Communications Specialist

Job Description Communications Specialist DC Role-Hybrid 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 HAC’s impacts, 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 will champion HAC’s visibility and storytelling. The specialist will generate content that supports HAC’s goals around policy and advocacy, fundraising, and thought leadership, developing materials such as blog posts, articles, presentations, speeches, 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 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 and social media platforms to 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 a 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 Associate’s 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, including a retirement plan with partial employer match; time off; and work/life benefits, including education assistance. Salary range is $64,000 to $82,000 per year, depending on qualifications. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION HAC is an equal opportunity provider and employer. HAC does not discriminate in against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr Housing Assistance Council