Strategic Communications Specialist

Job Title: Strategic Communications Specialist

Reports To: COO

Location: On-Site in the Coachella Valley (Palm Desert, CA)

Supervises: N/A

Salary Range: $75-90K, commensurate with experience

Primary Function:

The Communications Specialist leads the strategy and execution of all Lift to Rise communications, including public relations, editorial planning, print, digital, and social media, to consistently articulate the organization’s mission and move audiences to action. This role requires a creative and strategic leader with exceptional writing ability, strong project management skills, and a proven ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated and adept at building positive relationships, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and a keen eye for visual design.

Responsibilities

Writing and Messaging

• Strategically execute all core communications functions: generate and share engaging written and visual content about the organization’s work, as well as presentations, meetings and events for Lift To Rise and our partners
• Drive consistency in communication frequency, type, style/format, and quality of content, relying on a strong and established brand identity
• Produce clear, concise, and compelling communication materials for dissemination, collaborating with staff and subject matter experts to translate technical information into accessible content
• Identify, monitor and respond to upcoming and ongoing news and events at both local, state and national level related to the work of Lift to Rise

Digital and Social Media

• Develop compelling, on-brand content that aligns with values and mission, maintain content calendars
• Create, edit, and manage all digital content, including organizing and managing copy and visual assets
• Monitor and engage with audiences on social media platforms in a timely and professional manner
• Support email list management, including segmentation and updates for newsletters and campaigns
• Proactively seek out earned media opportunities, both traditional and innovative, to move the mission and understanding of the work forward

Community Building

• Coordinate with community-based organizations to ensure continuity of narrative amongst partner organizations and LTR platforms
• Respond to and coordinate media/press inquiries; prepare and disseminate press releases and other public relations materials; monitor news mentions and provide rapid-response content as needed
• All other duties as related to communications and messaging

Qualifications

• 4–6 years of full-time professional experience in nonprofit or mission-driven communications roles
• Bachelor’s degree required (in related field preferred)
• Exceptional, demonstrated experience in clear, concise content writing and copywriting, as well as proofreading and editing skills
• Proven experience in planning and executing editorial content and social media calendars
• Demonstrated experience with digital media apps and software, with proficiency in the following: CMS platforms, email marketing, design software (Adobe Creative, Canva, etc.), and/or digital tracking tools
• Able to work in dynamic environments and adjust to changing priorities or creative direction
• Experience tracking and monitoring communication tactics, such as online comments, blog posts, social media results and impacts

Candidate Requirements

• Must be able to work full-time, including some weekends and evenings as needed
• Experience working in communities of color
• Willingness and ability to travel across the Coachella Valley and other locales; must have transportation resources available, valid state ID, and maintain clean driving record
• Capable of maintaining professional boundaries and confidentiality at all times
• A passion and authentic commitment to justice and equity for people of all ethnicities, races, ages, gender identities, sexual orientations, economic circumstances, physical and mental abilities and characteristics, and philosophies
• Genuine commitment to resident and community issues, as well as Lift to Rise’s vision, mission and values
• Bilingual candidates especially encouraged to apply

Physical Requirements

• Able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Able to frequently walk, sit, and perform other job duties in both indoor and outdoor environments
• Able to occasionally stand for long periods of time
• Visual acuity to operate computer and laptop for extended periods of time
• Able to occasionally lift up to 30-40 pounds without assistance

About Lift To Rise

To learn more, please visit: http://lifttorise.org

Standard benefits included with role.

Spanish preferred but not required.