Communications Specialist

Description Communications Specialist West Covina, Calif. | Office/other About Options for Learning At Options for Learning, we partner with children, families, educators, and communities to create strong foundations for lifelong success. Since 1981, we have provided quality early learning and school-age programs, family support services, and childcare resources designed to meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve. Today, we serve thousands of children and families throughout the San Gabriel Valley, Whittier, Pomona Valley, and Northeast Los Angeles. Our work is rooted in relationships and guided by our values of integrity, compassion, respect, curiosity, and nurturing. These values shape how we support families, collaborate with one another, and serve our communities. Every role at Options for Learning contributes to our shared mission. Whether directly supporting children and families or helping the people and systems behind that work succeed, our employees are trusted partners in work that makes a meaningful difference for children, families, and communities. About this position Clear, thoughtful communication helps people stay informed, connected, and confident in their partnership with Options for Learning. As our communications specialist, focused on internal communications and engagement, you will create communications that build trust and strengthen relationships with the people who already know and work with us, including employees, families, educators, and other established stakeholders. You will work with leaders and teams across the organization to develop messages that explain important updates, support organizational changes, and strengthen relationships. You will also help produce our internal newsletters and support employee engagement initiatives. This is a hands-on role for a strong writer who can understand an audience’s needs, make complex information accessible, and maintain a consistent organizational voice across communications. What you’ll be doing Writing, editing, producing, and distributing clear, helpful, audience-focused communications that build trust with staff, families, educators, and other established Options for Learning audiences Producing internal newsletters for employee and family audiences, including gathering content, drafting stories, coordinating reviews, and preparing each issue for distribution Partnering with leaders, programs, and departments to plan and deliver timely communications about services, operations, organizational priorities, and changes that affect their audiences Developing communications that help audiences understand organizational changes, including what is changing, why it matters, and what they need to know or do Drafting leadership messages, announcements, pushpages, email communications, and employee portal content with a clear purpose and audience in mind Supporting employee and family engagement and culture initiatives through communications, storytelling, and event messaging Reviewing communications and materials submitted by teams across the organization, providing suggestions, edits, and approvals to ensure alignment with organizational brand and editorial standards Maintaining communications calendars and coordinating with colleagues to manage the timing and cadence of messages Gathering information from subject matter experts and turning detailed or sensitive topics into clear, accurate, and accessible content Proofreading and reviewing materials for accuracy, clarity, accessibility, and alignment with organizational brand and editorial standards Reviewing communications results and audience feedback to identify opportunities to improve future communications Contributing to organization-wide communications projects, initiatives, and events What you bring to the table Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, English, or a related field Three to five years of experience in internal communications, employee communications, marketing, or related work Exceptional writing, editing, proofreading, and organizational skills Ability to develop clear, engaging communications for diverse audiences across multiple channels Ability to translate complex, detailed, or sensitive information into clear, audience-focused communications Experience creating visually engaging communications and graphics, with a strong understanding of basic design principles Experience managing communication channels, including email communications and pushpages, digital newsletters, and employee portal or intranet content Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced, collaborative environment Ability to champion and uphold the organization’s brand and editorial standards, providing guidance to help ensure consistency across communications Proficiency in Microsoft 365, especially Word, PowerPoint, and Excel; Canva; and project management systems Exceptional attention to detail and sound judgment when handling sensitive or time-sensitive information California driver’s license, daily use of an automobile, and current automobile liability insurance What we can offer you Medical/dental/vision for part- and full-time employees (organization pays up to 90% of employee’s premiums; prorated for part-time) Organization-paid and matching retirement plan Professional growth opportunities, including free child development courses and college reimbursement Generous and flexible PTO Amazing colleagues and much more Job specifications Reports to the communications manager Full-time, year-round position Eight-hour workday, four-day workweek Hybrid work schedule with approval by management Organization-wide winter break Limited evening or weekend work may be required Employment, responsibilities, compensation and other factors may be affected by changes in governmental regulations, the organization’s contracts, or at the organization’s discretion Salary $32.45 - $43.27 per hour (candidates should anticipate receiving an offer within the first quartile of the salary range).