Communications Manager

Who We Are:

Gateway to Hope was founded by two physicians who were frustrated and angered by the circumstances in which many of their patients found themselves – delaying life-saving breast healthcare because of inability to pay. We are on a mission to champion change, removing barriers to timely, affordable, quality breast healthcare – empowering people to live full and healthy lives. For the last two decades, we’ve served thousands of women needing access to life-saving healthcare. And, we’re actively leading change efforts across the state, partnering with policy makers and sitting at the right tables where decisions about cancer care happen. We advocate for women and their families in some of the hardest times of their lives, and make sure they can thrive beyond it. Because of our work, thousands of women have better access to prevention and early detection care in Missouri. Thousands of women have reported better ability to cope with the challenges of treatment, better quality of life. And, the women we serve are four times less likely to skip medications and recommended healthcare – because of our services. This is just the beginning of our impact. We envision a world in which nobody has to endure the burden of a treatable disease like breast cancer. We have work to do.

The challenge we are solving:

Today in Missouri, and in much of the United States, a woman’s income, where she lives, and the color of her skin determines whether she will survive breast cancer. This is unacceptable, given the medical advancements of the last 30 years. We have curative treatments for 90+% of breast cancers. And yet, in some communities, the death rate is over 70%. Those communities most affected are rural, low-income, and women of color. The real issue at hand is not whether the treatments exist, it’s who has access to them. The mothers, sisters, daughters of our state and nation deserve better. Gateway to Hope is here to solve this issue. With our patient-centered and evidence-based support programs, our research and policy work, we are addressing root causes and creating change for future generations, while helping women access care today. In order to truly reduce the death rate of women most  affected by these issues, we need to deliver our programs at scale. This takes resources and energy that Gateway to Hope needs to build. We have momentum: we’ve doubled the number of patients served in the last 3 years, and will quadruple the number served by the end of 2025. But the work doesn’t end there. Our expansion goals are rooted in one simple principle: no woman should have to choose between life-saving healthcare, and putting food on the table. We are on a mission to make this a reality for ALL women – not just some.

The Role:

The Communications Manager (CM) is responsible for promoting effectively GTH’s brand, people, work, and mission. This position develops and executes a comprehensive communications outreach plan, as well as assisting with internal GTH communication. The CM must gain and maintain an understanding of all organizational activities to create and execute internal and external communications strategies, activities, and tactics that further GTH’s goals. The CM will be an experienced professional—detail-oriented, creative, and committed to collaboration and ongoing learning. The CM will report to and partner with the Chief of Philanthropy and Strategic Communications (CPSC) in developing plans for expanding GTH’s community reach and public engagement aligned with organizational strategy, and also will be a strategic partner in aligning communications with philanthropic activities and donor engagement.

The CM will have exceptional communication skills (written and interpersonal) and an unwavering commitment to quality. The CM must maintain close and collaborative relationships with stakeholders inside and outside the organization while clearly communicating our work’s depth and breadth in compelling ways. They will need to demonstrate success in: developing high-impact content; outlining desired outcomes and metrics; excellent project management skills including budgeting; ability to maintain and manage positive external and internal relationships; and creativity and flexible thinking.

Reports to:

Chief of Philanthropy and Strategic Communications

Responsibilities:

• In collaboration with the Chief of Philanthropy and Strategic Communications and other GTH colleagues, create and disseminate high-impact, high-quality, compelling content across multiple platforms for multiple, diverse audiences.
• Develop and manage an annual, organization, wide communications calendar to identify, plan, and track execution of communications materials.
• Generate opportunities for press releases, news conferences, reporter education, and briefings that generate media attention; build strong relationships with journalists and media outlets.
• Draft communications pieces, including but not limited to press releases, thought pieces, website content, responses to media inquiries, and content for newsletter/blogs.
• Draft talking points, speeches, and other communications materials in collaboration with, and on behalf of, GTH leadership.
• Collaborate across GTH to align communications strategies with the organization’s strategic goals; identify opportunities to use communications strategies to advance the mission, values, and work of the organization.
• Develop and oversee a means for tracking organizational influence (e.g. website hits and downloads, social listening tactics, etc.)
• Monitor and analyze communications metrics to assess reach and impact, and to inform ongoing communications strategy.
  Implement brand and design standards that effectively convey intended information and consistently produce high-quality results.
• Ensure consistent use of style guides and brand materials in all external communications.
• Think creatively, and proactively pitch ideas to enhance the reputation of GTH and demonstrate its commitment to mission and values through accountability and ownership of work.
• Manage and maintain content posed on the GTH website and across its social media channels (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook).
• Assist in triaging and responding to inquiries and requests received through GTH’s general email inbox and phone line.
• Maintain and organize an archive of photos, videos, and patient stories for use throughout GTH communications, including philanthropic appeals.
• When necessary, vet, engage, and manage contractors in support of targeted communications goals.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in journalism, public relations, communications, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of relevant work experience that demonstrates potential to achieve the outcomes expected of the position.
• An understanding of the role strategic communications plays in social change. Familiarity with, and interest in, communications frameworks and advocacy communications.
• Excellent writer, thoughtful about how to engage and motivate stakeholders with a broad range of perspectives and interests.
• Self-motivated, comfortable balancing multiple priorities and workstreams, remaining flexible and adaptive as project needs change.
• Must be highly proficient with Microsoft Office 365 or similar cloud-based technology tools.
• Must have demonstrated experience collaborating with internal partners to achieve mutual goals.
• Ability to anticipate the needs of leadership and stakeholders and to act accordingly/proactively.
• Ability to think critically and complete work thoroughly and with great accuracy.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, and ability to connect effectively with a variety of constituent groups such as senior management, peers, and outside contacts
• Strong organizational skills, team-first orientation, and excellent problem-solving skills
• Culturally competent and sensitive to the issues facing individuals of all backgrounds
• Ability to quickly learn organizational structure and the objectives of the team
• Passion and enthusiasm for Gateway to Hope’s Mission and Vision
• Ability to maintain high levels of professionalism, integrity, and discretion

Compensation:

Gateway to Hope provides a competitive compensation package, with an estimated salary range of $51,500-60,000 commensurate with experience, coupled with a robust benefit package including Medical, Dental, Vision, and HSA and FSA benefits offered with applicable plans, and generous Paid Time Off, Sick, Bereavement Leave and paid Holidays. GTH paid LTD, STD, Life and AD&D insurance are included as well as an Employee Assistance Program and other lifestyle and wellness benefits. Additionally, GTH offers a 401k with Roth options as well as supplemental Life, AD&D, and Critical Illness coverage. GTH matches up to 5% of employee retirement savings contributions. GTH also offers a hybrid work environment, with both remote work and in-office work options. This position is also eligible for immediate-upon-employment unlimited paid time off with supervisor approval; professional membership, association, and continuing education reimbursement; flexibility in working hours and location.

Annual Salary Range:

$51,500-60,000

Work Environment:

This position operates in a professional office environment, as well as in a community context. This position also regularly interacts with community members and partners, and sometimes with patients. Most work hours take place in the office and/or out of the office using technology to achieve goals, while interacting regularly with the entire Gateway to Hope staff and community.

Physical Demand:

Some light lifting and filing is required. This role routinely uses standard office equipment and technology.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:

This is a non-exempt position averaging 40 hours per week. Hours of work primarily between 9:00AM and 5:00PM, Monday through Friday.

How to Apply:

Please submit a cover letter and resume to: info@gthmo.org with Subject Line: Communications Manager Application.