Community Engagement And Communications Coordinator

The Community Engagement and Communications Coordinator at YVHA is responsible for managing community engagement and developing and executing the organization's comprehensive communication strategies to effectively convey its mission, housing programs, and community impact. Managing thoughtful community engagement is critical to achieving YVHA’s value of authentically knowing our community and its housing needs. This role also plays a key part in fostering positive relationships with the media, public, stakeholders, YVHA Board & Staff and partners while managing internal and external communications to support affordable housing initiatives and community engagement. Works with the leadership team of YVHA to shape the company’s image, update strategic planning documents, mission statements and manage public relations crises and situations as they arise.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Demonstrate ability to write and communicate effectively to broad and diverse audiences.
• Must have solid time management skills and be able to multi-task to be successful in this role.
• Strong skills in copywriting, content creation and engagement across various mediums.
• Skilled with various social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and TikTok.
• Strong interpersonal skills that allow for cross collaboration with staff and board teams.
• Project management skill set.
• Ability to facilitate strategic dialogue and problem-solving across multiple departments.
• Cultivate or have existing relationships with local and regional print, radio and television outlets.
• Experience with brand management and graphic design.
• Must be a self-starter and capable of multitasking.
• Capable of representing the company in a professional and knowledgeable manner
• Demonstrated experience in designing and managing meaningful community engagement and outreach programs for diverse audiences.
• Strong leadership and motivational skills.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently.
• Proven experience with website creation, social media and digital marketing.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Community Engagement: Manage community outreach efforts, including organizing public meetings, forums, and educational events to increase public awareness and understanding of housing programs and developments.
• Develop and Implement Communications Strategies: Create and lead strategic communications plans that support YVHA’s mission, goals, and objectives. This includes overseeing media relations, public outreach, and messaging campaigns.
• Content Creation: Lead the creation of high-quality content and communications assets, including annual report, articles, blogs, newsletters, videos, and graphics that highlight the organization’s success stories, new initiatives, and community impact.
• Public Relations: Respond to media inquiries, prepare press releases, and arrange interviews and press events. Build and maintain strong relationships with media outlets.
• Brand Management: Ensure consistent and effective branding across all communication channels, including print, digital, and social media platforms. Oversee the development of key marketing materials such as brochures, reports, and website content.
• Partnerships and Advocacy: Coordinate communication efforts to support partnerships, advocacy initiatives, and relationships with local governments, stakeholders, and community organizations.
• Social media and digital presence: Oversee the management of YVHA’s social media platforms and website, ensuring regular updates and engagement. Utilize digital analytics to enhance outreach efforts.
• Crisis Communication: Develop and implement crisis communication strategies and manage real-time responses to urgent or sensitive issues.
• Internal Communications: Collaborate with staff and board to ensure consistent and clear internal communication, fostering an informed and aligned team culture. Support Executive Director in ensuring good communication and collaboration between YVHA Board of Directors and the various Board work teams.
• Board of Directors and Work Team Support: Support YVHA Board of Directors’ Communications Team by preparing agendas, following up on and managing meeting action items, etc.
• Training: When needed, provide training for staff and Board for interviews, presentations, etc.
• Works closely with all housing staff responsible for housing services to include ownership of properties, for sale, rental resources development, and others to tell the story of housing successes by YVHA.
• Conduct semi-annual or annual community surveys to understand the Steamboat Springs community, housing struggles/challenges and housing needs.
• Increase the Steamboat Springs and local community awareness of YVHA housing initiatives and current projects.
• Work/Collaborate with the City of Steamboat Springs and Routt County communications managers to ensure a unified message across all three organizations.
• Educate and increase the community’s understanding of what YHVA does.
• Story-telling efforts to include robust print, digital, websites, and social media; strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion required.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is performed in a standard office environment as well as on-site visits. Typical hours are Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week. Weekend or after hours work as needed. Employee must be able to lift 25 lbs.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing or related field.
• At least three (3) to five (5) years’ experience in non-profit or governmental communications and/or communications/public relations agency; or traditional journalism
• Experience in community engagement, including identifying key stakeholders and cultivating meaningful engagement opportunities
• Proven organizational skills, with project management experience
• Existing working contacts and relationships with community partners and mainstream media
• Fluency in Spanish or being bilingual desired.
• Exceptional oral and written communication and interactive skills with senior management, and the general public.
• Knowledge of the affordable housing landscape a plus.
• Must have ability to respect the privacy and confidentiality of staff, board members and contracted vendors.
• Must demonstrate effective conflict resolution skills, including the ability to always maintain a positive and professional demeanor.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This is a non-exempt, hourly position. This is a full-time year-round position. Working hours are regular but may include evenings, weekends, and holidays on rare occasions.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $30.27 - $40.86 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to Relocate:

• Steamboat Springs, CO 80477: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person