Communications Specialist/Writer

General Functions

The Communications Specialist/Writer in the Department of Marketing and Communications develops a range of communications for stakeholders (CFP® professionals, candidates for certification, education providers, corporate partners and donors) that promote CFP Board’s mission and strategic priorities, enhancing stakeholder engagement and awareness. The position performs a broad range of writing across CFP Board, including content for newsletters, brochures, forms, email communication, regular and ad hoc correspondence, and CFP Board’s online resources, including the CFP.net website and social media.

Essential Functions

• Works with all departments to identify, analyze and develop written communications appropriate for CFP Board’s primary stakeholder groups, including communications through newsletters, brochures, forms, regular and ad hoc correspondence, and CFP Board’s online resources, including the CFP.net website and social media.
• Employs strategic, thoughtful and purposeful communication to build a strong and reputable outlook on the organization, to maximize CFP® professional and stakeholder engagement and connectivity with CFP Board, and to ensure CFP® professionals’ satisfaction and a positive public image and perception with CFP Board. 
• Works with the Senior Communications Manager & Editor to write and deliver the monthly CFP Board Report email newsletter.
• Support the Senior Communications Manager & Editor in providing writing services for departments across the organization.
• Writes and edits content for CFP Board’s websites, including CFP.net and LetsMakeAPlan.org, and social media.
• Ensures all website content is maintained and optimized for search and usability.
• Performs other duties as assigned or necessary.

Background/Skills/Abilities Preferred

• A bachelor's degree in communication/journalism/English/public relations or equivalent experience.
• A minimum of three years of strategic communications experience.
• Superb writing skills as well as excellent verbal and interpersonal skills.
• Good judgment and instincts with strong problem-solving skills.
• Ease with all relevant technology, CRM and CMS systems.
• Experience developing presentations (PowerPoint) and graphic design skills.
• Adeptness at working with and meeting needs across the organization; willingness to provide counsel, listen, and take direction.
• Strong team player. 
• Ability to operate with a sense of urgency with rapid response capabilities.
• An independent and strategic thinker, able to take initiative and follow through on projects. 
• Experience analyzing, distilling, and communicating data. 
• Ability to travel if necessary.

To apply, submit your resume, three writing samples highlighting the variety of your writing capabilities (website content, member/stakeholder communication, news content, etc.), and a cover letter summarizing your interest and qualifications. The application process for this role will include a writing assignment.

About CFP Board 

CFP Board is the professional body for personal financial planners in the U.S. CFP Board consists of two affiliated organizations focused on advancing the financial planning profession for the public’s benefit. CFP Board of Standards (501(c)(6)) sets and upholds standards for financial planning and administers the prestigious CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM certification — widely recognized by the public, advisors and firms as the standard for financial planners — so that the public has access to the benefits of competent and ethical financial planning. 

CFP® certification is held by more than 100,000 people in the U.S. CFP Board Center for Financial Planning (501(c)(3)) addresses diversity and workforce development challenges and conducts and publishes research that adds to the financial planning profession’s body of knowledge. 

This position works on programs which are part of both the 501 (c)(6) and the 501 (c)(3).

This position is based in the Washington D.C. office and works a hybrid schedule which could be changed at any time.

CFP Board believes that diversity of experience and perspective are strengths and seeks to continue to grow a highly committed, skilled, and collaborative staff.

CFP Board is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The applicable starting annual base salary is anticipated to be in the range of $62,000.00 to $75,000.00. In addition to base salary, total compensation includes incentive compensation for which employees are eligible based on completion of individual goals.