Associate, Communications

Job Description

Job Description

Position: Associate, Communications

Reports to: Associate Vice President, Communications

Department: Marketing and Communications

Organization Summary:

United Way of New York City (UWNYC) works with a coalition of trusted partners to unite community power with citywide possibility. Together, we meet today’s most urgent needs while building transformative solutions for tomorrow — striving for health, opportunity, and prosperity for every New Yorker in every neighborhood. Part of the United Way Worldwide system, one of the world’s most recognized charitable brands, we believe that New Yorkers deserve to thrive where they live and envision a future where all New Yorkers have the resources they need to live long, healthy lives in flourishing and resilient neighborhoods. We strive to model our values in all our relationships, both internal and external: Collaboration, Compassion, Integrity, Accountability, and Superior Performance.

Position Overview:

Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Communications, the Associate, Communication will drive media relations, thought leadership, integrated communications and storytelling on behalf of the brand while elevating the UWNYC brand equity and generating consistent positive results for the organization. The role will involve a wide range of strategic projects, including writing and editing communications, helping to create preparation documents for executive speaking engagements, video scripts, pitch letters, and supporting UWNYC storytelling and media relations.

Primary Responsibilities:

Content Development and Storytelling

• Draft and edit content supporting media relations, thought leadership, and brand awareness initiatives.
• Write press releases, talking points, pitch letters, blog content, executive communications, and other written materials.
• Translate complex information into clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences.
• Identify and develop stories that highlight UWNYC’s mission and community impact.
• Support content creation across print, digital, and social media platforms.

Media and Public Relations Support

• Support media outreach efforts and assist with reporter engagement.
• Prepare background materials, briefing documents, and speaking points for spokespeople and senior leaders.
• Assist in responding to media inquiries and managing communications requests.
• Support executive speaking engagements and external communications opportunities.
• Help maintain media lists and track media coverage.

Brand and Communications Strategy

• Support the development and execution of UWNYC’s thought leadership and communications strategies.
• Research trends and identify opportunities to strengthen UWNYC’s position within the nonprofit sector.
• Monitor emerging communications and media trends and bring forward relevant ideas.
• Collaborate with departments across the organization to ensure communications align with strategic priorities.
• Support efforts to maintain consistency in messaging and brand standards.

Internal Communications and Employee Engagement

• Support the development and execution of internal communications that keep staff informed, connected, and engaged.
• Collaborate with Human Capital and other departments to communicate organizational updates, initiatives, and events via newsletter.
• Ensure internal messaging reflects UWNYC’s values, culture, and strategic priorities.
• Support efforts to strengthen employee awareness and understanding of organizational programs, accomplishments, and community impact.
• Maintain consistency in tone, messaging, and branding across internal communication channels.

Events and Communications Operations

• Support media events, leadership appearances, community events, and special initiatives as needed.
• Manage the communications inbox and coordinate responses to requests.
• Support collection and analysis of communications metrics and reporting.
• Coordinate schedules, meeting materials, and administrative support for communications activities.
• Assist in maintaining communication assets, media files, and content libraries.

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field required.
• Minimum of three to five years of experience in communications, marketing, public relations, or media relations preferred.

• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to synthesize complex information into concise and compelling messages.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build collaborative relationships across teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with social media and communications platforms.
• Experience with Canva, Mailchimp, SharePoint, or content management systems is a plus.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
• Passion for equity and creating opportunities for all New Yorkers to thrive.

Key Competencies :

• Superior Writing and Storytelling
• Attention to Detail and Accountability
• Collaboration and Relationship Building
• Adaptability and Agility
• Mission and Equity Focus

Additional Requirements:

• UWNYC is presently on a Hybrid/In-Person work schedule.

United Way of NYC Core Competencies for All Staff

• Mission Focused: Catalyze others’ commitment to the mission to create real social change that leads to better lives and healthier communities. This drives their performance and professional motivations.
• Relationship-Oriented : Understands that people come before processes and is astute in cultivating and managing relationships toward a common goal.
• Collaborator : Understands the roles and contributions of all sectors of the community and can mobilize resources (financial and human) through meaningful engagement.
• Results Driven: Dedicated to shared and measurable goals for the common good: creating, resourcing, scaling and leveraging strategies and innovations for broad investment and impact.
• Brand Steward : Steward of the brand and understands his/her role in growing and protecting the reputation and results of the greater network .

United Way of New York City is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer