Communications Coordinator at Berkeley Public Schools Fund

About the Schools Fund 

 The mission of the Berkeley Public Schools Fund (the Schools Fund) is to champion equitable public education for students, families and our community. 

 The Schools Fund is a small non-profit (currently 7 employees) that supports the Berkeley Unified School District, a medium-sized district with a diverse population of 10,000 students and 19 schools, through equity-focused programming. Our core programs include educator grants, district-wide volunteer programs, STEM programming and fiscal sponsorships. 

 The Schools Fund staff and board are deeply committed to reducing disparities in educational experiences and outcomes in Berkeley schools.

External Communications 

●      Storytelling: Documentation of equity impact stories across multiple media, including social media posts, website, and print collateral. 

●      Graphic Design: Design and help coordinate printing and mailing of annual reports, program reports and fundraising campaigns, invitations, and event collateral following the Schools Fund Style Guide.

●      Social Media: Manage organization’s SM accounts, including 2x/week postings, followers/friends, comments, and advertising.

●      Website: Update the Schools Fund website, editing to ensure a unified look across pages. Interface with website developers, as needed.

●      Video: Produce 1-3 minute videos for the Schools Fund website, social media, and newsletter communications. 

Internal Support

●      Help execute events as needed: Donor Events, Principals Reception, Grantee Showcase, Block Party, other special events.

●      Other related tasks for the organization as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

●      Deeply aligned with the Schools Fund’s mission of equitable public schools 

●      2+ years of professional communications experience, ideally in education and/or nonprofit sector

●      Demonstrated capacity in graphic design, website development, and social media content creation and management

●      Ease with transforming simple statistics and/or testimonials into compelling digital content that connects with diverse focal audiences, and motivates them to action

●      Can easily create new content using InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, video editing software or other like programs

●      Familiarity with Wordpress (website & media), or similar communication platforms used widely in the nonprofit sector

●      Demonstrated ability to manage and grow organizational social media sites (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube) through more/new followers, boosted posts, sharing/liking, etc.

●      Comfortable and capable working in collaboration

●      Strong writing and graphic representation skills, including a meticulous attention to detail

●      A desire to keep learning, and a commitment to bring new learning to the communications work of the Schools Fund

●      Knowledge of mailing conventions for the design of mailed collateral

●      Basic coding skills a plus 

Job Requirements

●      Hybrid role, with at least 2 in-person days per week

●      Reading and writing on screens and in print

●      Color, image, and design evaluation on screens and in print

●      Occasional travel to school buildings and event sites all within Berkeley

●      Occasional need to carry equipment weighing up to 25 lbs.

●      Squatting, kneeling, and/or standing (for photography)

●      Benefits package that includes: 3 weeks of vacation (prorated for part-time)  & standard sick time accrual; 18 total paid federal + BUSD holidays (prorated for part-time) ; 401k retirement fund (no employer match) 

●      Flexible work schedule: option to work primarily from the office, primarily from remote or split, with at least 2 day/week in person

●      Positive office culture and a shared value around work-life balance

●      Good location: our office is not far from North Berkeley BART, has easy access to free parking and public transportation, is close to bike paths/bike-friendly, and is in walking distance to great restaurants and Strawberry Creek Park

●      The opportunity to make a direct, positive impact on Berkeley’s public schools