Communications Specialist

Communications Specialist

As the Communications Specialist at Barber National Institute, you will play a key role in advancing the organization's mission through storytelling, donor engagement, media relations, and strategic communications. This position supports BNI's Advancement team by developing compelling content that highlights the impact of our programs, strengthens relationships with donors and community partners, and enhances internal and external awareness of the organization's work.

The Communications Specialist will collaborate with staff across the organization to identify and share meaningful stories through a variety of channels, including newsletters, magazines, donor communications, press releases, social media campaigns, podcasts, website content, and fundraising initiatives. This role is ideal for an energetic, relationship-focused communicator who is passionate about mission-driven work and enjoys connecting people to a purpose through authentic storytelling.

This is a full-time, salaried exempt hybrid position. Erie, PA is preferred, though candidates in the Pittsburgh or Philadelphia areas will be considered.

The ideal candidate will have strong writing skills, nonprofit or community-based organization experience, and a genuine passion for helping others understand the impact of Barber National Institute's programs and services.

What You'll Bring:

• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to tailor messages for different audiences
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the confidence to interview staff, donors, families, and community members
• An engaging, energetic, and collaborative approach to communications and stakeholder engagement
• Creativity and curiosity in identifying stories that showcase mission impact
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality communications materials
• Initiative and self-direction with the ability to work independently and proactively identify opportunities
• Strong communication skills with the ability to build relationships across all levels of the organization
• Passion for community-based organizations and mission-driven work

What You'll Have:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, English, or a related field
• 1–5 years of professional communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, or related experience
• Experience working for a nonprofit, fundraising organization, educational institution, healthcare organization, or other mission-driven organization strongly preferred
• Experience supporting donor stewardship, advancement, fundraising, or community engagement initiatives preferred
• Experience writing across multiple formats including newsletters, magazine articles, donor communications, press releases, website content, and digital communications
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Familiarity with Canva, Adobe InDesign, or similar design tools preferred
• Experience with social media platforms, content management systems, and email marketing tools preferred
• Interest in podcast production, multimedia storytelling, and digital communications preferred
• Demonstrated ability to interview stakeholders and translate conversations into compelling written content

A Typical Day May Include:

• Writing and editing press releases, newsletters, magazine articles, donor communications, website content, annual reports, impact reports, and internal communications
• Interviewing staff, donors, families, program participants, and community members to gather stories that highlight mission impact
• Developing compelling content for fundraising campaigns, donor stewardship efforts, annual giving initiatives, and community outreach programs
• Supporting donor acknowledgement efforts, monthly impact updates, and stewardship communications
• Collaborating with advancement leadership to support annual giving, endowment, and capital campaign communications
• Coordinating and pitching stories to media outlets while maintaining media contact lists and relationships
• Assisting with podcast planning, content development, guest coordination, and promotional efforts
• Supporting social media campaigns and digital storytelling initiatives that elevate awareness of BNI's mission and impact
• Collaborating with program teams and organizational leaders to identify communications opportunities and gather content
• Assisting with the development and execution of communication plans for key organizational initiatives and campaigns
• Producing staff communications, recognition stories, mission moments, and internal engagement content
• Supporting publications such as newsletters, magazines, and employee communications that strengthen organizational culture and connectivity
• Tracking communication performance metrics and assisting with reporting and continuous improvement efforts
• Supporting public awareness campaigns, multimedia projects, community events, and brand-building initiatives
• Attending donor events, community functions, organizational activities, and program events to capture stories and content
• Building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders while serving as a positive ambassador for Barber National Institute's mission

Perks with a Purpose Our benefits are created with YOU in mind.

Healthcare • Highmark Medical and Mental Health • Delta Dental and Davis Vision Coverage

Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Accounts

Teladoc Virtual Health Financial Well-being • 401K Retirement Plan with Employer Match • On-Demand Pay • Employee Referral Bonus Program • Student Loan Forgiveness • College Scholarship & Tuition Discounts • Employee Discounts

Life & Family Support Company Paid Life Insurance

Short & Long-Term Disability Insurance • Employee Assistance Program • Erie Campus*- discounted on-site weekday childcare • Employee discounts for select BNI events and services

Generous Paid Time Off

Seven Paid Holidays

Who is Barber National Institute?

The Barber National Institute is a non-profit committed to its mission of providing the highest quality services for children and adults with autism, intellectual disabilities or behavioral health challenges and their families. Since our founding in 1952, we have evolved into a multi-faceted organization serving more than 6,200 individuals annually with a wide range of educational, vocational, residential and behavioral health programs.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. If you need an accommodation to apply, please contact HR. EOE Any consideration of the background check will be an individualized assessment based on the applicant or employee's specific record and the duties and requirements of the specific job.