Communications Associate
Position Summary
The Foundation seeks two communications associates to join its Strategic Communications team and help execute communications strategies that support its efforts to strengthen families, increase economic opportunity and build safe, supportive communities for America's children. The Strategic Communications team provides comprehensive support for the Foundation's mission to build a brighter future for kids, families and communities by developing compelling products and tools, engaging decision makers and opinion leaders, cultivating strategic media partnerships and reaching audiences through digital communications.
The communications associates will help support a team of hard-working communications professionals, using their skills to help build that brighter future. They should be passionate about issues related to child well-being, youth and young adults, families, economic opportunity and community development; exceptional writers with a strong eye for detail and dedication to accuracy; and adept at juggling multiple projects and deadlines and translating complex jargon to move hearts and minds. They also should be great listeners who can grasp the needs of various audiences.
Both communications associates will report to a senior communications associate and work closely with other staff and consultants.
Responsibilities
- Working with a senior communications associate, support development of annual and project-based communications plans
- Execute strategies according to unit communications plans while maintaining consistency with the Foundation's overarching objectives
- Manage content production and editorial calendars for Foundation e-newsletters for selected units, coordinating with the senior communications associate and directing the work of consultants to ensure adherence to Casey's style guidelines and editorial standards
- Produce and assign blog content; collect and edit content; suggest images; and work with senior communications associate, program team and digital team to review final blog posts and e-newsletters
- Manage promotion schedule, rehearsals and technical support for Foundation webinars
- Support the production and dissemination of Foundation publications, including developing and monitoring production schedules and advising program staff and grantees on editorial and graphic components required for a wide range of printed and digital materials - i.e., infographics, videos, reports, webinars, brochures, tool kits, newsletters, etc.
- Write assigned one-pagers and reports
- Create, reformat and review materials and presentations, maintaining Casey brand and style rules and consistency with key messages
- Maintain awareness and understanding of the Foundation's grant-making processes, initiatives and programmatic work
- Exhibit sensitivity to and respect for diversity in personal, professional and business relationships on behalf of the Foundation
- Seek to use the Foundation's resources equitably with regard to race, ethnicity and gender
- Demonstrate awareness and appreciation of the Foundation's mission, values, standards, principles and programs, drawing on Casey's knowledge management system, intranet, website, staff development sessions and other learning opportunities to establish this competency
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree and a minimum of four to six years of full-time professional communications or journalism experience that includes project management responsibilities, ideally at a senior account executive or account supervisor level
- Communications experience working with nonprofits or government agencies in the areas of juvenile justice, child welfare, human services, advocacy or community development preferred
Essential Skills and Abilities
- Strong planning and organizational skills
- Excellent writing and editing skills a must; experience blogging or writing for websites beneficial
- Quick thinker with demonstrated problem-solving and strong interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently, collaborate effectively with colleagues and guide the work of vendors and consultants
- Ability to proficiently execute a wide range of communications practices
- Proficiency and familiarity with Associated Press style and strong editing skills
- Familiarity with best practices across a range of communications platforms, including digital and social media
- Ability to meet goals amid competing priorities and tight deadlines
- Successful experience as a member of a dynamic and effective team
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (i.e., Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Access) and Adobe Acrobat, including familiarity with Acrobat Pro editing functions
- Familiarity with cloud-based storage and editing systems
- Proficiency with running webinars, particularly through WebEx Event Center, a plus, as are skills in videography, video editing and graphic design
Tools and Equipment Used
- Telephone, copiers, computer with Microsoft Office applications, Adobe Acrobat
Work Environment
- The work is performed primarily in an office setting. Communications associates will be asked to travel periodically, particularly in their first year, to Foundation or partner events and site visits.
Compensation
- These are nonexempt positions. Starting salaries are commensurate with experience. Strong benefits packages will be provided.