Communications Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

** Job Summary **

Under the direction of the Assistant Vice President for Communications and Development, the

Communications Specialist assists with coordinating, monitoring, record keeping, tracking, reporting, evaluating, collaborating and supporting efforts to ensure the effective operation and delivery of services in the Communications Department, including the Print Shop.

Essential Functions

These essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following. Additional essential functions may be identified and included by the agency.

Developing

Design, develop and/or format newsletters, fliers, post cards, email blasts, press releases and other forms of communications that inform the public about agency programs, available services, program eligibility/requirements/criteria, recognizing community partners & stakeholders as well as client advocacy.

Assist with gathering information needed to develop news stories to document and promote agency services, programs, events, and outcomes, both internally and externally.

Assist with implementation of Annual Awards and Recognition Gala and other agency development activities.

Assist with data input, production and delivery of services, including printing, cutting, binding, editing, designing, and packaging.

Assist with achieving marketing and development goals and activities.

Communicating

Manage the Agency's social media platforms.

Assist with research, writing, editing, formatting and presenting in order to produce quality content for newsletters, announcements, flyers, email campaigns, reports, social media platforms, press releases, news alerts and other communications projects as needed in accordance with the agency's plan guidelines.

Assist with drafting and disseminating news stories, releases, alerts and other information as needed.

Prepare and submits reports as required.

Assist with mail outs to support agency programs and events.

** Advertising & Public Relations **

The recruitment of personnel required by the agency for performance of grant awards

The procurement of goods and services for the performance of grant awards

The disposal of scrap or surplus materials acquired in the performance of grant awards

Program outreach and other specific purposes necessary to meet the requirements of grant awards, such as recruitment and enrollment efforts

Communicating with the public and press pertaining to specific activities or accomplishments which result from performance of grant awards, which are considered necessary as part of the outreach effort for the grant award

Conducting general liaison with news media and government public relations officers, to the extent that such activities are limited to communication and liaison necessary to keep the public informed on matters of public concern, such as notices of funding opportunities, financial matters, annual reports, etc.

Monitoring

Monitor news sources, community, resources and media outlets, including social media platforms, for information relevant to agency’s operations of programs, services, staff, governance entities, etc., and making recommendations of event attendance to program administration to the extent of fulfilling the agency’s mission and program objectives.

Record Keeping

Input data and file information for communications and development activities as required.

Serve as photographer at agency events and activities. Create and manage photo library.

Develop, organize and maintain news clippings, photos, documents and graphics library, electronically and drawer filing system.

Assist with updating and maintaining the document tracking system used to manage print requests.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, business, graphic design, public relations, journalism or related field with two years of experience in communications, graphic design, and/or office management, with a history of content generation.

Candidate must have excellent communications and interpersonal skills, with proven ability to demonstrate oral and written communication. Additionally, must have good computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator - InDesign a plus.

Candidate must be proficient with social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.)Must be highly organized, able to accomplish multiple tasks and attentive to details with strong follow-up and follow-through skills. Individual must be able to work well with teams and independently. Demonstrate good judgement.

Company Description

Since 1976, Hinds County Human Resource Agency (HCHRA) has fought to eradicate poverty and empower citizens in Hinds County, Mississippi. HCHRA, a public, non-profit Community Action Agency, was created by the Hinds County Board of Supervisors to administer various services to assist disadvantaged citizens. Led by the President and Chief Executive Officer, approximately 400 employees provide services, including Head Start and Early Head Start Programs, rural transportation for the elderly and disabled, home-delivered meals, home energy assistance, and case management. Using a comprehensive delivery system, HCHRA provides services to eligible clients, funded by public, private, and local sources.

Company Description

Since 1976, Hinds County Human Resource Agency (HCHRA) has fought to eradicate poverty and empower citizens in Hinds County, Mississippi. HCHRA, a public, non-profit Community Action Agency, was created by the Hinds County Board of Supervisors to administer various services to assist disadvantaged citizens. Led by the President and Chief Executive Officer, approximately 400 employees provide services, including Head Start and Early Head Start Programs, rural transportation for the elderly and disabled, home-delivered meals, home energy assistance, and case management. Using a comprehensive delivery system, HCHRA provides services to eligible clients, funded by public, private, and local sources.