Development and Communications Coordinator

Development and Communications Coordinator

Organization Overview:

Northwest Immigrant Rights Project promotes justice for low income immigrants and refugees by pursuing and defending their legal status. We focus on providing direct legal services, supported by our education and public policy work. Founded in 1984, the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) is a nationally-recognized legal services organization dedicated solely to advancing and defending the rights of low-income immigrants and refugees. Each year, NWIRP provides direct legal assistance in immigration matters to over 10,000 people from over 150 countries, speaking over 50 different languages. NWIRP also strives to achieve systemic change to policies and practices affecting immigrants and refugees through important litigation, public policy work and community education. NWIRP serves the community through four offices in Washington State. Its main office is located in Seattle.

The potential for comprehensive immigration reform is on the horizon, and our hope is stronger than ever. Whether reform happens this year or in the near future, one thing is clear – NWIRP will be here to serve the growing number of immigrants and refugees who need our services. We currently receive more than 1,500 calls a week, and with the addition of the new Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program and the potential for comprehensive reform, NWIRP must grow its programs so that we are fully prepared to meet the increasing need in the community. With your help, we can do this.

Job Summary:

NWIRP is seeking an experienced and passionate Development and Communications Coordinator to stand with us in advancing one of the most important human rights issues of our era. We seek an inclusive team player to accelerate the organization's fundraising success and public presence through development and implementation of a strategic and targeted communications plan and support in implementing key fundraising strategies to achieve the short and long-term goals of the mission. The Coordinator will have the opportunity to run several campaigns, both fundraising and communications related. This position is guaranteed to be incredibly rewarding, with ample room to grow, lead, shine and influence.

Essential Responsibilities:

Communications

• Responsible for creation of all external and internal communications initiatives, working with staff to ascertain the messages, information and values that must be conveyed using appropriate communication vehicles.
• Responsible for appropriate brand expression, carrying it out throughout the website, print media, press releases and other media.
• Responsible for managing the creation of customized collateral including one-pagers, annual reports, background and success stories and other marketing materials for events, campaigns and general communications, including copy writing. Will often partner with a designer.
• Responsible for production of consistent electronic communications, social media updates and website, posting of news articles, press releases and other relevant updates.
• Identify and capitalize on opportunities to increase NWIRP's visibility and brand recognition and elevate its public image, including traditional PR and recommendations for innovative on-line approaches.

Development

• Collaborate with Executive Director, Development Director and selected staff to lead all fundraising events and activities.
• Partner with the Development Director, Executive Director, board members, and selected staff to design and implement strategies for individual giving, and other strategies that secure unrestricted funding.
• Support efforts to foster a strong fundraising culture with the staff and board.
• Partner in creation of all fundraising campaigns in collaboration with the Development Director, responsible for execution of campaigns.
• Serve as community contact regarding campaigns and signature events.
• Work with selected staff to provide briefing memos for development team regarding prospective donors.
• Assist in writing and submission of grants and contracts when necessary.
• Manage vendor relationships in regards to events, campaigns and development work.

Events

• Partners to create the successful production of fundraising events, coordinating all logistics of and ensuring successful execution of each event. These currently include a major annual fundraising dinner, a reception and periodic house parties, happy hours and wine tastings.

Leadership

• Partner with the Development Director, Executive Director, Legal Director and other key staff to thoughtfully manage their involvement in communications and fundraising efforts.
• Oversee the ongoing integrity of donor information; oversee the processing of all gift entries and acknowledgements.
• Serve as a public face of and ambassador for NWIRP. May serve on community committees on behalf of the organization.
• Manage teams of volunteers at specific times throughout the year.
• Attend and report at board meetings and some staff and management meetings as required.
• May serve as staff liaison to board committees related to communications or fundraising.

Qualifications/Skills Required

• Personal passion for immigrant rights work with a belief in the mission and values of Northwest Immigrant Rights Project. Familiarity with immigration issues and ability to quickly learn issues associated with immigration.
• Minimum 4 years of combined experience in communications and fund development.
• Excellent communication skills and experience including persuasive writing and clear and concise narrative reports, sophisticated interpersonal skills and cross cultural communications experience. Must be creative and professional.
• Strong event coordination experience.
• Ability to communicate ideas with enthusiasm to diverse audiences, public speaking skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and donor database software (Experience with eTapestry a plus.) Strong computer skills and software knowledge including Word, Excel and previous experience with database software. Competent knowledge of Adobe InDesign; Previous experience producing materials for public consumption.
• Must be able to efficiently manage multiple tasks, work well under deadline and be flexible. Project management experience with ability to meet deadlines, anticipating quickly changing needs and communicating effectively and in a timely fashion.
• Ability to work effectively and diplomatically with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, staff and counsel.
• Highly motivated, resourceful, flexible, outgoing and open-minded, easily able to adapt to change. Direct communication style preferred. Positive attitude required.

Supervision

The Development and Communications Coordinator reports to and is supervised by the Development Director, Michelle Muri.

Work Culture

NWIRP is a fast-paced work environment and requires high energy and calm focus. Some days can run long – must have stamina (some event days stretch to 14 hours). Some heavy lifting and physical activity may be required. Requires occasional evenings and very occasional weekend shifts throughout the year. This position also requires the ability to commute for occasional travel within Washington State.

Compensation

This full-time position will offer a salary depending on experience. NWIRP takes pride in being a unionized organization and offers competitive benefits including scheduled vacation and salary increases, a compelling mission and dedicated and passionate co-workers.

Northwest Immigrant Rights Project is an equal opportunity employer committed to cultural diversity. We encourage applications from people of color, immigrants, women, people with disabilities, members of the LGBT community and other minority groups.