Communications Specialist

Job Description Founded in 1971, the Housing Assistance Council (HAC) is a national nonprofit and a certified community development financial institution dedicated to helping local rural organizations build affordable homes by providing below-market financing, technical assistance, training, research, and information services. HAC’s mission is to improve housing conditions for the rural poor, with an emphasis on the poorest of the poor in the most rural places, particularly regions and populations with high needs: Native American communities, the Mississippi Delta, farmworkers, the southwest border colonias, and Appalachia. POSITION SUMMARY We are looking for a dynamic and creative communications professional to expand HAC’s corporate communications and culture of storytelling. The Communications Specialist will take a lead role in creating and executing the organization’s communications strategy, developing content and key messages for external audiences that highlight their incredible impacts of HAC’s work, and position the organization as the “Voice” of rural America. Working in the Executive Office, reporting to the Development Director and partnering with the public policy team, HAC’s senior team, and Technology Manager, the Communications Specialist, is the champion and ambassador for HAC’s visibility and storytelling. This individual will generate content that supports HAC’s goals around policy and advocacy, fundraising, and thought leadership. The specialist will develop materials such as blog posts and articles, presentations, speeches and/or talking points, donor outreach, op-eds, and videos. The specialist will also manage HAC’s social media activities, website content updates, and CMS publishing across multiple platforms. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES The Communication Specialist is responsible for researching, composing, editing, and distributing key communication and visibility materials for multiple and diverse external audiences. Duties include the following: In partnership with organizational leadership, create and execute a communications and external engagement strategy that amplifies HAC’s brand as a leading national organization, with deep and authentic ties to rural places. Create and manage outreach content including presentations, speeches and/or talking points, donor outreach, op-eds, videos, and success stories for HAC’s website, social media platforms, and visibility activities that elevate the work of HAC and its stakeholders. Work with HAC leadership and staff to identify and create content that supports HAC’s policy priorities and programs. Monitor and coordinate visibility opportunities for HAC leadership and staff, such as speaking opportunities, presentations, and op-eds, that expand HAC’s visibility and role as national organization. Provide support for email campaigns via Dynamics 365 Real-Time Journeys. Bolster internal and external communications plans. Support fundraising and advocacy activities. QUALIFICATIONS The Communications Specialist will be a positive and persuasive communicator who views outreach to diverse stakeholders as essential to combatting poverty and building vibrant communities. The ideal candidate will have the following: Associates degree, bachelor’s degree preferred Minimum of 5 years of professional communications experience or equivalent Strong understanding of communications principles, communications channels (including social media), fundraising and/or policy Excellent verbal and written communication skills Excellent office 365 skills Unwavering attention to detail and ownership of work Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively and efficiently under moderate supervision Ability to work independently or in a team environment, as required A positive, outgoing, fun disposition with a sense of humor and a can-do spirit COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS HAC offers competitive wages, benefits, and growth opportunities consistent with industry standards. Flexible benefits packages include health insurance; life and other insurance; financial benefits, to include a retirement plan with partial employer match; time off; and work/life benefits, to include education assistance. Salary range is $64,000 to $82,000 per year, depending on qualifications. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION HAC #J-18808-Ljbffr