Associate Director of Communications

The Associate Director of Communications is responsible for developing and executing a highly strategic, innovative, and collaborative communications plan to identify and engage critical community stakeholders who share a commitment to preventing and ending homelessness for youth and young adults. The communications plan will include communication pieces (newsletters, press releases, mailings, email lists, website updates and social media posts) and marketing materials (graphic design of social media posts, flyers, banners, postcards, and other promotional materials) among other pieces.

The Associate Director of Communications collaborates with fellow team members to ensure strong integrated communications cross-channel strategies to deliver visibility, engagement, and impact for one-time and ongoing campaigns and to advance the organizational mission at large.

The Associate Director of Communications partners in the development of fundraising-relevant communications for potential contributors and cultivates existing supporters; helps build communications skills of externally facing staff; and ensures the organization is assessing and integrating new and innovative communications technology and approaches to best meet organizational goal

The Associate Director of Communications reports to the Director of Development and is a member of the leadership team, and supervises permanent and contract staff as needed. This position requires a strategist and project implementer whose passion for the mission of My Friend’s Place’s mission is matched with decisiveness, outstanding communication skills, strong understanding of the organizational culture, and a keen ability to project manage.

Key Responsibilities

Communications

• Lead on content development, production and implementation of organization communications, including quarterly newsletters, monthly e-newsletters, direct mail appeals, e-appeals, agency brochures and specialty publications with a focus on consistent communication to cultivate and grow community of support
• Work with the Director of Development and consultants to design and implement an integrated media strategy, using web, e-mail, social media, and other outlets to increase awareness of agency and cause in the community, maintain engagement among active contributor base and activate greater community support
• Maintain agency website and social media accounts, including daily postings and prompt response to messages
• Implement and monitor online metrics
• Manage media strategy and execution, including fielding press requests, drafting press releases and media advisories, and pitching outlets for coverage
• Work with the Director of Development to create and maintain a comprehensive communications calendar
• Work with the team to develop and execute consistent communication to cultivate and grow community of support
• Manage and coordinate video development and production with third party vendors
• Assist with a full website redesign, including coordinating content creation, layout, and branding
• Manage and maintain the website post-launch using Squarespace or WordPress, ensuring timely updates, accuracy, and performance
• Design graphics for social media and digital platforms, ensuring visual and brand consistency across all channels.
• Produce compelling fundraising content, including contributor appeals, campaign messaging, and impact stories that support development goals

General

• Create and actively promote a comfortable and welcoming environment where every member/participant is treated with dignity and respect in a friendly, personalized manner
• Employ a customer service orientation in anticipating and responding to supporter needs and requests
• Assist with tracking development-related expenses for the purposes of annual budgeting and periodic financial reports
• Respond to programmatic needs as required (in emergencies, when understaffed, etc.)

Professional Accountability

Commitment to Core Values

• The following core values are fundamental to our work together and with the youth: compassion, flexibility, honesty, human worth, integrity, openness, respect, sense of humor, trust, valuing diversity, and the willingness and courage to engage, address and discuss differences

Dependability / Reliability

• Reports to work on time and informs appropriate staff when involved in other duties away from the agency
• Provides advance notice in a timely manner for all scheduled leave
• Maintains proper attendance requirements in compliance with agency policies

Attitude and Flexibility

• Exercises good judgment under various work situations
• Adapts to changes in agency routines and issues
• Maintains flexibility in completing tasks as required by the position
• Exhibits positive daily work attitudes on a consistent basis

Interpersonal Relations

• Creates a positive environment for all people in the agency by addressing issues of harassment, discrimination, or lack of respect immediately
• Continues to pursue the development of cultural sensitivity and proficiency agency-wide
• Documents challenging personnel and stakeholder situations in writing
• Exhibits cooperation and courtesy while creating a positive public image for My Friend’s Place and a productive work environment

Quality / Quantity of Work

• Understands and satisfactorily performs activities as assigned by the Director of Development and Executive Director
• Ensures that all work is completed to highest quality professional standards Professional Leadership
• Maintains a level of professional knowledge so as to function as a resource for all staff, volunteers, and community members for the agency’s overall operation

Qualifications

• Five or more years of experience in nonprofit communications and content development
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and presentation skills
• Strong content creation skills, including writing and editing for print and electronic media
• Proficient in computer operation and supporter software (eTapestry and MailChimp preferred), spreadsheets and word processing
• Well versed in social media content creation and multi-platform management (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok)
• Graphic design experience with proficiency in InDesign, Illustrator, Canva or other design software (desired)
• Commitment to agency mission and core values
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to effectively and efficiently manage deadlines and multiple tasks
• Excellent interpersonal and telephone skills and ability to create effective messaging to a variety of constituencies
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Open-mindedness and ability to work with diverse groups
• Availability for evening and weekend projects on occasion
• California driver’s license, automobile insurance and reliable transportation

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field(s) or equivalent experience, Master’s preferred
• Five or more years demonstrated experience in communications and content development

Requirements, Terms and Benefits

• The Associate Director of Communications position is a full time, exempt position reporting to the Director of Development and
• Commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ( JEDI) principles and values
• Must have access to adequate transportation, comfort with driving agency van and is insurable by the agency’s insurance
• Must be able to be onsite in Hollywood a minimum of 3 days a week
• Must be comfortable with the physical demands of this position, including occasional lifting or moving of furniture and boxes (up to 30 lbs.), and regularly navigate stairs
• My Friend’s Place offers a competitive salary and benefits package including paid health, dental, and life insurance, sick leave and vacation time
• The hiring process includes a pre-hire background check, including a criminal background check and DMV report

TO APPLY, please email resume and cover letter and a sample of your communications materials to sdutra@myfriendsplace.org

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

My Friend’s Place is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply for available employment to ensure our staff reflects the diversity of the young people served by My Friend’s Place. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, criminal history in accordance with the law, or any other legally protected characteristics.