Communications Specialist

GENERAL JOB INFORMATION

Title:  Communications Specialist
Reports To (Title):  Director of Public Relations 
Job Type:  Specialist
Department:  Communications and Volunteer Engagement
FLSA Classification:  Salaried, exempt/SOC Code 27-3099
Salary:  $60,000.00 to $65,000.00

JOB SUMMARY

Trident United Way is seeking a talented, self-directed Communications Specialist to enhance the profile of our global and local brand through writing and storytelling. This position will track and measure public relations outcomes, manage all email newsletter content for the organization and associated initiatives, to show who we are as a brand and to amplify the work and outcomes of the organization. The Communications Specialist is responsible for communication efforts that inspire and motivate stakeholders to give, advocate and volunteer toward the achievement of Trident United Way’s mission, vision and goals.

The primary areas of focus for the Communications Specialist are:

1. Media Relations Support -- 20%
2. Newsletter Content -- 30%
3. Advancement Materials --20%
4. Impact Report Content and Production -- 20%
5. Miscellaneous duties including internal meetings -- 10%

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Essential Function 1: Media Relations Support
Serves as the organizational lead for earned media tracking, measurement and reporting that highlights the partnerships, initiatives and work of Trident United Way. Collaboration with members of TUW communications staff will be deeply incorporated in successful fulfillment of this essential function. This is includes but is not limited to: 1) Tracking earned media pickups that result from Public Relations efforts for sharing with staff and the Board of Directors; 2) Curating links and screen shots of earned media pick-ups; 3) Curating, creating and sharing “News You Can Use” report containing topics related to TUW mission, nonprofit and business news; and 4) provide support to the Director of Public Relations as needed. 


Essential Function 2: Newsletter Content 
Served as the organization lead for the electronic newsletter(s) content curation and creations. Collaboration with Director of Public Relations and Digital Media & Design Specialist are key to successful fulfillment of this essential function. This includes but is not limited to 1) develop content calendar and schedule for electronic newsletters; 2) using key engagement metrics to inform future content; 3) write, edit and proofread article content for organizational electronic newsletter(s); and 4) collaborate with other departments for content ideas.


Essential Function 3: Advancement Materials 
Serves as the organizational lead for written content for Advancement teams. This includes but is not limited to: 1) written content for solicitation phase of advancement – letters, pitch materials and scripts for fundraising presentations 2) written content for donor and grantor stewardship phase of advancement – letters, acknowledgments, scripts for thanking and stewardship activities; 3) written content for planning giving and endowment advancement work including Market Smart suite of materials; 



Essential Function 4:  Impact Report Content and Production
Coordinates all aspects of the writing, creation and production of TUW Impact Reports. This includes but is not limited to: 1) creating a vision for the report, a project plan and timelines for quarterly Impact Reports and Annual Report; 2) curating key metrics - outcomes, outputs and stories of impact in coordination with Community Impact, Data Analyst, Partners and Grantors; 3) serve as liaison with TUW Communications staff and outside freelancers as needed 4) incorporate input from key stakeholders into the content; and 5) coordinate with others to complete the digital publishing and printing of the reports for distribution.


ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

 

• Ensure consistent use of approved brand identity guidelines throughout organization and monitor application fidelity.
• Collaborate with other members of the Communications and Events staff, share resources and work product for coordinated messages.
• Coordinate assignments and assist in managing skilled volunteers and interns.
• Perform other activities as assigned by the Vice President of Communications & Volunteer Engagement
• Participates as a champion, project lead, and/or member of organizational development teams as required.
• Complete Andar training as appropriate when offered.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

 

• Associate degree required with 5-7 years of experience focused on Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing preferred)

OR

• Bachelor’s degree with 3 years of experience preferred (with focus on Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing preferred)

Experience

 

• Minimum of 3 years work experience in a similar role
• 3 years of project management experience preferred.
• Proficiency with AP Style standards for media relations efforts.
• Experience with writing for fundraising and stewardship – using best practice principles.
• Proficiency with mass email marketing system such as Mailchimp or Constant Contact
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite required

Skills

 

• Ability to initiate action and work independently or as part of a team.
• Superior writing, editing, verbal and interpersonal skills.
• Strong project and time management skills with the ability to independently manage several responsibilities simultaneously.
• An upbeat, energetic attitude that fosters positive relationships with partners and colleagues.
• A willingness to acquire new skills.
• Strong critical thinking, decision making and problem-solving skills.
• Have a positive attitude and enjoy the position

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF JOB

 

• Exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects, within the office setting and relating to the position.
• Must frequently use typical office equipment (telephone, multifunctional devices, postage meter, etc.)
• Most of time spent sitting at desk.
• Communicates with constituents, staff, volunteers, board members and/or partners by phone and in person.
• Upon request and as necessary to fulfill job functions, may have to be mobile within the office and or travel to offsite locations

WORK ENVIRONMENT

 

• This is a hybrid position. Primarily works in a climate-controlled office-based setting. The opportunity to work remotely two days a week is available.

Please Note: Requirements, skills, and abilities described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation. In no instance, however, should the duties, responsibilities, and requirements be interpreted as all-inclusive. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.