Communications Specialist

Job Details Job: Communications Specialist Location: Poughkeepsie, NY Salary: $50,000 - $60,000 BOE Job Type: Full Time, Permanent Job Summary Our client is seeking a skilled and dynamic Communications Specialist to join our fast‑paced team. This individual will play a pivotal role, with a focus on creating compelling content, managing social media channels, assisting with successful marketing campaigns, identifying trends and insights from data to improve strategy and storytelling, and other communications efforts. The ideal candidate will be a precise writer with proven expertise in content creation across multiple platforms and will adapt communications to fit various marketing strategies. The candidate should be well‑versed in using social media tools, tracking analytics and reporting on key performance indicators. Our client is on a growth trajectory and is looking for team members who enjoy a dynamic work environment with a strong mission and set of core values. This role will interact and collaborate with staff across the organization. Essential Job Functions & Key Responsibilities Content creation: Drafting and distributing press releases, articles, newsletters, blogs, social media posts and internal communications that align with the organization’s voice and goals, adapting content for various platforms and marketing purposes. Social Media Management: Implement and manage social media strategies across platforms, including scheduling posts, engaging with followers, monitoring channel activity. Website: Perform proactive and routine website updates, and optimize website content, ensuring accuracy, SEO best practices and timeliness. Commission, solicit, catalog, organize, and store visual assets including photos, videos and graphics. Identify, pursue and coordinate execution of sponsorships, including attending events, setting up, promoting and coordinating staff attendance and submitting any sponsorship requests including logo and ad submissions. Event Planning: Coordinate with the staff event team to execute an event plan including a strategic marketing plan, promotional materials, budget, timeline, and required resources; coordinate with vendors, sponsors and volunteers to ensure all elements are in place. Media and PR Outreach: Maintain media lists, pitch stories, coordinate interviews, and manage inquiries. Analytics and Reporting: Track and regularly report on key metrics related to communications and marketing efforts, such as website traffic, social media engagement, e‑mail performance and media coverage; collect and analyze data to evaluate marketing campaigns. Data Management: Develop reports and presentations to communicate data findings to the marketing team; manage data entry and database maintenance procedures; identify target audience and prepare campaign mailing lists. Schedule all photo and video shoots, including collecting permission from those featured; if featuring clients from non‑profits or scholarship recipients, collect relevant paperwork. Work with established guidelines and templates to create compelling visual presentations for meetings, events and more. Manage the creation and distribution of CFHV’s branded material, collateral and stationery inventory (including business cards), ensuring they are up‑to‑date and in stock; perform routine publication updates. Physical Requirements Office environment: Predominantly operates in an office environment. Moving and lifting: Some work (less than 5%) requires moving and lifting of equipment during events. Required Qualifications 4–5+ years of experience in a communications or marketing role, preferably within a fast‑paced environment. Associate’s degree or higher in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with proven experience in writing for various platforms (press releases, blog posts, social media, etc.). Social media content development and management across all platforms and the ability to engage audiences, monitor performance and report results. Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects under tight deadlines. Demonstrated curiosity, integrity and initiative. Ability to work independently and take ownership of tasks, ensuring quality while meeting deadlines. Experience with email marketing tools such as MailChimp. Experience with WordPress and a solid understanding of SEO principles. Experience with CRM data management. Media relations experience, including writing press releases and pitching to media outlets, is highly desirable. Flexible and calm under pressure, with the ability to adapt to shifting priorities and work well in a collaborative team environment. Experience working with consultants, vendors and staff. Portfolio required showcasing strong writing and social media management skills. Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, Canva or similar design tools is a plus. Attributes Participates in the client’s organizational life, including work groups as assigned and events as required. Positively demonstrates the values and contributes to the client’s culture. Interacts professionally with other employees and external stakeholders. Works effectively as a team contributor. #J-18808-Ljbffr