Communications Associate

About the Role

The Communications Associate will support the development and implementation of communications and marketing strategies for QUALITYstarsNY, New York State’s Quality Rating and Improvement System for early childhood education programs. This role involves creating and distributing compelling print and digital materials for diverse stakeholders, ensuring brand consistency, and engaging with the early childhood education community across New York State. The position reports directly to the QUALITYstarsNY Communications & Outreach Manager and is housed within the New York Early Childhood Professional Development Institute (PDI) at the City University of New York.

Responsibilities

• Communications – 80%
  • Support the creation and dissemination of digital and print communications and education materials for internal and external audiences.
  • Ensure consistency of messaging and brand identity for QUALITYstarsNY across all materials and platforms.
  • Design visually compelling content for print and digital platforms.
  • Create and post content for QUALITYstarsNY social media channels, manage engagement, and monitor metrics to measure success.
  • Develop web content, including creating and maintaining webpages and blog posts for the QUALITYstarsNY website.
  • Collect participant and staff testimonials to spotlight diverse experiences within the QUALITYstarsNY community.
  • Manage email lists and pull data reports for targeted print and email communications campaigns.
  • Support strategic planning for communications campaigns to achieve short- and long-term goals.
  • Develop resources and templates to help internal staff communicate effectively on behalf of QUALITYstarsNY.
  • Review and edit public-facing content created by internal team members to ensure consistency with messaging and brand guidelines.
  • Assist with onboarding new staff to reinforce QUALITYstarsNY brand identity in their communications.
  • Support the development of presentations and reports for internal and external audiences.
  • Represent QUALITYstarsNY at conferences and events, delivering presentations about its impact and processes.
• Other Duties – 20%
  • Participate in team meetings and strategic planning discussions.
  • Build and maintain relationships with external vendors and support communications projects with partners.
  • Correspond regularly with staff about operational updates.
  • Provide leadership with updates on accomplishments and key data.
  • Respond to external requests for information about QUALITYstarsNY.
  • Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Communications or Bachelor’s degree in a related field with three years of relevant experience.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Experience writing for diverse audiences, from the general public to specific stakeholders.
  • Experience designing visually compelling communications and marketing content.
  • Interest in learning new technologies and software for digital and print content creation.
  • Ability to distill complex ideas into accessible language for various audiences.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint).
  • Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, or Photoshop).
  • Active listener, flexible thinker, and team player.
  • Flexibility and enthusiasm for multitasking and creative problem-solving.
• Preferred Qualifications
  • Spanish language fluency.
  • Graphic design skills or experience.
  • Experience creating and managing website content through a Content Management System (CMS), preferably WordPress.
  • Knowledge of basic HTML.
  • Experience with email distribution lists and systems (e.g., Mailchimp).
  • Familiarity or background in early childhood education or a related field.

Work Environment

This position operates in a professional office environment located in Manhattan, NY, and is currently hybrid, requiring 70% in-office work. The role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, photocopiers, and presentation tools. Physical activities may include lifting items up to 20 pounds, bending, reaching, and sitting for prolonged periods. Reasonable accommodations will be made for employees with disabilities per RFCUNY policies. Ability to travel to other sites as needed is required.

As of May 27, 2022, all candidates must provide proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 upon commencing employment. Exemption requests (medical or religious) will be considered in accordance with applicable law.

Pay

$51,000 - $56,000 per year.