Culture Communications Specialist

Overview

Join an upbeat and experienced communications team, in the newly added role of culture communications specialist. Help to launch, lead and continually develop an internal communication strategy that fosters deeper personal relationships for employees, enriches work experiences, increases retention and, ultimately, adds distinction to Heritage Christian Services as a first‑in‑class employer. In this role there are lots of opportunities for innovation and creativity, for a variety of subjects, including everything from one‑minute celebrations, employee support services, job benefits and perks, urgent communications, agency announcements and more.

Location

Job candidates should be located in Upstate New York, and be able to be present at workforce events in Rochester and Buffalo on occasion.

Pay

$28.13 / hr – $30.77 / hr. The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above range represents the organization’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Responsibilities

• Creates internal communication initiatives, including determining messaging approach and appropriate channels, for the agency’s 4,000 diverse employees located across Buffalo and Rochester as well as families and donors.
• Leads implementation of the agency’s employee communication plan, including employee announcements, intranet content and organizational updates.
• Manages internal communications platforms such as intranets, digital signage, email channels and other tools.
• Drafts internal communications, including ghost‑writing for various interest holders, and creates content such as blogs, videos, vlogs, websites, portals, social media, email/direct mail, scripts and other methods as needed.
• Leads planning and coordination of employee communications events such as agency town halls, pilot programs and culture activities, in‑person, hybrid and virtual.
• Supports corporate listening activities like employee surveys and focus groups.
• Supports employee recognition, appreciation, leadership visibility and employee connection initiatives.
• Prepares timely reports and insights from content management and agency platforms to measure performance, plan improvements, and recommend enhancements for communication effectiveness.
• Handles administrative tasks and other duties as assigned, including involvement in project teams.

Qualifications

• At least three years of experience in employee communications.
• Knowledge of best practices for internal communications and internal communications tools required.
• Bachelor’s degree in fields related to communication and/or organizational development preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver high‑quality, high‑volume work on time in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience and proficiency with Microsoft platforms including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook required; SharePoint, Stream and Teams preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and a driving record that meets agency motor vehicle standards, plus reliable transportation to and from work.

Our Commitment to Equity and Justice

We believe that people are entitled to dignity, respect, equity and justice. We champion a society that removes barriers. We reject racism and discrimination of any kind. We protest systemic and political inequities that marginalize people, recognizing that there is a history of structural racism in the United States. We will continue to learn and change to achieve justice. We know that strength comes from unity.