Public Relations/Communications Associate

About the Position:

The Public Relations/Communications Associate serves as the organization’s point person in curating and conveying the public image of CDR through traditional and social media, our websites, and email. The position is a critical part of the External Affairs team, helping develop and implement an integrated messaging campaign to enhance the organization’s brand and win advocacy campaigns that improve the lives of the Disability Community in Rochester, across New York, and throughout the country.

While our Rochester office is preferred for this position, it may also be performed at our offices in Geneva, Corning, or Albany.

Position Responsibilities:

• Analyze the organization’s objectives, promotional policies, and needs to build public relations strategies that influence public opinion and promote the organization.
• Collaborate internally to identify trends and evaluate earned and paid media, including social media, to determine efficacy and alignment with the organization’s mission and goals.
• Work with the Vice President for External Affairs to develop and maintain branding standards.
• Serve as the point person for managing our digital content, including websites and social media, to ensure content is consistently up to date, aligned with our mission and strategic goals, and adheres to the organization’s brand standards.
• In conjunction with the VP for External Affairs, develop a social media plan that increases awareness of CDR’s programs and services, advances our policy goals, and encourages engagement with the organization in a meaningful manner.
• Coordinate, create, publish, and share new and timely content on a regular basis to maintain a strong and active online identity.
• Develop a social media calendar; creating template and establishing content in advance while also responding to timely and newsworthy issues.
• Moderate user-generated content on social media platforms in line with the moderation policy.
• Act as the organization’s photographer; capturing moments and experiences, editing photos and maintaining a library of relevant content.
• Working with the VP for External Affairs and other staff to coordinate responses to requests for information from the media.
• Support effective media relations, drafting media advisories and press releases, developing run of show, and preparing information for the media while supporting staff in effectively working with the media.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with consumers, the community, employees, and allied organizations, coordinating efforts to maintain favorable public and stakeholder views of the organization’s agenda and accomplishments.
• Prepare and edit organizational materials, including employee newsletters and other publications for internal and external audiences.
• Engage influencers and other content creators – both internally and externally – to ensure that CDR’s electronic footprint is representative of our diversity while consistent with organizational values and positions.
• Coordinate and manage the organization’s email lists.
• Support the Development Department, including its special events and fundraising initiatives.
• Coach and support staff in effective communication with the public and media.
• Prepare reports as required by funders and management.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Flexible and competitive benefit package