Communications Manager

Communications Manager

Exempt

ORGANIZATION

Metro Housing Boston  is a leading nonprofit dedicated to connecting the residents of Greater Boston with safe, decent homes they can afford. Metro Housing empowers families and individuals to move along the continuum from homelessness to housing stability. Serving more than 29,000 households annually, we work seamlessly to bridge the gaps among government, nonprofits, and corporations to continually increase our impact. With more than 40 years’ experience piloting and implementing housing programs, we have solidified our position as an industry-leading expert on navigating the affordable housing field.

MISSION

“We mobilize wide-ranging resources to provide innovative and personalized services that lead families and individuals to housing stability, economic security and an improved quality of life.”

OVERVIEW

Metro Housing|Boston is seeking a dynamic Communications Manager to increase awareness of our work and enhance our public image. The Communications Manager oversees all aspects of a diverse portfolio of communications activities, from strategy to execution. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced work environment and enjoys managing multiple complex tasks at once, working efficiently to meet competing deadlines and displaying a high level of professionalism. This is a hybrid position where you will work a minimum of two (2) days per week in the office at 1411 Tremont Street Boston, MA.   Hybrid work schedule may change and you will be notified by your supervisor. 

REPORTS TO

Director of Fundraising & Outreach

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

The Communications Manager will lead, develop, and execute content creation, layout/design, photography, and production of all publications, ensuring that all products align with Metro Housing’s brand guidelines. Publications include External and Internal Newsletters; Annual Impact Report; and marketing collateral/flyers/one-pagers. 

Publication Tasks Include:

• Plan, research, write, edit, and distribute newsletter to donors, property owners, elected officials, and staff.
• Work with HR, Senior Staff, and Managers to highlight the highest impact events and occasions appropriate to share with staff. 
• Schedule and conduct interviews and photo shoots, working closely with photographer contractor.
• Work closely with graphic designer in developing the layout and design of the annual impact report.
• Develop print advertisements for newspapers and donor booklets, as needed.

Media Relations

• Develop plans and implement media outreach around Metro Housing’s impact, policy work, announcements.
• Develop and cultivate relationships with reporters, bloggers, and columnists at major and local news outlets; including press kits.
• Draft organizational news releases, media advisories, blog posts, Op-eds, and media pitches. 
• Recruit and train staff and participants to act as spokespersons for media interviews and speaking engagements.

Digital communications

• Metro Housing|Boston Website: Serve as webmaster for www.metrohousingboston.org   ensuring content is up-to-date, accurate, and relevant to a variety of audiences, including renters, property owners, legislators, and donors. Coordinate with web consultants on system upgrades and other technical issues. 
• Social Media: Infuse Metro Housing into social media platforms by creating ideas for shareable pieces of content through our Instagram, Facebook, Threads, LinkedIn and video channels. Monitor accounts of Metro Housing donors, community partners, followers, and elected officials for sharing and commenting opportunities. Create content for social media posts in support of special events and fundraising activities.
• Video: Working closely with creative agency, manage the production of an annual 2-to-3-minute video that captures the impact of our services. Footage used is from interviews with participants highlighted in Impact Report.
• Staff Intranet: Manage and update the Homepage Dashboard with current news and information.
• E-Mail: Manage the relationship with the mass email platform, Constant Contact, i.e., billing and support. Assist in the maintenance of mailing lists.

Qualifications:

Required

• Excellent writing skills;
• Demonstrated ability to work with reporters/editors to secure media placements;
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and excellent proofreading skills;
• Ability to work independently while also enjoying collaborating regularly with a team-oriented work group;
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with peers;
• Experience with Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook); 
• BA/BS Degree in a communications, writing or related field and/or three years professional experience in communications/public relations industry, and
• Commitment to excellence and a strong sense of mission.

Preferred

• Website content management experience and understanding of Google Analytics;
• Experience managing social media campaigns, including paid ads;
• Basic graphic design skills and familiarity with Canva and Adobe, and
• Working knowledge of the Section 8 voucher program and homeless programs for families or individuals strongly preferred;

PREFERENCE GIVEN TO:

• Candidates with multilingual skills (verbal and written). We are seeking candidates that speak and write English and at least one of the following languages (for interpreting and translation): Vietnamese, Cape Verdean Creole, Portuguese, Cantonese, Mandarin, Toisanese, and Spanish.
• Candidates that live within the Greater Boston area, close to the Roxbury Crossing offices of Metro Housing.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Most benefits are available on your first day of work with Metro Housing|Boston. These benefits currently include:

Your and your family’s health

• Health and dental coverage on a pre-tax basis.
• Vision is included as part of our medical plan.
• Medical and dependent care reimbursement account.
• Short-term disability.
• Company paid life insurance and long-term disability.
• Transparency in Coverage Rule

Work/life balance

• Generous vacation, sick, and personal time.
• 12+ paid holidays per year.
• Paid new parent leave.
• Flexible schedules (when available).
• Dependent care reimbursement account.

Retirement plan

• 403(b) plan with a company match.

Career growth

• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Internal promotions encouraged.

Other benefits

• Employee Assistance Program.
• Credit Union available.