Communications Associate

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 Associate is responsible for executing on the creation of compelling and thoughtful content that creates awareness, deepens an understanding of Ascendus, and differentiates our work among peers. The Associate will create content and collateral that includes both short and longform content, as well as supports visual, written and oral communications deliverables. This position primarily supports communication to donors and funders to ensure $8 million in annual contributions.

Key Outcomes

The Communications Associate will be responsible for achieving the following:

Grow Ascendus library of client stories through the creation 24 new client stories annually, an average of 2/month.

Cultivate and steward institutional donors and partners by distributing content through 10 issues of Credit Lines and other email campaigns.

Execute a social media strategy for Ascendus (including the creation of content, monitoring, and responding) to deepen engagement that includes daily posts.

Develop a minimum of twelve (12) client photo books through annual photo tours in three- five Ascendus core markets.
Execute on Stories of Ascension strategy, including the creation of eight (8) client videos annually.

Solicit and recognize individual and institutional donors through the creation of our Annual Report and Annual Appeal campaigns.

Manage Ascendus’ website, including updating its content using WordPress, as needed, daily; and

Provide planning and event support for fundraising events both internal and external.

Required Skills, Competencies and Qualifications

Competencies:

Productivity: Consistently produces a very high volume of work. Uses company time and resources extremely optimally, and meets schedules and deadlines.

Dependability: Always completes assignments timely and thoroughly. Frequently works beyond expectations demonstrating exceptional initiative.

Follow Through: Takes complete responsibility for actions, fully informs involved parties, keeps projects on-track through effective problem solving, and demonstrates full commitment to an assignment through completion.

Attention to Detail: Accuracy and attention to detail are exceptional. Assignments are completed carefully and in full accordance with specific instructions. Exceptional quality standards are maintained in the recording of numerical data and organizational information. Grammar, spelling, and punctuation are flawless.

Oral Communication: Oral communication is exceptional. Both formal and informal presentations are well organized and clear. Voice quality, speech clarity, and grammar skills are excellent. Verbal communication effectively inspires, motivates, informs, and directs recipients to achieve desired outcomes.

Written Communication: Written communication is of the highest quality. Documents are exceptionally clear, concise, timely, and well organized. Ideas are supported by logical conclusions and appropriate recommendations. Written communication is effectively used to enhance area operations and reflect the Company's professional image. Rules of grammar are followed precisely.

Skills and Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in Communications, or a related field.
2 - 3 years of work experience in a marketing or communications role.
Demonstrated experience in and knowledge of communications best practices
Demonstrated experience and proficiency in digital platforms including email, web, social and beyond
A passion for Ascendus’ vision, mission and values.
Bilingual in English and Spanish (a plus, but not required.)

Compensation and Benefits

Competitive salary depending on experience.

Robust 100% employer paid medical, dental, and vision coverage options for employee and family.

Additionally, each employee receives an employer-paid HRA card for medical-related expenses such as co-pays, prescriptions, etc.

Mobile phone stipend of $30.

Flexible time off.

Summer Fridays.

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).

Salary range: $19.50 per hour - $25 per hour

Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.  
Fully remote, US-Based position. 

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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