GENERAL FUNCTIONS: The employee in this classification shall report to the Chief of Staff. The responsibilities are professional in function. This position provides staff support including writing for various platforms, social media and digital content development and maintenance, and fundraising. The Communications Specialist should be highly motivated, detail oriented, comfortable in a fast-paced work environment that is varied and deadline driven. Manage assigned tasks and small projects, collaborating effectively with internal and external teams to devise strategy and execute print, web, and multimedia communications collateral.
1. Interact and communicate (verbally and nonverbally) with all clients, staff, and outside contacts professionally with respect and courtesy.
2. Maintain client and staff confidentiality in compliance with administrative policies and procedures.
3. Attend and participate in regularly scheduled staff meetings, supervisory conferences, and training sessions.
4. Design and write content, including social media, blogs, news releases, media advisories, articles and web copy.
5. Create and distribute monthly electronic newsletters to raise awareness of Volunteers of America Pennsylvania’s activities, events, programs and successes.
6. Create and post content for social media, websites and e-newsletters
7. Assist with social and media monitoring
8. Maintain and produce support materials such as photos, press kits, b-roll and social media assets - basic photography and/or video editing is a plus
9. Help coordinate news conferences, media and special events, and promotions
10. Assist with media relations and research
11. Write correspondence to donors, volunteers, and stakeholders; both proactive and reactive communications
12. Collaborate with team members to ensure project strategy and tactics are achieved on time.
13. Develop clear, concise communications – both written and multimedia – designed to provide need-to-know information both internal workforce and external around important changes, values, and initiatives.
14. Assist with event production, meeting management, and special activities such as employee engagement and recognition events.
15. Support recurring and special events throughout the year, including initiatives such as back-to-school campaigns, holiday drives, ribbon cuttings, and community outreach events. Responsibilities may include event planning and coordination, development of communications and promotional materials, stakeholder outreach, on-site event execution, statewide travel as needed, and hands-on event support tasks such as setup, take down, decorating, sorting materials, lifting supplies, and other operational duties to ensure successful event delivery.
16. Collect and analyze defined metrics to evaluate success of new communications deliverables
17. Clock in and out daily and ensure that correct working hours are submitted to the supervisor.
18. In situations where policy is questioned or in case of emergency, the supervisor is to be contacted.
19. Other duties as assigned.
The Communications Specialist must possess, or be working towards obtaining a Bachelor's degree in communications, digital media, marketing, advertising or a related field or 3-5 years combined experience in this field.
A valid Pennsylvania or New Jersey driver’s license, valid insurance on a personal vehicle and a positive driving record are required as this position requires as-needed travel to attend and support events occurring throughout the state of PA. Pennsylvania or New Jersey State Police and Driving History clearance are required annually. Must have a working knowledge of graphic design, social media platforms, computer software, specifically Microsoft Office; including Outlook, Excel, and Word, as well as effective written and verbal communication skills.
1. Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, talk, hear, and smell.
2. Regularly lift and move up to 25 lbs.
3. Ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less.
4. Ability to identify and/or distinguish colors.
5. Ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while remaining fixed on a given point.
Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania’s (VOAPA) ministry of service is to empower vulnerable communities, families, and individuals through support and resources that lead to health and stability. We use evidence-based, data-driven information to develop community-based, contextualized, holistic, and empowering interventions. Our core values are: Person-Centered; Empowering; Community-Based; Responsive. VOAPA has regional offices located in Northeast, Lehigh Valley, Central, and Southwest Pennsylvania Communities.
