Work, Intern, or Volunteer for the Housing Alliance

Communications Director

Reports To: Executive Director
Summary: The Communications Director develops and manages the communications strategy for the organization to ensure strategic and effective messages are presented to the public, lawmakers, members of the media and others about housing and homelessness issues and the organization.

The Housing Alliance leads the movement to ensure that all residents thrive in safe, healthy, affordable homes. We do this through policy advocacy, strategic communications, and mobilization. Developing and disseminating effective messages to tell the housing story is critical to achieving our mission and central to what we do and this position drives that effort.

Responsibilities: The Housing Alliance is a collaborative work environment where all employees participate in planning and carrying out the organization’s mission and goals. This position is specifically responsible for the following:

Media and Public Relations
• Develop and manage overall media strategy, including development and distribution of press releases, op-eds, and letters-to-the-editor campaigns.
• Strategize with policy staff to develop and refine messaging and media outreach for key campaigns.
• Build and maintain relationships with statehouse and other reporters.
• Coordinate meetings for key staff and/or members with editorial boards of local media outlets.

Website and Social Media
• Develop strategy for use of website and social media, including website design and updates and development of social networking tools.
• Oversee redesign and maintenance of website.

Advocate Training
• Develop curriculum and materials to train advocates in effective messaging and communication for advocacy.
• Work with Mobilization Coordinator to cultivate training opportunities and provide training.

Publications and Materials
• In collaboration with appropriate staff, produce legislative agenda materials, annual report, and other organizational publications and reports.
• Write and/or edit materials for events, fundraising, membership development, and email blasts.

Brand Development
• Ensure consistent visual presentation of organization in our and others’ communications.
• Develop talking points & consistent messaging regarding the Housing Alliance and our work.
• Build guide based on existing organizational style and best practices.

Homes for All Campaign
• Coordinate with Policy and Mobilization staff to identify and solicit personal stories to support specific legislative priorities and the importance of affordable housing.
• Develop and manage multi-media presentation of stories.

Other
• Regularly evaluate all communications efforts;
• Manage communications contracts;
• Support communications workgroup of the board of directors;
• Manage communications interns;
• Participate in staff meetings and retreats, and Board meetings as needed;
• Participate and provide leadership communications coalition efforts as needed;
• Other duties as assigned.

Desired Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or related field;
• Minimum of eight years strategic communications or media experience;
• Extensive writing and editing experience with a variety of print and online media;
• Demonstrated skill and comfort in proactively building relationships with diverse audiences, including reporters and editors, community leaders, coalition partners and the public;
• Strong computer skills and an understanding of and commitment to using technology to create social change. The ideal candidate will have proficiency in at least some of the following: InDesign, Dreamweaver, iWork suite, Office suite, online CRM systems;
• Experience with value-based messaging principles & message development;
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and/or low-income housing advocacy;
• Ability and desire to work with a diverse range of people;
• Excellent attention to detail;
• Demonstrated ability to work in a cooperative and collaborative environment;
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends;
• Sense of humor and grace under pressure is highly desired.

Benefits:
Competitive salary, commensurate with experience. Benefits include health and dental insurance, retirement, vacation, sick leave, and generous holiday schedules.

How to apply:
Please send resume, succinct cover letter (describing your relevant experience and why you are interested in this position), and diversity questionnaire (available for download here: diversity questionnaire) to: jobs@wliha.org. The position is open until filled but priority will be given to applications received by Wednesday January 19th. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Washington Low Income Housing Alliance is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the belief that each individual is entitled to equal employment opportunity. Persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Interested in volunteering?

We need volunteers to help with events, mailings, and other tasks during and after the legislative session. Contact Natalia at natalia@wliha.org or at 206.442.9455 x201 for more information.