Communications Coordinator

TITLE: Communications Coordinator

REPORTS TO: Director of Marketing and Communications

FLSA STATUS: Full-time, Exempt Salary

LOCATION: Hybrid

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Communications Coordinator supports Traverse Connect’s communications, marketing, and brand engagement efforts by creating compelling content, coordinating digital communications, creating branded graphics to support communications efforts, and telling the story of the Grand Traverse region’s diverse economy.

Working closely with the Director of Marketing and Communications, the Communications Coordinator helps execute Traverse Connect’s brand and communications strategies through digital platforms, media engagement, and social media management. This position is responsible for day-to-day communications with investors, partners, and the broader Grand Traverse and northern Michigan region. The Communications Coordinator will communicate progress and updates on Traverse Connect’s strategic priorities and the advocacy work of the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance. The position ensures that timely, relevant communications directly related to Traverse Connect’s mission are consistently produced and available for our multichannel communication approach.

This role offers an excellent opportunity for an early-career communications professional to build experience across writing, graphic design, website management, and strategic communications while supporting the growth and diversification of the Grand Traverse region’s economy and ensuring the region is a great place to live and grow your career.

The ideal candidate is a creative, organized, and detail-oriented communicator with excellent writing skills, an eye for design, and enthusiasm for living and working in the Grand Traverse region.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Include but not limited to the following:

Content Development & Storytelling

• Write, edit, and produce email communications, website content, reports and publications, press releases, and other organizational communications.

• Create content that supports investor engagement, economic development, advocacy and policy efforts, and regional talent and business attraction efforts.

Digital Communications

• Maintain the Traverse Connect, Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance, and Michigan’s Creative Coast websites, including content updates, articles, reports, advertising, and navigation.

• Administer Michigan’s Creative Coast job and internship boards by reviewing job postings

• Coordinate Traverse Connect, Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance, Michigan’s Creative Coast, Grand Traverse Area Manufacturing Council, and other branded social media platforms by creating, scheduling, and monitoring engaging content.

• Create and distribute email newsletters for Traverse Connect and Michigan’s Creative Coast and oversee the Traverse City Young Professionals email newsletter.

• Monitor website, email, and social media analytics and recommend strategies to improve engagement and effectiveness.

Graphic Design and Brand Management

• Design digital communications, including infographics, reports, social media graphics, marketing collateral, and branded materials for staff and volunteers.

• Ensure consistency with Traverse Connect, Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance, Michigan’s Creative Coast, Grand Traverse Area Manufacturing Council brand standards and associated brand properties in all digital communications.

• Prepare quarterly reports for the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance and the annual performance report for Michigan’s Creative Coast.

Communications Coordination, Public Relations & Organizational Support

• Coordinate and support regional communication and marketing efforts in support of talent retention and attraction, business attraction, and economic development, including digital communication and marketing, and event engagement for staff and volunteers.

• Support the public relations efforts of Traverse Connect and the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance with press releases and support materials.

• Support the grant application efforts of Traverse Connect and the Traverse Connect Foundation by researching funding opportunities, writing and editing the application narratives, and creating additional application content as needed.

• Manage multiple communications projects and editorial calendars to ensure timely, high-quality delivery to support the organization.

• Attend and support Traverse Connect and other relevant events when applicable.

QUALIFICATIONS

The professional who serves as the Communications Coordinator must satisfy the criteria listed below. These skills are general in nature and therefore not inclusive of all attributes.

Required Qualifications

• Have a Baccalaureate Degree from a recognized college or university, or relevant experience in lieu of such a degree.

• One to three years of professional experience in communications, marketing, or a related field (internships and relevant student leadership experience may be considered).

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

• Experience creating content for digital communications.

• Experience using Microsoft Office and graphic design platforms such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite.

• Familiarity with website content management systems, social media platforms, and communications and project management tools, such as MailChimp, Asana, and Slack.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing website design and content.

• Experience with email marketing platforms.

• Experience in basic photography and videography for digital communications.

• Experience designing publications, reports, or marketing collateral.

Desired Characteristics:

• Highly self-motivated and directed with keen attention to detail

• Self-manage and problem-solve independently

• Confident decision maker

• Positive and team-oriented individual

• Ability to work on multiple projects, meet deadlines, organize, and prioritize assignments

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This position is very active and is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and move items up to 20 pounds.

Other Duties