Communications Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

OUR STORY.

Harmonium was established in 1975 through an enterprising blend of vision and necessity to respond to Mira Mesa's rapidly growing need for juvenile diversion services. We continue to shape our mission, goals and services by listening to the needs of neighborhoods, individuals and families. 

We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that reaches more than 30,000 San Diegans a year and offer a wide array of innovative and customized program services to over 5,000 children, youth, and families each day throughout San Diego County. We believe creative planning, collaboration, and strength-based intervention results in high quality services that promote well-being. 

Interested in joining our team? Take a look at the position we have available below. If this role speaks to you, let us know by applying! We hope to connect with you soon. 

The Communications Specialist is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining Harmonium’s internal and external communications and marketing systems and activities. The position manages communications across the Agency’s website, social media platforms, email newsletters, annual reports, marketing and branding materials, and other communication channels to ensure information is timely, accurate, consistent, professional, and aligned with Harmonium’s mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities.

The Communications Specialist will create, implement and maintain the Agency-wide Strategic Communications Plan in collaboration with the CEO, COO, Executive Assistant, and staff. The position provides communications support to the CEO and is expected to independently manage assigned projects, meet established deadlines, maintain high standards of accuracy and quality, and proactively communicate progress, priorities, challenges, and barriers to completion.

Under the overall direction of the CEO and with administrative guidance from the Executive Administrator, the Communications Specialist researches, develops, drafts, edits, and prepares communications and other materials for internal and external audiences. The position also provides support for grant research, grant writing, and related resource development activities as assigned.

The Communications Specialist is entrusted with confidential and sensitive information and is responsible for protecting such information and strictly adhering to HIPAA, confidentiality requirements, Agency policies and procedures, and all applicable laws and regulations. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead Communications and Marketing: Develop and implement communications and marketing activities that support Harmonium’s mission, strategic priorities, brand, programs, and community impact.

• Create and Manage Content: Create, edit, and publish engaging and accurate content for social media, website, email, newsletters, fundraising, events, and other communications.

• Manage Digital Presence: Maintain Harmonium’s website, social media platforms, contact databases, and other digital communications to ensure information is current, professional, and consistent with Agency branding.

• Plan and Evaluate Communications: Maintain a communications/content calendar and use engagement and analytics data to evaluate effectiveness and improve communications strategies.

• Support Community Engagement and Fundraising: Promote Harmonium’s programs, services, accomplishments, fundraising efforts, and events, including gathering content and representing the Agency at community and Agency events as needed.

• Provide Executive Support: Provide communications, project coordination, meeting, calendar, and administrative support to the CEO and COO, including minutes and follow-up activities.

• Manage Projects and Follow-Through: Independently manage assigned projects, meet deadlines, maintain accuracy and quality, and proactively communicate progress, challenges, and needed adjustments.

• Maintain Confidentiality and Compliance: Protect confidential information and ensure communications comply with Agency policies, release requirements, and applicable privacy and confidentiality standards.

JOB COMPLEXITY

• Independently manage multiple communications and marketing priorities that require sound judgment, creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to balance competing deadlines.

• Collaborate across the Agency to gather information, coordinate priorities, and ensure consistent and effective communication across programs and administrative areas.

• Use professional judgment and data to assess communication needs, identify opportunities, and recommend strategies that strengthen Harmonium’s visibility, engagement, and community impact.

• Represent Harmonium professionally with staff, community partners, funders, media, and other external stakeholders.

• Handle sensitive and confidential information and, as directed by the CEO and HR, assist with communications or documentation related to legal, regulatory, or other sensitive matters.

COMMUNICATION 

• Provide responsive, professional, and high-quality service to Harmonium staff, Board members, community partners, and other stakeholders.

• Work closely with the CEO and Executive Administrator to prioritize communications projects, assess organizational needs, establish timelines, and coordinate with program staff to achieve communication goals.

• Develop written, visual, and digital content tailored to Harmonium’s identified audiences, communication objectives, and organizational priorities.

• Collaborate effectively across program and administrative areas to gather information, develop content, and ensure communications are accurate, timely, relevant, and aligned with Agency messaging and brand standards.

AGENCY LEADERSHIP

• Exemplifies and promotes Agency mission, vision and core values

DECISION MAKING 

• Identify and recommend effective communications solutions and strategies based on industry best practices, organizational priorities, audience needs, and available data.

• Exercise sound judgment and independent decision-making within the scope of the position, seeking direction or approval from the CEO when appropriate.

• Take direction and guidance from the Executive Assistant regarding communications priorities, Agency strategy, and assigned projects. Work collaboratively across program and administrative areas and follow the direction of the Executive Assistant on projects for which they have been designated the lead. 

• Establish realistic timelines for assigned projects, communicate priorities and expected completion dates clearly, and maintain consistent follow-through to meet established deadlines.

• Communicate proactively regarding project status, changes in priorities, emerging issues, or barriers that may affect timelines or completion, and recommend appropriate solutions or adjustments.