Communications Specialist

THE ORGANIZATION:

Started in 2012, Volare (formerly Network for Victim Recovery of DC, NVRDC) creates equitable healing and dignified experiences for survivors of crime by providing free, trauma-informed advocacy, therapeutic, and legal services in conjunction with strategic litigation, policy advocacy, and education to transform existing responses to harm. We are a growing DC nonprofit organization with a team of passionate and dedicated staff.

THE COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST POSITION:

Volare seeks a full-time Communications Specialist to lead the execution of the organization’s communications across digital platforms, written materials, and visual design. This role is ideal for a communications professional who is both strategic and hands-on—someone who understands social media trends and audience engagement, writes clearly and compellingly across formats, and can independently design and format materials that support Volare’s mission.

This position reports to the Engagement Manager and works in collaboration with other roles within the Engagement Domain and with staff throughout the organization.

BENEFITS PACKAGE:

This is a full-time (35 hours per week), FLSA exempt, at-will position with an annual compensation range of $55,000-$60,000 contingent upon experience. Volare offers a competitive benefits package for paid time off, contribution for the cost of health care coverage, company paid basic life insurance policy, paid federal holidays, retirement plan options with up to a 3% match and vesting after one year, and professional development.

POSITION PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Digital & Social Media Strategy

• Manage and grow Volare’s social media presence across platforms
• Develop and implement promotional plans for Volare and partner events
• Track engagement trends and adjust content strategies accordingly
• Stay current on social media best practices and emerging trends

2. Writing & Content Development

• Draft and edit content for newsletters, email campaigns, blogs, reports, and outreach materials
• Compile quarterly newsletters and contribute to the Annual Impact Report
• Coordinate blog content with staff, board members, and partners
• Support media relations with strong written materials

3. Visual Design & Brand Support

• Design graphics and format materials for social media, email, events, and outreach
• Ensure materials are visually consistent and aligned with Volare’s brand
• Support basic video editing needs

4. Other tasks:

• Support the planning and execution of Volare’s annual and fundraising events; and
• Perform other duties as necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Volare honors lived experiences and invites anyone to apply even if you do not meet all of the qualifications below.

Required / Core Qualifications

• At least 2 years of experience supporting or implementing communications, outreach, or digital media efforts in a professional setting;
• A strong communications foundation, including excellent written and oral communication skills across multiple formats (e.g., social media, email, newsletters, reports, outreach materials);
• Demonstrated experience managing or contributing to social media accounts with an understanding of platform-specific best practices, audience engagement, and current trends;
• Experience creating, designing, and formatting visual materials to support communications and outreach efforts, with the ability to work independently and maintain brand consistency;
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously;
• A self-starter who works well independently and collaboratively as part of a team;
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot and adapt in a fast-paced environment; and
• A reputation for integrity, professionalism, dependability, and follow-through.

Technical & Tool-Based Experience (preferred, not required in all cases)

• Experience using social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite or similar platforms);
• Experience with email marketing software (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact, MailerLite, or similar);
• Proficiency with design and content creation tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Google Workspace);
• Some experience with basic website updates or content management systems (Squarespace preferred; training can be provided); and
• Experience with basic video editing for digital platforms.

Additional Experience & Preferences

• Experience working with or communicating about complex or sensitive subject matter;
• Familiarity with victim services, survivor-centered work, or community-based organizations is preferred but not required; and
• Experience working with diverse communities and stakeholders.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified applicants upon request. Auxiliary aids and services are available in alternative formats.

Compliance with partner/affiliate policy may be required to fulfill core duties detailed in your job description. Such partners/affiliates may include but are not limited to District and Federal Court systems, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Metropolitan Police Department, DCFNE and the like. Such directives may include but are not limited to use of personal protective equipment, health testing (such as Tuberculosis screening), flu and COVID vaccine requirements, and other directives as determined by Volare’s Executive Director when necessary to keep staff, clients, and partners safe and healthy.

It is anticipated that this position will require a hybrid of in person work at the Volare office, in court, at the hospital, on-scene, at outreach events, staff meetings, trainings, fundraising events, partnership meetings, or other locations, and telework.

Additionally, this position requires residency within the DC region as defined by the ability to consistently respond in person as part of the core job function of this role.

HOW TO APPLY:

This position is a Security Sensitive position in accordance with DC Regulation Rule 6-B406. All offers of employment are contingent upon the clear result of a background check and drug and alcohol screening. Disqualifying events pertain to ensuring compliance with serving minors, sexual assault survivors, and victims of crime. Background checks are conducted on all final candidates and up to an annual recurrence as determined by program compliance and the Executive Director or Chief Executive Officer.

Volare implements a redacted recruitment process for the hiring of positions. Identifiers of statuses protected by applicable federal and District of Columbia laws are redacted prior to application review by the hiring team. There will be a rolling interview process, we encourage interested candidates to apply early.

Due to the volume of applicants, we will only contact individuals invited to interview.

Please follow these specific instructions for submitting your application:

1. Email the following materials in PDF format to careers@volare-empowers.org. Only emailed

submissions will be accepted. There will be a rolling application process.

a. Resume;

b. A cover letter; and

c. A writing sample.

2. Use the subject line: “Communications Specialist - [your last name] Application”

3. In the body of the email, copy and paste questions listed below and add your answer to each question below in a “yes” or “no” format. It is not acceptable to write “See Resume” in response to these questions.

a. Are you authorized to work in the United States?

b. Will you now or in the future require work authorization?

c. If offered the position, would you be able to start within approximately two weeks of receiving an offer?

Volare is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and to the fair and equal treatment of all individuals with disabilities as prescribed by this law, whether they are clients, employees, or volunteers.

This is a full-time (35 hours per week), FLSA exempt, at-will position with an annual compensation range of $55,000-$60,000 contingent upon experience. Volare offers a competitive benefits package for paid time off, contribution for the cost of health care coverage, company paid basic life insurance policy, paid federal holidays, retirement plan options with up to a 3% match and vesting after one year, and professional development.