Communications Specialist

SUMMARY

The Communications Specialist is a member of SVDP’s Development team and is responsible for marketing and communications in support of the department’s goals for community engagement and fundraising. Duties include public relations, publications, electronic communications, social media, website management, content creation and the promotion of programs, fundraising, volunteer and in-kind donation needs.

PRIMARY DUTIES

• Planning: Work with the Development team to implement annual and multi-year organization plans for marketing and communications. Ensure that initiatives are coordinated to support the goals of the Development department and SVDP programs.
• Publications: Coordinates the organization’s publications including print newsletters, the annual report, program fact sheets, flyers, paid advertisements and brochures as needed.  This includes working with vendors, writing copy, editing and proofing, working with key staff, developing timelines and schedules for production, and meeting established deadlines.
• Content Development: Supports the creation of campaigns and client, volunteer and donor profiles and other content in support of community engagement goals. This includes regular visits to various SVDP client sites to conduct interviews and take photos and video.
• Public & Media Relations: Coordinates and facilitates all organization-wide, internal and external communications, handles crisis communications response, serves as a spokesperson for the organization, issues press releases and handles all public relations. Cultivates, develops and stewards relationships with local media, identifies publicity opportunities and regularly pitches community involvement and human interest stories. Secures media sponsorships for organizational events and initiatives.  
• Marketing & Promotions: Manages the organization’s marketing initiatives, including placement and tracking of paid and earned media and other initiatives. Promotes and markets volunteer opportunities, events, and organizational needs to increase resources, meet goals, and engage the community. Maintains contact with program staff, keeping abreast of current goals and efforts and providing consultation for ongoing communication and program marketing needs. Coordinates and manages vendors and contracts related to marketing, writing, photography, videography, etc.
• Social Media & Online Marketing: Establishes and maintains social media networks and leads all email marketing. Develops and distributes newsletters and targeted emails, maintains the SVDP website, and manages search engine optimization. Oversees and maintains content and functionality of website. Works to increase traffic to website and social media platforms.
• Branding & Descriptions: Upholds branding standards for organization, and ensures     program and organization descriptions are consistent, updated, and aligned with grant language.

SECONDARY DUTIES

• Represents SVDP in the community, including public speaking.
• Provides staff support to board and event committees.   
• Meets, communicates regularly, and works in close partnership with the Senior Director, Development and the Development team, as well as other staff and volunteers involved in supporting the marketing and communications efforts of SVDP.
• Submits reports to management, board, partners, and funders as required.
• Researches and maintains updated knowledge of current market standards and best practices for marketing and communications.
• Other duties as assigned within the scope of the position.

• Bachelor’s Degree, required;
• 3 years’ experience with responsibility for marketing, public relations and communications, required, non-profit experience preferred;
• Excellent written and communications skills; public speaking experience a plus
• Strong organizational and computer skills;
• Working experience or knowledge of communications as it relates to fundraising;
• Professional experience with website management, SEO, social media, and e-communications; experience designing publications and materials and/or advertising a plus; and
• A sensitivity to the needs and concerns of persons who are marginalized, with an understanding and respect for persons of all socio-economic, religious and ethnic backgrounds, along with a commitment to the mission and values of the organization, and an understanding of the issues of homelessness, hunger and poverty.

Environmental conditions:   

__X___ Primarily Indoor Work

Type of work:
__X___MEDIUM WORK:  Lifting 50 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects up to 25 pounds.