Communications Director, Public Citizens for Children and Youth

Posted by Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY) on October 5, 2015

Position Summary: The Communications Director is the chief liaison between PCCY and the Press and engine for PCCY’s presence on social media platforms including PCCY’s website. He/She is also responsible for creating communications materials to be distributed to PCCY supporters.

Key Duties
• Writing press releases, media advisories and official statements regarding PCCY’s research and events
• Disseminating press materials to the members of the press in a timely manner
• Working with members of staff to write, edit and send out PCCY’s weekly “PCCY News” electronic newsletter
• Working with staff to write, edit and manage the production of PCCY’s “Childwatch” print newsletter to be sent to PCCY supporter at least twice a year
• Managing and expanding PCCY’s social media accounts including, but not limited to: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram
• Coordinating staff participation to post daily tweets and live tweeting and Facebook posting during hearings, community meetings, rallies and PCCY events

Press focused Communications Activities
• Coordinating and preparing interviews with reporters and PCCY staff or Board members
• Developing and maintain professional relationships and regular contact with members of the press
• Update PCCY’s press contact list regularly
• Pitching stories to reporters and formally submitting letters to the editor, and op-eds regarding PCCY’s research and events to editors of local news outlets
• Monitoring PCCY’s presence in the press and managing a database of press clippings and web links of articles that mention the organization and its work for development purposes
• Periodically sending emails to staff listing recent articles mentioning PCCY
• Responding quickly to optimize the press attention of a blog post, story or special production that relates to PCCY’s work.
• Staying on top of children’s issues in the press by reading local newspapers, blogs, and news websites and contacts reporters and editors about possible follow-up stories or other possible story ideas
• Writing Public Service Announcements (PSA’s) regarding PCCY’s events and submitting them to local radio and television stations for consideration
• Attend hearings, meetings and press conferences relevant to PCCY’s work and, if needed, provide comment on behalf of the organization.

Outreach Oriented Communications Activities responsibilities include:
• Working with staff to create flyers, invitations and other marketing materials for PCCY events and community forums
• Working with staff to write and gather materials and manages the production of PCCY’s Annual Reports
• Sitting on communication committees with PCCY partner organizations to provide assistance on PCCY-supported campaigns and initiatives including the Campaign for Fair Education Funding and the Pre-K for PA Campaign

Social Media and Website Communications responsibilities include:
• Writing at least two Facebook posts and five Twitter posts every day of the week
• Finding creative ways to attract new followers
• Creating regular social media reports to track PCCY’s progress and make adjustments to PCCY’s social media plan
• Managing and updating content on PCCY’s website on a regular basis
• Working with staff to update and add resources and content to PCCY’s website
• Writing PCCY’s blog post
• Generating interest in PCCY’s blog by sending the blog post to the press and posting the press on PCCY’s social media accounts

Other Duties as assigned: by Executive Director
• Recruit and supervise interns where appropriate
• Attend and present information at the PCCY Board meetings and subcommittee meetings as requested
• Contribute content for grant proposals and funder correspondence/reports associated with your area of work
• Stay abreast of the work of local and state partners/allies and national organizations involved in policy and advocacy in your area of work
• Recruit attendees and auction items for PCCY events and fundraisers
• Assist when asked in PCCY outreach events which may be during evening or weekend hours
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and staff committees

Important skills:
• Ability to work independently and with others
• Works well under pressure
• Detail oriented
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects
• Ability to collect, interpret and simplify large datasets
• Very strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to travel to communities across the region

Reports To: Executive Director

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Apply: Cover letter with salary requirements and resume to: [email protected]