Marketing Communications Specialist

Marketing Communications Specialist

A. Summary 

Streetohome’s overarching goal is to leverage a comprehensive system response intended to ensure that homelessness in Vancouver is prevented whenever possible and, when homelessness can’t be prevented, to ensure that the experience is least harmful, brief and non-recurring. To this end, Streetohome strives to broker the integration of evidence-based and promising practices that address gaps in the current system to meet the housing, addiction, education and employment needs of vulnerable individuals that have lived experience of homelessness or are at-risk. The engagement of major donors, including individuals, corporations and foundations, is central to Streetohome’s continued success.

The Marketing Communications Specialist is involved in creating and/or editing materials to put the organizational marketing plan into action. Communications consist of a diverse range of products that include but are not limited to: website and blog content, social media (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn); stewardship reports, newsletters, PowerPoint presentations; news releases; speaking notes, annual reports, event plans and grant funding request applications. The incumbent must excel in persuasive writing – be both creative and disciplined. The ability to work both individually and collaboratively is required, and meeting deadlines is essential.

Streetohome is seeking an enthusiastic individual, dedicated to making a difference in our community, who enjoys a challenging and rewarding environment. In an office with a team of three staff, the incumbent will also take on committee support and project management responsibilities. Further, the role will involve cross-training with the Administration & Donor Manager so as to capitalize on assets and interests within the team, while ensuring that each portfolio continues essential components during staff absences. The position reports to the CEO.

B. Responsibilities

• Write, design, manage the production, and measure the impact of, communication materials including: fundraising materials (project profiles; service provider, client and donor stories), newsletters, donor stewardship reports, annual reports, grant applications, event marketing, etc.
• Maintain social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Streetohome Blog) with the goals of: increasing followers and engagement levels, and to provide compelling information, while providing analytics that demonstrate improved marketing outcomes
• Manage media relations activities including: writing press releases, pitching, overseeing incoming media requests, and building and maintaining relationships with print, radio and TV media
• Manage communication department relationships with key partners including City of Vancouver, BC Housing, Vancouver Coastal Health and funded service providers in terms of project launches, open houses, progress updates, general interest stories, etc.
• Facilitate media interviews and speaking opportunities to build Streetohome’s public profile
• Prepare speaking notes/messaging for the CEO, the Board Chair and other key representatives
• Manage grant funding donor database, deadlines and reporting obligations
• Manage relationships with any external communications vendors (print, video, photography, web, etc.)
• Maintain branding materials including logos, fonts, graphics, templates, photo bank, etc. and ensure that all internal and external materials have a consistent look and tone
• Ensure that Streetohome is recognized in public communications by grant recipients
• Understand and implement strategic communication direction and seek counsel as needed from a volunteer committee of industry experts (Marketing & Communications Committee)
• Regularly upload new content to the website and manage the info@streetohome email account
• Monitor, and report to the team, mass media and social media stories about Streetohome and homelessness in Vancouver and abroad
• Participate in partner and community meetings, Streetohome committees/working groups and provide project support including scheduling and meeting minutes as assigned
• Provide editing to team as needed and ensure consistency in core messaging
• Assist with planning and management of special events (e.g., project launches, open houses, donor recognition; Homeless Awareness Week) and attend as required (may entail occasional evenings and weekends)
• Manage projects and perform other work-related duties as assigned

C. Desirable Qualifications

Experience/Knowledge:

• Post graduate degree in journalism, English, communications, public relations, marketing or related field of study. Equivalent training and experience will be considered.
• Minimum 5 years proven work experience as a Marketing Communications Specialist or similar role
• Good working knowledge of branding, photography, graphic design, print production, web layout, and desktop publishing
• Experience working with Vancouver media including large print and broadcast as well as smaller community outlets is considered an asset
• History of participation in marketing campaigns on social media is considered an asset
• Sound knowledge of grant writing techniques/philosophies and experience with grant writing and success in being awarded grants is considered an asset
• Awareness and understanding of the issues of homelessness, mental health, addictions, poverty and related issues is considered an asset

Skills:

• Proficiency in MS Office and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, PhotoShop, Illustrator)
• Skilled in the use of ‘plain language’ to communicate complex data and ideas using clear writing guidelines
• Ability to write passionate, accurate, succinct, compelling and persuasive compositions
• Effective presentation development skills
• Strong editing and proof-reading skills with excellent knowledge of grammar rules
• Hands-on experience with web content management tools, and specifically WordPress
• Knowledge of Search Engine Optimization and Google Analytics
• Ability to operate and deliver results under pressure, manage diverse and competing priorities, and meet deadlines
• Creative and resourceful; able to produce high-quality products with limited resources
• Discretion in handling confidential information related to donors, partners and the Streetohome Board
• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively interact with the Streetohome Board, Committees, office team and stakeholders

Core Competencies:

• Adaptability: Demonstrate a willingness to be flexible, versatile and/or tolerant in a changing workforce environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency.
• Build and Maintain Relationships: Establish and maintain positive working relationships, both internal and external, to achieve the goals of Streetohome, including the ability to manage upwards.
• Cultural Competency: Able to work with individuals and organizations from a wide variety of cultures, abilities and perspectives, particularly with those from marginalized groups.

D. How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Dr. Rob Turnbull, President and CEO, Streetohome Foundation, c/o Tracey Harvey, Administration & Donor Manager, traceyh@streetohome.org  by March 13th, 2018.

We kindly ask for no phone calls please. Due to the large number of applications Streetohome receives, only candidates who are selected for an interview will be contacted. We thank all applicants for their interest in Streetohome Foundation.

Please Note: Those selected for an interview will be asked to:

1. Provide Streetohome with two samples each of writing and design work prior to being interviewed, and
   
2. Create and present a communication piece, based on a scenario presented, as part of the interview process (i.e., during the interview timeframe).