About Ascendus

Ascendus is a leading CDFI with a mission to serve low- to moderate-income small business owners through access to capital and financial education. A bold, new vision of financial ascension centers our work today on the improved financial health of our clients and their households. By building small business owners, we can unlock generational mobility that supports families and communities on their financial journey. Since 1991, Ascendus has provided more than $200 million to 25,000 small businesses owners across the country.  For more information, visit www.ascendus.org  

 

Summary

The Communications Director is responsible for implementing and shaping comprehensive and effective communications strategies that include the creation of consistent and compelling messaging & positioning to enhance awareness and differentiate Ascendus among funder audiences and other key stakeholders.  The position will oversee the execution of content creation, and the distribution of that content to optimize stakeholder engagement.

 

This position is on the Development & Communications Team and supports an annual fundraising goal of $8M+. This role will collaborate closely within the Development & Communications Team, but also work closely with program staff, as well as the Leadership Team broadly, to ensure cohesive messaging and branding is executed across all communication channels. This role will also lead the management of our relationship with external communications and event planning agencies. 

 

 

Key Outcomes

The Communications Director will be responsible for achieving the following:

 

  • Oversee and drive the creation of consistent and compelling messaging for the organization to enhance awareness and understanding of Ascendus including the creation of a communications plan, messaging, and calendar on an annual basis.
  • Create strategies to disseminate messaging that optimizes channels both online and offline to advance fundraising goals and build brand engagement with Ascendus among key stakeholders delivering on email open/click rates (25%), social engagement (18%) and reach rates, webpage visits and views (50k+), and other relevant metrics that consistently improve over baselines today.
  • Ensure the delivery of communications content and collateral including 24 client stories, (12) monthly newsletter, daily social posts, annual photo tour to secure 12 client photo books, creation of four client videos, annual report, and other collateral as needed.
  • Lead event planning for Ascendus’s fundraising events, stakeholder events, and integration into partner/funder-led events – with event planning agency – delivering on a total of one fundraising event, two stakeholder events, and integration in six partner/funder-led events annually.
  • Lead the creation of impact-driven thought leadership content – with outside agency – to deliver on four thought leadership pieces annually.  
  • Manage our work with various marketing and communications vendors including our creative agency.
  • Utilize data analysis to set goals, monitor, and optimize the performance of communications and marketing initiatives, providing strategic recommendations for continuous improvement through the creation of six communications campaigns to support in-house events and publications.
  • Support and facilitate internal communications.

 

Required Skills, Competencies and Qualifications

 

Competencies:

  • Job Knowledge: Demonstrates extremely broad and deep job knowledge and exceptional ability in performing the essential duties and functions of the position.  Thoroughly understands the significance of job responsibilities relative to organizational goals and objectives. Has significant understanding of related jobs and functions.  Aggressively pursues ongoing training and development related to expanding job knowledge and effectiveness.

 

  • Project Management: Completely understands project objectives and guidelines.  Demonstrates superb ability in designing and implementing project plans, communicating with participants and management, and delivering a very high-quality final product.  Consistently meets or exceeds deadlines.

 

  • Decision-Making/Judgment: Decision making is systematic and sound, covering related contingencies, consequences and alternatives.  Has earned a high level of trust among co-workers.

 

  • Business Development: Outstanding business development efforts are constant.  Results in generating new leads, clients, and revenue opportunities are exceptional and quantifiable.

 

  • Analytical Skills: Analytical skills are superior. Meaningful data is consistently applied to problem-solving and planning activities.  Specific actions and strategies are clearly outlined to achieve organizational goals.  Observation and evaluation skills are excellent.

 

  • Mission Statement: Demonstrates a significant commitment to the organization's mission.  Plays a leadership role in both exemplifying and disseminating the values and goals of the organization.  Fully understands the connection between successful completion of job responsibilities and moving the organization toward established and meaningful objectives.

 

 

Skills and Qualifications:

  • 6+ years of experience in communications within the CDFI or related space with a primary audience of institutional funders, demonstrating a deep understanding of the industry and best practices

 

  • 3+ years of management experience with at least one direct report

 

  • Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field

 

  • Subject matter expertise in communications strategy that includes success in leveraging multiple channels to deepen engagement with key stakeholders

 

  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, coupled with the ability to convey complex ideas in a clear and engaging manner and create impactful narratives and messages

 

  • Strong analytical skills, with the ability to leverage data insights for informed decision-making and performance optimization

 

  • Previous experience in event planning and management is highly desirable, demonstrating the ability to organize successful, high-profile engagements

 

  • Passionate about the mission and work of Ascendus 

 

  • Located within 100 miles of New York City; willingness to travel up to 30%, primarily to New York City, Boston, Miami, Detroit and/or Atlanta

 

Compensation and Benefits

  • Competitive salary depending on experience.  
  • Robust 100% employer paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employee and family. Health plan offers $0 deductible and 0% co-insurance 
  • Additionally, each employee receives a $1,500 employer-paid HRA card for medical-related expenses such as co-pays, prescriptions, etc.  
  • Mobile phone stipend of $30.  
  • Flexible time off. 
  • Eligible for 401(k) participation and employer-match of up to 3% of annual salary. 
  • Eligible for Success Share Plan bonus (a profit-sharing plan).  

 

 

Ascendus, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for all employees, volunteers, partners, and stakeholders. We value diversity and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policy reaffirms our dedication to promoting diversity, advancing equity, and fostering an inclusive culture within our organization. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply for employment opportunities with Ascendus, Inc. 

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