Organizational Overview

Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars (DRDFS) empowers and supports students throughout Southeast Michigan to achieve post-secondary success. Founded in 1990, DRDFS provides equitable opportunities for students to access and earn a post-secondary degree, reach their goals, and strengthen our communities.

Through our Next Level Scholars Program, students are engaged beginning in 10th grade and continue through post-secondary credential or degree attainment. The program inspires and prepares students to pursue post-secondary education, which we accomplish through tailored campus visits, SAT preparation, leadership workshops, FAFSA completion, one-on-one coaching and more. DRDFS awards each student a $4,000 scholarship upon high school graduation and continues to provide resources, coaching and support until they earn a post-secondary degree or credential.  We are proud that our students outpace their peers in post-secondary enrollment, persistence, and graduation.

Over the past 34 years, what started as a small group of committed neighbors who established the organization to support their local school has evolved into a comprehensive, award winning post-secondary access and success program, serving 16 partner high schools and more than 1,000 students across Southeast Michigan annually.

Opportunity

Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars is currently seeking a detail-oriented, goal driven and passionate Communications Manager. As the Communications Manager, you will play a critical role in capturing and sharing the story of Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars and our students in the Next Level Scholars Program.  The Communications Manager will oversee all communications and PR efforts for the organization. This role would report to the Executive Director, while working closely with the Program Director, the contracted PR firm, as well as the entire team.

The ideal candidate is organized, professional, experienced in communications and is capable of managing their workload in a fast-paced non-profit environment. In this role, the Communications Manager will have the opportunity to further our mission of empowering and supporting students to achieve post-secondary success by amplifying our message and work across the region.

This is a full-time position based in Plymouth, MI.

Responsibilities:

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  Communications Strategy: In conjunction with DRDFS Leadership and the contracted PR firm, develop and/or refine internal and external communications strategy, including purpose, shared goals/metrics, content calendar and methods of communication.


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  Digital Media: Create content, manage and grow the network on social media platforms (Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn). Manage the DRDFS website, create e-newsletter campaigns, blogs and other content.


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  Print Media: Create and distribute print newsletters, along with marketing materials such as presentations, brochures, one-pagers, banners, etc.


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  Promotional Event Material and Communication: In collaboration with the Development Manager, create materials and communication plans for DRDFS events including the Celebration Luncheon, Downtown Networking Tailgate, and Executive Advisory Board Meetings.


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  Media & Content Capture: Effectively collaborate with PR Firm to prepare for media placement, including coordinating subjects for stories. Attend all events, capture content at student events for media (take pictures, video, interviews, etc.) and coordinate any on-site media opportunities.


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  Publicity and Recognition Committee: Serve as staff lead for the Committee, managing budget and setting annual goals in alignment with strategic plan.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree


• 3+ years of experience in a related communications role


• Experience managing a variety of social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn) and tailoring strategy/messaging to fit target audiences


• Highly organized, detail-oriented and self-motivated; able to take initiative, manage, and complete multiple tasks within deadlines and within budget


• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with all levels of the organization in a friendly and professional manner


• Experience in creating a variety of graphics and promotional materials on Canva, Publisher or Adobe Creative Suite


• Strong writing and communications skills; willing to speak publicly about the mission and work of the organization


• Adaptable and flexible to assignment and project changes


• Experience with email marketing software (Constant Contact preferred)


• Commitment to DRDFS’ mission, vision and guiding principles


• Commitment to uphold the organization’s culture and values as demonstrated through proficiency in DRDFS’ Ways of Being

Organizational Culture and Values

All team members are expected to demonstrate our organizational culture and values, also known as our ways of being. The DRDFS team created these statements to encompass the perspectives, knowledge, skills and attitudes of how we approach our work both collectively and individually. By following our ways of being and seeking out ways to improve in these areas, team members can successfully contribute to DRDFS’ mission, vision and long term strategic goals as a dedicated team member.

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  Connect Meaningfully: Be respectful and compassionate first. We create safe, respectful and compassionate spaces that honor both the individual and team needs and goals. We agree to shared norms and values.


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  Engage Fully: Show up as your best. We are present: using our voices and lending our input, as it matters. We show up as our best and acknowledge that our best may change. We are prepared and ready to engage fully.


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  Be Brave: Assume positive intent and deliver feedback and ideas respectfully to keep moving forward. We take wise risks, own our mistakes, speak up and ask questions. We encourage one another to step outside our comfort zones and try new things.


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  Embrace Differences: Collaboration amongst diverse perspectives and voices leads to results. We honor the wisdom, experience and values of everyone and respect those in and out of the room. We are open to new ideas as well as established ones and collaborate to ensure the best possible outcome.


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  Aim High: Set big goals and strive to meet them with a sense of ambition and a growth mindset. We know that to achieve our mission, we need to think big and seek opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement. With an understanding that both challenges and successes offer us an opportunity to learn and grow, we support each other in the process with compassion and accountability.


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  Celebrate Success: Infuse joy, recognition and gratitude into daily wins both big and small. We take time to pause, reflect and acknowledge successes. We focus on our goals and work collectively toward them.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars strives to promote a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We value differences in experiences, perspectives, and identities, including but not limited to ethnicity, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, gender identity, and disability status.

The need for post-secondary education applies equally to all students, and since its inception, DRDFS has focused support efforts to ensure students from all backgrounds have equitable access to higher education.

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