evenings and weekends. 
• Demonstrated computer skills, and proficient with the Microsoft Office environment including SharePoint, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, databases,and related software.
• Represent the organization in a professional manner to donors, funders, customers, service partners, and the community.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple responsibilities within a specified timeline.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills with the ability to exercise good judgment, courtesy, and tact in public contact and handling problems.
• Ability to communicate professionally, effectively and pleasantly on the phone.
• Ability to work as a team member with a diverse group of people. 
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions. 
• Ability to give clear and concise directions, both orally and in writing. 
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks and to make decisions with minimal supervision by prioritizing and organizing tasks. 
• Ability to meet prescribed deadlines. 
• Ability to adapt to a rapidly changing environment. 
• Effective problem-solving skills. 
• Effective listening skills. 
• Ability to pass a National Criminal Record Check which includes fingerprint identification. 
• Must have access to reliable transportation for employment purposes which may include evenings and weekends.  If using personal vehicle, must maintain proof of auto insurance and comply with State regulations.
• Maintain a driving record that meets or exceeds Ride Connection’s driver standards. 

Preferred:

• Degree in Marketing or Communications.
• Experience with InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, or similar programs. 
• Bilingual. 
• Experience, lived or otherwise, working with older adults and people with disabilities. 
• Experience working in transportation and other various fields with older adults and people with disabilities.  
• Experience with Blackbaud’s Raisers Edge software. 
• Experience and passion working for a non-profit organization.
• Experience in working with volunteers. 
• Repetitive motion. 
• Prolonged sitting.  
• Extensive use of a computer and telephone. 
• Extensive visual/hearing involvement. 
• Frequent lifting of items up to about 40 pounds. 
• Frequent lifting of items from below the knees or above the shoulders.
• Various environments including office, meetings, and events. 

Physical Requirements & Work Environment: 

• Office, hybrid environment.