Job Summary 

The official economic development organization of St. Bernard Parish, the St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation (SBEDF), is seeking a creative, articulate, outgoing, detail and design-oriented candidate to help carry out the organization’s mission of creating and retaining jobs, building prosperity, and improving quality of life in St. Bernard Parish. The Communications & Programs Manager reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and is responsible for the planning, creation, and execution of all external communications, programs, and coworking space management for SBEDF. 

Roles and Responsibilities 

The role of the Communications & Programs Manager will include the following. Please note that this job description is not designed to be a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Being a small nonprofit, SBEDF’s organizational roles are not distinct and will overlap as required to best serve St. Bernard Parish residents, businesses, and the community at large. 

• Communications & Public Relations 
• Develop a vision and formulate short and long-term plans for the communications and marketing of both SBEDF and St. Bernard Parish as a great place to live, work, and invest 
• Develop brand and communication standards; train team members to understand and satisfy such standards 
• Format all public-facing materials to comply with SBEDF brand standards 
• Foster strategic, targeted communications to build and expand relationships with all constituencies that contribute to the success of SBEDF 
• Coordinate the design, printing, and distribution of marketing and communication materials for print and digital applications in line with SBEDF’s brand identity and organization messaging 
• Manage the annual marketing budget and graphic design and social media contractors 
• Create content and manage the SBEDF website to ensure consistency and up-to-date information across the site 
• Write press releases/media advisories and serve as a media contact for organization 
• Maintain, update, and monitor all social media channels 
• Write CEO quotes, talking points, speeches, and presentations, marketing materials, and assist colleagues and partners in writing narrative and letters of support for grant applications 
• Secure testimonials for SBEDF’s work and programming 
• Actively engage in community events to positively represent SBEDF and promote our work and programs 
• Collaborate with a wide variety of stakeholders on multiple projects to support business development, raise organizational awareness, and contribute to workforce development 
• Coworking Space 
• Community & Facility Management 
• Greet everyone who comes through the door, including members and guests  
• Direct everyone to appropriate locations throughout the space and answer questions about the building, SBEDF's programming, and coworking membership  
• Answer the coworking facility phone and share messages with appropriate members and SBEDF staff  
• Maintain cleanliness of the common space, which includes taking out the trash, cleaning up spills, restocking the bathroom and kitchen, clearing off conference tables, etc. as needed  
• Troubleshoot printing issues and assist with AV set-up as requested 
• Communications & Tenant Recruitment 
• Develop a vision and formulate short and long-term plans for the communications and marketing of the St. Bernard coworking space  
• Foster strategic, targeted communications to build and expand relationships with all constituencies that contribute to the success of the St. Bernard coworking space, including investors, tenants, and potential members  
• Manage the annual marketing budget, marketing spend, and graphic design and social media contractors, as pertains to the coworking space  
• Write press releases/media advisories and act as a media contact for the coworking space  
• Work with graphic designer to develop branding materials and recruitment   
• Program Development 
• Lead in the planning, promotion, and execution of coworking programs (monthly membership nights, mentorship, and small business education events) and special projects as determined by the CEO, which may include selecting speakers, confirming dates, writing program descriptions, assisting with promotion, soliciting sponsorship, and following up 
• Programs & Operations 
• Lead in the planning, promotion, and execution of core SBEDF programs (Grow St. Bernard, Real Estate Investor Series, Startup St. Bernard, and the Small Business Matters Summit) and special projects which may include selecting speakers, confirming dates, securing venues, writing program descriptions, assisting with promotion, soliciting sponsorship, following up, and working with partners to ensure a seamless event 
• Evaluate program operations and activities for adherence to strategic objectives of the organization 
• Oversee planning and logistics for on-site and off-site organization meetings, programs, and events 
• Promote all programs to ensure good attendance and a diverse group of participants 
• Provide excellent customer service to all visitors and program participants while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality  
• Coordinate the maintenance of offices and shared workspaces, order supplies, and handle day-to-day operations 
• Directly oversee training and management of interns as it relates to communications, marketing, and programs 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university, or equivalent work experience, preferred 
• A minimum of 2 years of communications, social media, website management, program management, or related experience in economic development, private industry, trade associations, and/or public sector or nonprofit organizations preferred but not required 
• Experience with event planning, program management, media relations, writing press releases, managing social media channels, updating Squarespace website content, and email communications; MailChimp proficiency is a plus 
• Ability to work independently and on multiple projects simultaneously 
• Emotional intelligence and the ability to work with a team, be accountable and self-aware, to maintain balance amid opposition and change, and to be multi-culturally aware and sensitive 
• Excellent communications skills: ability to write appropriately for different channels and to individuals at all levels 
• Incredible reading comprehension: ability to think critically, read between the lines and predict needs before they're urgent 
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work well under deadlines 
• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office Suite applications and Mac OS 
• Desire to learn – about the work SBEDF does, new processes, and new technology  
• Demonstrated proactive nature with the ability to prioritize and preemptively solve foreseeable challenges 
• Professional demeanor at all times 

Requirements, Compensation, and Other Notes 

• Applicant must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer  
• The role requires in-office work Monday through Friday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, as well as evening and weekend work as the job duties demand; flexibility and remote work are occasionally permitted 
• While performing elements of job, candidate is commonly required to travel to the Arabi coworking space, Chalmette office, and within the Greater New Orleans area – must have reliable transportation 
• Salary and fringe benefits are commensurate with experience 
• Employer paid health, vision, and dental insurance with low copays and out-of-pocket totals, $50,000 employer paid term life insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance, and an employee assistance plan 
• Generous PTO, access to our in-office workout room, top of the line MacBook computer, and endless opportunities for professional development 

If you are looking for a meaningful experience, fast-paced environment, and the opportunity to make a difference with a growing non-profit corporation that believes in community, we’d love to hear from you. If this job description excites you but you aren’t sure if your experience is a 100% match, please reach out. The St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation embraces and celebrates diversity. Women, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized or differently abled candidates are encouraged to apply. 

How to Apply 

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, references, and salary expectations via e-mail to contact@sbedf.org. Cover letters must answer the following questions. Why is economic development important to you? What makes St. Bernard a great place for investment? What gives you the most energy in your current work? What about your current work drains you the most? What are your long-term career goals and how does this role help you get there? Please include “Communications & Programs Manager Application” in the email subject line. Once your materials have been received, you will receive a confirmation email. 

Skills 

• Marketing 
• Social Media Management 
• Membership Sales 
• Community Management 
• Email Campaign Management 
• Program Management