Communication Specialist

About the role

Valley Youth House empowers and strengthens the lives of children, youth, and families through inclusive programming that builds resilience and fosters growth and independence. VYH works from a Trauma Informed / Healing centered perspective, incorporating positive youth and human development and cultural awareness into all aspects of our agency.

Responsibilities

Internal Communications

• Lead internal communication strategy for employees, ensuring that staff at all levels have the relevant and timely information they need to perform their jobs efficiently and effectively, while building positive internal relationships and supporting staff culture and engagement efforts.
• Actively engage with the President & Executive Director, Agency Executive Cabinet/Leadership Team, Board Members, Human Resources, and Advancement team to ensure that internal Cascading Messages, agency updates, and the internal newsletter House Happenings are communicated in an effective and timely manner.

Content Creation

• Write and edit compelling content that highlights the Valley Youth House brand, mission, and services, using a trauma-informed, healing-centered voice, including program/agency updates, client and former client led narratives, and staff spotlights for use on VYH website blog, social media, newsletters, etc.
• Develop original written content for agency fundraising and marketing campaigns, including advertising, case statements, email/e-newsletter, direct mail, and e-appeals, and measure performance to refine future strategy.
• Manage and produce yearly Agency Annual Report, working in partnership with design and print vendor.

Media/Public Relations

• Cultivate and build new relationships and strengthen existing relationships with priority media outlets.
• Manage advertising strategy and execution: writing, editing, and distributing advisories, press releases, op-eds, press kits, and other information.
• Lead communication efforts for ribbon cuttings and press conferences.
• Enhance Thought Leadership strategy to gain earned media and awareness to elevate public profile and continue to position the Agency and employees as subject matter experts.
• Actively seek opportunities to further positive reputation in the media/public and to promote the Agency mission, services, expertise, nominations, and accomplishments.
• Track, measure, and analyze metrics to demonstrate progress towards Strategic Plan, Agency, and Department KPIs and goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 3 years of professional corporate communications, media, journalism, public relations or related experience.
• Achievement-oriented professional adept at prioritizing and multi-tasking.
• Team player who will productively engage with others at varying levels of seniority both inside and outside of VYH.
• Maturity, excellent skills in writing, speaking, organization, independence of judgement, and the ability to work independently as well as a team player.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to talk or hear.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, or sit for prolonged periods of time at a desk, working on a computer.
• Occasional regional travel to different Valley Youth House sites and offices and Advancement related events.
• Ability to navigate stairs.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and be willing to travel when necessary.
• Must never have been convicted of any child abuse offenses.

Benefits

• Extensive orientation program.
• Competitive compensation package with paid time off (PTO) to promote work-life balance.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage, including prescription benefits.
• 401(k)-retirement plan with a company match to secure your financial future.
• Short- and Long-Term Disability coverage.
• Pre-tax spending accounts (Health Care and Dependent Care FSA).
• Health and wellness programs to support your overall well-being.
• Referral program where you can earn rewards for bringing talented individuals to our team.
• Tuition reimbursement program to fuel your professional growth.
• If eligible: Medical, vision, and prescription benefits available after the first month of hire.
• Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time Off.
• 401k with 6% match.
• Employer-paid clearances, physical, and training.
• Opportunities for licensure supervision hours for LCSW and LPC.

Pay

$21–$25 per hour.