Internal Communications Manager

Austin, TX

At Upbring, we are servants on a mission to break the cycle of child abuse. We are warriors, brave as the thousands of Texas Children and families we serve. We stand up for those who cannot speak for themselves. We are a family who values innovation, empathy, patience, understanding and trustworthiness.

What You'll Do

The Internal Communications Manager plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing the organization’s internal communications strategies with a focus on fostering engagement, promoting the company culture and enhancing brand awareness. Reporting to the Director of Public Relations and Communication, this role collaborates closely with the People & Culture team to develop and implement proactive and reactive communication initiatives aimed at talent acquisition and retention efforts. As a key member of the Communications team, the Internal Communications Manager will drive the narrative of our mission, values, and commitment to breaking the cycle of child abuse while embodying our core values of being Warriors, Servants, and Family.

Our Upbring staff members are servant-leaders on the pursuit of breaking the cycle of child abuse and empowering others to do the same through example while embodying our core values: We are Warriors. We are Servants. We are Family.

Responsibilities

We Are Warriors | We Set the Standards for Child Welfare

Work Standards

Craft strategic, quality messaging in regard with respective org-wide audiences. Audiences include but are not limited to senior leaders, programs, departments, managers, etc.
Creative direction on internal coms supporting collateral such as flyers, FAQs, posters,
Delivering crafted communications to our internal and external audiences through the appropriate channels such as newsletters, intranet, internal employee apps, employee review sites (Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, Google, Bing, etc.) and analyzing results and feedback
Update review sites listed above to ensure most up-to-date and accurate information is listed about program/facility locations
Monitor review sites for comments left and delegate to appropriate teams when needed daily or as needed depending on organizational circumstances
Manage Communications projects of increased complexity, sensitivity, and/or importance to Upbring
Grow and engage Upbring’s internal audience and brand across internal communications channels while working alongside social media manager across relevant social media channels
Proactively test and implement communications channels not currently in Upbring’s internal communications strategy to ensure org-wide reach
Evolve the existing internal communications strategy to better scale with growing organization, and to balance support for day-to-day communications and engaging campaigns, including follow-up reporting
Produce and publish content, including copy, videos, and photograph on Upbring’s Intranet (HopeNet), and reward recognition platform (Warrior Hub)
Measure and report on metrics monthly
Uncover growth opportunities in digital and traditional marketing from strategy to successful implementations, including follow-up reporting
Committed to quickly learn about Upbring’s programs and the child-wellbeing space as well as changes implemented org-wide that may include new programs
Create and execute an annual and then monthly content calendar designed for Upbring internal communications in regard with respective org-wide audiences in mind.
Manage and produce monthly internal org-wide newsletter, Upbring Update
Manage and produce Communications/org-wide challenges and various campaigns throughout the year
Maintains and updates Communications polices (Crisis Communications Policy, Earned Media Policy)
Compile weekly media reports for Senior Leadership team
Other duties or projects as assigned

Communication

Exhibit masterful storytelling traits with an intuitive ability to craft compelling copy (long form and short form) for audiences related to scope of work including print and digital
Create more rigor around communications operations and measurement
Apply creativity, planning, writing, and editing skills to create collateral and communicate key messages across various platforms (newsletters, emails, fliers, social media, pitch letters, press releases, website, ads, etc.)
Write, edit, layout, design, and publish a monthly internal newsletter, internal org-wide announcements, and emails with the ability to ghost write on behalf of anyone in the organization
Manage all written communications for Intranet(HopeNet),and reward recognition platform (Warrior Hub)
Generate new story ideas while also having the ability to repurpose existing content into fresh new stories
Manage relationship with media tracking platform while proactively researching and selecting new platforms to improve efficiency

We Are Servants | We Help Others

Teamwork

Critical member of the collaborative, high-energy Communications team working to enhance the communications and marketing efforts for all internal and external stakeholders
Partner with People & Culture team and other departments to develop an effective communications strategy that supports organization’s top priorities with both proactive and reactive approaches
Assist Communications leadership with setting realistic yet ambitious goals to track success
Forge strong relationships with other team members, acting as support and guidance when needed
Collaborate internal team members Communications to develop and implement an internal communications calendar and style guide for org-wide use
Collaborate with Senior leadership on thought leadership and mission/reputation management initiatives as it relates to recruitment and retention efforts
Collaborate with Communications leadership on crisis and reputation management efforts; anticipate and plan responses to evolving issues; serve as point person for press when needed
Share knowledge, deploy campaigns, and manage projects while adhering to the Organization’s messaging and branding criteria
Participate in cross-training activities, cross-functional (department) sharing of knowledge, share expertise and knowledge with Communications and learn from others to expand knowledge
Share weekly, monthly, and quarterly performance updates, including wins, learnings, and opportunities for improvement limited to senior leaders, programs, departments, managers, etc.
Work with Director of PR & Communications to evolve the existing internal communications strategy to better scale with growing organization, and to balance support for day-to-day communications and engaging communications campaigns, including follow-up reporting.

We Are Family | We Are Passionate & Compassionate

Building Relationships

Develop strong cross-functional partnerships with Internal Communications, PR, and Strategic Response to align on priorities, communication goals, channels strategy, and messaging to get the most employee engagement
Develop and nurture cross-department and program relationships org-wide to optimize org-wide visibility and support
Develop and maintain positive working relationships with management, staff, vendors, donors, and other clients to ensure project needs and expectations are being met within project scope and meets the established deadline
Act as Communications representative/liaison and take project lead in cross departmental/program collaboration
Work as team player and exhibit professional behavior and a positive attitude with both internal and external clients, vendors, and donors that reflects positively on the organization and is consistent with Upbring’s policies and practices
Actively participate in exhibiting cultural awareness and sensitivity when interacting with staff, and the community

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, or closely related field
5 years’ experience in communications, media relations, strategic communications, journalism, or public relations
Encouraging and inclusive attitude to other team members and colleagues
Ability to synthesize, prioritize and drive results with a strong sense of urgency
Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communications and presentation skills (A writing and editing test will be required)
Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and tasks with frequently changing requirements and deadlines
Strong people and interpersonal skills with the ability to work autonomously and in a team (group) environment and the ability to work and interact with diverse groups of people at all levels in the organization
Proficiency using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
Working knowledge of WordPress, HTML, and graphic design, thorough understanding of search engines and SEO

Preferred Qualifications

7 years post-graduation experience in communications, media relations, strategic communications, journalism, or public relations
Certified in MarCom-related areas such storytelling, internal communications, crisis communications, diversity and/or inclusion, or other related certifications
Demonstrated success in executing strategic communication campaigns to achieve organizational goals.
Working knowledge of WordPress, HTML, and graphic design, thorough understanding of search engines and SEO
Working knowledge of writing digital engagement strategies, including new/emerging technologies and social media channels to support message delivery and measurement
Working knowledge of employee review sites and how to optimize engagement and brand
Familiarity with Upbring or child welfare system

Perks at Upbring

Competitive PTO & paid holidays
Health, dental, vision insurance & more!
403(b) Plan
Employee Assistance Program
24/7 access to telemedicine and counseling services
Discounted Gym Memberships

Physical Demands & Work Conditions

This position requires sitting and looking and using a computer for long periods of time
Lift, push, pull, move up to 25

The physical requirements for this position with or without reasonable accommodation are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this position successfully. While performing this position the employee with or without reasonable accommodation should have the ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, speak, and hear with aid, see, read, reach with arms and hands, lift and/or move up to specified weight, and use equipment that is essential to performing the job, such as a computer, copier, fax machine, telephone, and automobile, if applicable. Specific vision requirements of this position may include color vision, seeing things close up, and the ability to adjust focus.

Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. Belonging

We are a diverse and inclusive Organization that recognizes our strength is in the efforts of our selfless warriors. Honoring and recognizing the value and dignity of all individuals is the cornerstone of our agency. The more diverse the individuals, thought processes and lived experiences, the greater the opportunity is to combine unique perspectives to make a greater impact. Our trust, respect, and appreciation for one another is demonstrated through our communication, celebration of progress and relentless effort to be at our best TO FULLFILL OUR MISSION OF BREAKING THE CYCLE OF CHILD ABUSE.

Upbring is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status.