The marketing and creative specialist collaborates with the marketing and communications team and other departments to bring the Y brand to life through creative, innovative campaigns that drive revenue, connect with donors and build awareness. Following Y-USA brand guidelines, the marketing and creative specialist manages the website, designs print and digital collateral for the entire organization, creates content, manages email marketing and the flyer making platform, oversees new technology platforms and guides the effort to visually represent the Y as a leading nonprofit. This position will take a lead role in developing and implementing marketing and creative strategies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Designs and produces compelling print, digital and motion graphics in accordance with YMCA brand strategy and style guidelines.
• Works with marketing team to conceptualize and develop marketing and fundraising campaigns that compel and engage target audiences with strategic messaging and visuals.
• Maintains the website by keeping information up to date, promoting programs and staying in-tune with SEO trends. Oversees the Y's content management system and API integration with the site.
• Manages email marketing efforts with copywriting, content organization, development and design. Oversees email automation platform (Acoustic) and develops strategies to effectively utilize email automation for member/participant/donor retention and acquisition.
• Oversees implementation of new marketing technology. Researches digital technology trends and makes recommendations as to how trends may influence and contribute to organizational needs.
• Monitors brand compliance in all print and digital collateral and signage. Trains staff on YMCA brand compliance and serves as the champion for the Y's visual brand.
• Proofs and approves any staff-created flyers or collateral. Oversees online flyer system (Marq) management and training for staff.
• Oversees marketing TV (Reach Network) content and scheduling.
• Manages multiple, varied projects with complex timelines and production schedules.
• Monitors registration website for consistent and accurate information.
• Provides and enforces quality control standards for art file management, pre-press processes and project archiving.
• Performs copywriting/editing of YMCA materials as needed.
• Manages outside vendors including printers, creative service suppliers, Marq, Reach and design agencies.
• Takes photographs/video as needed.
• Completes other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in graphic design, media, marketing or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience as a graphic designer.
• Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, AcrobatPro). Experience with Premier Pro and After Effects a plus.
• Strong portfolio that demonstrates evidence of design abilities, both print and digital.
• Experience with email marketing and knowledge of email marketing best practices.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
• Nonprofit experience a plus.
• Solid understanding of industry standard pre-press print production protocols.
• Experience with HTML and CSS.
• Familiarity with SEO best practices.
• Highly organized with the ability to multi-task and manage several projects at once.
• Detail-oriented with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with web content management systems.
• Ability to work with staff at all levels.
• Ability to self-direct and work independently on assigned tasks.
• Tech savvy.
• Comfortable with software integration.

Salary Range: $60,000/year. Position is year-round, full-time exempt.

OUR BENEFITS ROCK. We are a family friendly organization that puts a focus on work-life balance, and our benefits prove it. All full-time staff enjoy a minimum of 3 weeks paid vacation; increased vacation days are awarded to full-time staff based on professional work experience. Full-time YMCA staff receive 88 hours of paid sick time and 8 paid holidays per year. Full-time staff enjoy free YMCA traditional day camp, youth sports, learn to swim lessons and childcare, including after-school and preschool, and half off YMCA Camp Santa Maria overnight camp, personal training, and specialty summer camps. The Y offers generous medical, dental and vision benefits. We provide long-term disability and life insurance at no cost to full-time employees. For eligible staff we contribute the equivalent of 10% of your salary to the YMCA Retirement Fund.

View all openings, learn more about our benefits and apply online today at https://www.ymcanoco.org/careers.

We were founded as the Young Men's Christian Association in 1844. But today, we are The Y, an association that values, and is made stronger by, its diverse people. At the YMCA of Northern Colorado, we are committed to equal opportunity employment regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation.

Childcare benefits of more than $5000 are considered taxable income and will be processed accordingly.