Overview:

The Accion U.S. Network is the largest nonprofit micro- and small-business lending network in the United States, with four members that collectively form a national footprint for lending and financial education. The Accion U.S. Network organization is responsible for developing capacity for its members by developing innovative tools and strategies to enhance customer acquisition, and to develop partnerships and new funding sources to ensure the long term sustainability of Accion’s work in the U.S. The Accion U.S. Network is closely associated with Accion International, a global pioneer in microfinance providing loans in over 30 countries via its network of partners.

Position:

The Accion U.S. Network is seeking an experienced, results-oriented Communications Manager to develop and support the organization’s communications strategy. In coordination with the CEO and other senior leaders at Accion Network and Accion International, the Communications Manager will be responsible for developing, communicating and overseeing a communications plan. The primary goal is to promote Accion as a key thought-leader and influencer in the microenterprise and small business lending sector in the U.S.

The Communications Manager will oversee the development of the Accion U.S. Network’s website (usnetwork.accion.org), social media presence, collateral materials development, publications development, email communications, CEO speaking opportunities and more. The Manager will be responsible for overseeing and executing on collaborative projects, plans, and shared strategies with communications staff at member organizations and at Accion International. S/he will manage communications interns and also proactively seek new opportunities and projects to meet Accion’s communications goals.

Responsibilities:

Support development and execution of national communications programs and strategy with leadership team at U.S. Network and Accion International.
Manage cross member and cross-organizational relationships and support members as they partner with the Network communications group on strategy, channel management, and project plans.
Manage the production of all communications outreach tools including the Accion News Hubs, annual report, quarterly client story and economic outlook publications, corporate video production, and photo library development.
Manage Accion’s reactive and proactive press engagement strategies, leveraging outreach tools as well as press specific tools (such as our News Hubs) to create long-term, productive relationships with key outlets and/or journalists. Manage Accion PR consultants and vendors.
Manage social media channels and campaigns for Accion’s outreach tools.
Establish, cultivate and manage relationships with core external vendors, including designers, writers, editors, and website firms.
Develop and manage the communications annual budget.

Qualifications:

At least 5 years of communications, marketing or public relations experience with progressive responsibilities.
Familiarity with the microenterprise development and small business lending space, or a demonstrated ability and desire to learn the field quickly.
Detail-oriented project manager, with the ability to manage multiple ongoing, long-term projects alongside daily, shorter-term tasks.
A roll-up-your sleeves attitude and ability and desire to execute at a tactical as well as strategic level.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to effectively build meaningful relationships with key stakeholders.
Superb writing and editing skills, with the ability to coach external vendors/writers on Accion’s brand voice and writing style.
Demonstrated ability to find creative solutions for utilizing external communications to advance broader business goals.
Demonstrated ability to communicate vision and achieve buy-in among diverse stakeholders in order to advance organizational goals.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent; advanced degree preferable.

How to apply

How to Apply: To apply for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter to usinfo@accion.org with the subject line “Communications Manager.” Your Cover letter should highlight why you are uniquely qualified for this position and why your interest and goals are a fit for Accion’s mission.