Internal Communications Assistant

Company Overview

Youth Villages has been a national leader in the implementation of research-based treatment philosophies in the field of children's mental and behavioral health. Our commitment to helping troubled children and their families find success spans 30+ years and includes a comprehensive array of programs and services. 

If you are looking for a positive career move where you are meeting the challenges of life and striving to make a positive difference, then Youth Villages is the place for you. We are looking for people with a strong sense of purpose and focus to continually build confidence in yourself and our organization.

Position Overview 

Under the general supervision of the Senior Internal Communications Manager, with a dotted line to the Director of Public Relations, the Internal Communications Assistant supports various channels for employee communications. This role provides tactical support for the Internal Communications team including research, writing, design and digital signage and email management. Performs other related duties as assigned or directed to meet the goals and objectives of the department.

The ideal candidate should have strong organizational aptitude, impeccable writing skills and a willingness to learn and grow in the department. This role is perfect for someone detail-oriented, who takes the initiative and exhibits a high level of work ethic, is proactive and thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. Our ideal candidate is a team player with excellent problem-solving, critical thinking and communication skills. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Produce creative, engaging content for internal digital monitor channel that aligns with and compliments other employee channels, including email and intranet.
• Serve as primary contact and resource for digital signage liaisons at campuses and offices.
• Leads training for digital signage liaisons, including content creation and use of digital platform.
• Contribute to and maintain digital signage content on Employee Comms content budget.
• In collaboration with Internal Communications Coordinator, produce weekly employee e-newsletter, including story, headline writing, art selection, layout/design and distribution through internal communications software.
• In collaboration with Internal Communications Coordinator, maintain and update intranet, including content layout, posting of new forms and documents, creating of new pages.
• Helps with administrative tasks as needed (distribution of Great Place to Work or other award materials, for example).
• Updates or helps create on-going metrics of communications channels, including KPI reports and other tools to measure effectiveness and drive strategies.
• Assists with employee communications needs around major employee events and retention campaigns including the annual employee conference, Gold Kite Awards, The YV Way monthly awards, etc.
• Assist as needed in management of photography archives or search of archives for internal purposes.
• Performs additional duties at the request of the Senior Internal Communications Manager or Director of Public Relations
• Proficient writer with the ability, as needed, to write copy for email, website, flyers and other internal channels; assists with editing and proofreading upon request; familiar with AP Style.
• Ability to interview employees and write stories for various internal and external uses.
• Assist in photography or production needs for internal communications needs.
• Assist in coordination of special campaigns focused on wellness, benefits, finance, HR, IT, etc. to include writing of articles, gathering of photography/graphics, etc.
• Ability to work collaboratively across various teams and departments to ensure integration and sharing of information.
• Takes direction well but is also able to work independently and proactively.
   

Qualifications 
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience 
Bachelor's degree in journalism/strategic communications or relevant field. One to two years of experience in communications, digital/audio environment or support services, including human resources, benefits or information technology. Internship experience to be considered.

Location
This position is located in Memphis, Tennessee, at Youth Villages headquarters. This is an office-based position with the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule after the first year of employment.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug Coverage and Vision
401(k)
2 weeks paid vacation
12 paid sick days per year
11 paid holidays

Paid Parental Leave

Growth & development through continuous training

Youth Villages is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Youth Villages is committed to not only advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace but also in our work with children and young adults. We know that children, families and young people of color can face inequity in child welfare and justice systems, and we train our employees to build the skills they need to work with the communities that we serve, as well as, other employees from different cultures and backgrounds. Youth Villages is opposed to racism in any of its forms and is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity. We believe that respect for each other is crucial in the work that we do each day.