Communications Specialist

SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Chief Advancement Officer (CAO), the Communications Specialist supports the development and execution of internal and external communications for Gracelight Community Health. This role is responsible for creating content, managing digital platforms, and executing marketing and communications initiatives that increase awareness of Gracelight's services and strengthen engagement with patients, staff, and the broader community.

The Communications Specialist plays a key role in telling Gracelight's story, maintaining brand consistency, and supporting fundraising and community engagement efforts through thoughtful, high-quality communications.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Create and post digital content across social media platforms to engage audiences, promote programs, and increase awareness of Gracelight's mission.
2. Draft, edit, and format communications materials including newsletters, event flyers, donor updates, and web content in alignment with brand guidelines.
3. Maintain an organization-wide communications calendar to ensure timely and coordinated distribution of content.
4. Prepare press releases, media alerts, and story pitches as directed; maintain media contact lists.
5. Coordinate and promote fundraising events, donor stewardship activities, and community outreach campaigns.
6. Collect stories, photos, and videos from programs and events to support marketing, fundraising, and donor communications.
7. Update and maintain website content; coordinate with vendors or consultants on larger updates as directed by leadership.
8. Monitor social media and website analytics, providing regular reports to track engagement and inform improvements.
9. Draft internal communications including staff announcements, intranet content, and visual materials to support employee engagement.
10. Ensure consistency in branding, tone, and messaging across all communications materials.
11. Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Associate or bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• At least 2 years of experience in communications, marketing, or related field, preferably in a nonprofit or healthcare setting.
• Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to adapt tone for different audiences and platforms.
• Basic photography or video editing skills preferred.
• Experience managing social media platforms and creating digital content.
• Familiarity with design tools such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Collaborative and able to work effectively across departments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; familiarity with website content management systems preferred.
• This role is primarily onsite, with the opportunity for hybrid flexibility over time based on role demands and performance

PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical, environmental, and mental requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. Regular use of hands for typing, writing, and handling office materials. The employee frequently sits, stands, and walks. Occasional reaching, bending, balancing, stooping, kneeling, or crouching may be required. The employee may occasionally need to lift/carry objects up to 15 lbs and push/pull objects up to 25 lbs.
• Sensory: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to read and review printed and electronic materials, including written content, digital media, and visual assets. The employee must be able to communicate effectively in person, over the phone, and via video conferencing, including in environments with background noise. The role requires sufficient visual acuity to work on a computer for extended periods, review detailed content, and distinguish color, layout, and design elements in graphics and other visual materials. The employee must also be able to understand and respond to verbal and non-verbal communication in meetings and interactions.
• Cognitive: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to maintain focus across multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment. The employee must be able to organize, prioritize, and manage tasks efficiently while meeting deadlines. The role requires the ability to gather and process information, apply sound judgment within the scope of the position, and adapt to changing priorities. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate information clearly in both written and verbal formats are essential. The employee must be able to collaborate with others, manage routine challenges, and remain organized and responsive in a dynamic work environment.
• Environmental: Frequent exposure to varied office and mixed (health center/office) environments. Occasional exposure to toxins and poisonous substances, dust, and loud noises.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to meet and receive a criminal records clearance, as required by Title XXII, other licensing regulations, and Gracelight practices.
• This position requires the ability to travel between sites for business purposes. Employees must be able to reliably fulfill this travel requirement as needed.
• A personal cell phone with reliable service and a data plan to use for business purposes.