Communications & Advocacy Director at Old Colony YMCA in Brockton, MA

At Old Colony YMCA, our impact depends not only on the work we do, but on our ability to tell that story and build strong relationships throughout our communities. We're seeking a Director of Communications & Advocacy who can bring people together, strengthen the Y's voice, and help deepen our connections with key stakeholders.

Under the direction of the Vice President of Strategic Communications and Public Affairs, the Communications & Advocacy Director develops clear, consistent communications that strengthen Old Colony YMCA's brand, advance its mission, and build understanding. As a key member of the Y's Marketing & Communications team, the position leads day-to-day public relations and organizational storytelling while coordinating advocacy activities across the association.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develops consistent written materials designed to communicate with internal and external constituents, working closely with the executive staff, Human Resources, Mission Advancement (fundraising), Marketing, Finance, Information Technology, branches, and social service programs across the association.
• Leads media relations, including press releases, press kits, media alerts, public service announcements, op-eds, interview preparation, press events, and proactive relationship-building with reporters, media outlets, and online communities.
• Develops and places content within reach of Large Language Models (LLMs) and monitors frequency and accuracy of responses across major AI platforms.
• Monitors news, public issues, and emerging developments that may affect Old Colony YMCA; provides timely summaries, analysis, and recommended communications responses.
• Develops speeches, talking points, briefing materials, testimony, presentations, and correspondence for executive staff and other organizational representatives.
• Works with Marketing and program teams to develop mission-centered content for the website, social media, newsletters, annual reports, campaigns, and other channels.
• Builds and maintains a storytelling library featuring participant impact, community partnerships, staff expertise, and the Y's role as a charitable organization.
• Coordinates advocacy and government relations efforts, including legislative priorities, public funding requests, site visits, meetings, events, and follow-up with elected officials and government staff.
• Maintains productive, nonpartisan relationships with municipal, state, and federal officials and helps connect policymakers with Old Colony YMCA programs, leaders, and community impact.
• Supports crisis communications by gathering facts, preparing draft messages, coordinating review, monitoring coverage, and maintaining consistency across channels.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

• Bachelors Degree required, or equivalent combination of education and at least 1-3 years of relevant experience.
• Exceptional writing, proofreading, and editing skills coupled with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to synthesize complex ideas into coherent, compelling communications materials.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a diverse environment.
• Highly-developed time management skills combined with the ability to plan, control, and lead projects and meet deadlines.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
• Ability to articulate the unique points of difference of our services.
• Thorough understanding of social media outlets.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism when handling sensitive, emerging, or high-visibility matters.
• Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Enterprise tools and emerging technology.
• Ability to travel within southeastern Massachusetts and attend occasional meetings or events outside regular business hours.

In addition to completing the online application, please send a cover letter to Michael Ricci, Vice President of Strategic Communications and Public Affairs, at mricci@oldcolonyymca.org.