Communications Specialist, Direct Care Alliance

Posted by on March 06, 2011

Communications Specialist, Direct Care Alliance

Posted on: February 22, 2011

The Communications Specialist will work with DCA staff to provide direct care workers with opportunities to educate the public and policymakers about how we can improve direct care jobs.

Specific Responsibilities include:

• Lead the development and implementation of a communications strategy in collaboration with Senior Management

• Prepare and manage a weekly electronic newsletter, advocacy alerts, and other external communications materials as needed

• Update, manage and refine DCA website and blogs

• Manage press outreach, including writing and pitching press releases

• Build a press database and develop relationships with reporters and editors

• Track and report on media coverage garnered by the organization

• Organize media events including press conferences and briefings

• Create public relations materials including press kits, opinion pieces, talking points, speeches, newsletters, presentations, and necessary web content

• Assist DCA affiliates with development of its communications capacity

• Advise DCA on informing the public about specific programs including membership development and the Personal Care and Support Credential. Develop outreach strategies for other national programs.

• Assist in grant-writing, reporting and applications.

Qualifications:

• B.A. required

• At least 3 years of experience in media relations or related communications field highly preferred

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Strong editing skills and extraordinary attention to detail

• Must have a demonstrated commitment to activism with a passion for working with a low-wage, ethnically diverse workforce
• Bilingual – Spanish-language written and oral skills preferred

• Experience organizing and managing press events

• Basic proficiency in XHTML and content management systems a plus

• Exceptional interpersonal skills, a consummate team player

• Positive attitude, highly motivated and organized

• Strategic and creative thinker who is able to create messages that respond effectively to complex political issues

• Ability to synthesize large amounts of information and produce communications materials in a timely fashion

• Must adhere to tight deadlines and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, communications software and database programs

• Knowledge of social networking tools such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, etc.

• Basic understanding of graphic design concepts; ability to conceptualize and guide creation of design projects, such as brochures, newsletters, etc.

• Basic understanding of fundraising and business development techniques.

• Knowledge of Community Enterprise or other CRM (Constituent Relationship Management) tools a plus

• Sense of humor a plus

The annual salary for this position is commensurate with qualifications and experience, and includes a competitive benefits package.

The Direct Care Alliance is an equal opportunity employer. Applications are evaluated on the basis of job qualifications and not race, sex, color, disability, national origin, religion, creed, age, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship or authorized alien status, or veteran status.

The Communications Specialist will ideally be located in New York, NY. Applicants based in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia or Milwaukee will be considered as well. Please send a resume, cover letter and two writing samples (blog posts, press releases, media pitches, etc.) of not more than 3 pages to dcaworker@gmail.com.