Communications Manager

Information

organization:Children First for Oregon
position summary:

The Communications Manager (CM) is a full-time (1.0 FTE) position that collaborates closely with CFFO staff and reports to the Policy Director. The CM leads the organization’s public policy and media communications activities and is responsible for developing and implementing the overall message and strategies that articulate Children First’s mission. The CM will work to help build the Children First brand; position CFFO as a “go-to” organization for the media, policy and opinion makers, and the general public for credible and insightful information on children’s issues; strengthen the capacity of Children First constituents to speak out strongly and effectively on children’s issues with clear and consistent messages; and support internal communication to staff.

The CM works with minimal day to day supervision in a fast paced, flexible and fun work environment. If you like to do something different every day CFFO is looking for a multi-tasking magician. The ideal candidate will be an organized, self-starter who is personable, creative, dependable and flexible; this candidate will be able to use their sense of humor and have fun on the job.

Responsibilities
1. Manage all Children First communication activities
a. In collaboration with the Policy Director, craft communications messages and strategies in support of the organization’s policy priorities
b. Supervise all electronic communications both policy and development related
c. Maintain communications calendar to coordinate all outgoing communications
d. Assist in writing communications plans into grant proposals
e. Edit and proof all documents, publications and communications

2. Direct media relations activities
a. Secure broad multi-media coverage to advance public policies that benefit Oregon’s children and families
b. Build and maintain relationships with reporters, advocates, spokespeople and stakeholders to ensure accurate and strategic representation of CFFO’s priority issues
c. Prepare press releases and talking points in coordination with Policy Director
d. Develop and maintain a comprehensive media contact list
e. Compile media kits and materials

3. Develop innovative communications campaigns to promote policy goals of Children First.
a. Identify and integrate best practices for using social media from both the field and from other child advocacy organizations
b. Incorporate multimedia communications strategies using video and photo

4. Maintain media archives and library
a. Maintain the organization’s archives of past publications and significant documents, keeping these documents secure
b. Maintain a library of current publications easy and convenient for the staff to access
c. Maintain a file of the latest news clippings featuring AACF and/or its work

5. Support Children First’s policy agenda to the public
a. Participate in communications efforts of coalitions and attend meetings on an as-needed basis to represent the policy objectives of Children First for Oregon as directed by the Policy Director

Salary / Pay Rate:$35-45,000
Apply by:March 14, 2011
Required Skills and Abilities:• Outstanding skills in writing and editing • Project management experience • Familiarity with strategic advocacy communications for public interest issues • Demonstrated skills as a strategic and tactical thinker • Knowledge of standard concepts, practices, and procedures in online communications • Ability to multi-task and work independently, as well as in team settings • Proficiency with various office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) • Preference towards experience with editing software such as Final Cut & Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.) • Preference towards experience with basic html coding and familiarity with e-advocacy programs such as Convio • Ability to comfortably communicate with a range of key stakeholders and network members, including senior staff, journalists, and coalition partners
Qualifications:• Knowledge of Oregon’s public policy media environment • Experience with the Oregon state or related legislative process • Experience developing and executing strategic communications plans • Knowledge of children and family policy, particularly Children First’s policy priority areas – Keeping children healthy, keeping children safe, and strengthening families • Bachelors degree in communications, marketing, public relations, public policy, social work, public administration, public health, political science or related fields or 5 years of experience in the field of public policy • Commitment to creating a brighter future for all children and a passion for communications and marketing as vehicles for positive social change
Education Required:College degree
Other:Equal Opportunity Employer