Communications Associate

Organizational Background

Safe Harbors of the Hudson (SHOH) is a dynamic arts and housing nonprofit located in the City of Newburgh, New York. With the mission of Transforming Lives and Building Community Through Housing and the Arts, Safe Harbors plays an integral role in Newburgh’s continuing revitalization through innovative redevelopment projects that co-locate supportive and affordable housing with visual and performing arts spaces and programming.

Safe Harbors operates the Cornerstone Residence, which provides supportive housing for 128 of our neighbors; the Ann Street Gallery, a contemporary visual arts venue; Safe Harbors Green, a vital green space and outdoor stage in the heart of our community; and the Ritz Theater, the last historic performance venue in Newburgh which Safe Harbors is restoring into a flexible performance space for presentation, creation, education, and engagement.

Position Overview

The Communications Associate at Safe Harbors of the Hudson will play a crucial role in shaping organization-wide and program-specific communications strategies that amplify Safe Harbors’ mission and impact, increase brand visibility, and promote community engagement and support. Reporting to the Director of Development & Communications (DDC), the Communications Associate will collaborate on and execute a comprehensive communications plan, including marketing and promotions plans for SHOH events and programs, across multiple platforms, channels, and digital/physical materials.

The ideal candidate is an excellent writer and communicator, a creative and strategic collaborator, possesses a strong passion for media and culture, and has a deep understanding of digital communications platforms and how to leverage them to meet organizational goals. Anyone in this role must be able to multitask, prioritize assignments, and take the initiative to develop ideas and solutions independently.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Storytelling:

• Tell the story of SHOH’s work and impact across our multiple communications platforms, identifying opportunities and methods for increasing understanding and support of our multifaceted mission.
• Develop a deep understanding of SHOH’s audiences and how to communicate and engage with them effectively.
• Collaborate with SHOH staff to ensure that equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging principles are incorporated and followed in all aspects of our work.

Social Media:

• Develop relevant and compelling content and campaigns that raise awareness and engagement across existing and new social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, etc.)
• Lead on content creation: plan content calendar and deadlines; work with program teams to gather all relevant materials and information; design imagery, record and edit video, draft copy.
• Monitor and respond to social media interactions and messages in a timely manner.
• Track social media performance and prepare reports on key metrics.

Graphic Design:

• Design visually appealing graphics for various marketing materials, including social media posts, flyers, email campaigns, website content, and digital and print advertisements.
• Ensure all design work adheres to Safe Harbors of the Hudson’s brand guidelines and maintains consistency across platforms.
• Utilize design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva) to create and edit graphics.

E-blasts:

• Draft and edit engaging content for e-blasts, including headlines, narrative, and calls to action.
• Lead in the creation, scheduling, and execution of e-blast marketing campaigns.
• Maintain and segment email lists to ensure targeted and effective communication.
• Monitor and analyze e-blast performance metrics (open rates, click-through rates, conversions) and prepare reports.

Website:

• Update and maintain website content, ensuring accurate, relevant, and engaging information.
• Troubleshoot issues and implement improvements.
• Monitor website analytics and prepare reports on performance metrics.

Press & Media:

• Assist in preparing press releases, media kits, and other communications materials.
• Support media outreach and relationship building with members of the press.
• Track and archive all media coverage of SHOH and its programs and projects.
• Coordinate photo/video documentation of SHOH events and activities, and organization of documentation archives for future use.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with an ability to work across all levels of the organization.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills and attention to detail.
• Proven experience in social media and website content management, and in graphic design.
• Proficiency in graphic design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, etc.) and website management tools (e.g., WordPress).
• Strong ability to think both creatively and analytically, with an eagerness to generate ideas and new approaches to reaching audiences.
• Comfortable receiving and giving direct and constructive feedback.
• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or a related field preferred but not required.
• Proficiency in Spanish is a valued asset and will be considered a plus.
• Experience or interest in the arts and non-profit sector is a plus.

The above content is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position. It is not intended to constitute an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. At management’s discretion, the employee may be assigned different or additional duties from time to time.

Safe Harbors of the Hudson is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.