Community Outreach Coordinator

The Community Engagement Coordinator for Phoenix will report to the Development Manager and work closely with the Executive Director to increase community awareness and improve the IRC’s internal and external communications. This position will serve as the main point of contact for managing external interests for the IRC in Arizona. The position is responsible for performing community outreach activities with partners regarding the work of the IRC, the IRC’s services, and resources for the community along with its ongoing need for positive community relationships. The position will coordinate the development and implementation of advocacy efforts, communication strategies and media relations. This includes communicating with community agencies, faith-based groups, corporate partners and strengthening partnerships with Ethnic Community Based Organizations (ECBO’s). This position is part of the Phoenix Senior Leadership Team and will contribute to strategic direction setting and operational problem solving through his/her areas of expertise.

Major Responsibilities:

Duties include, but are not limited to:

INTERNALLY FACING:

•In coordination with the Executive Director, develop and implement a strategic plan and objectives for external relations that reflect the mission and needs of the organization.

•In coordination with the Volunteer Coordinator and In-Kind Coordinator to identify ongoing, emerging, and unique volunteer and intern opportunities and in-kind donation possibilities.

•Ensure the production and distribution of communications materials, including brochures, monthly newsletters, social media posts, website updates and press releases that improve visibility to partners, key decision-makers, and other interested parties.

•Participate in all relevant program meetings, staff development activities, and fully engages as a member of the team.

•Comply with all IRC policies, procedures and protocols including adherence to the IRC Way and Child Safeguarding.

EXTERNALLY FACING:

•Develop an advocacy, communications, and outreach strategy to maintain relationships with outside partners.

•Coordinate a strategy to strengthen partnerships with Ethnic Based Community Organizations (ECBOs).

•Provide ongoing advocacy for refugees and the IRC’s programs at the local, state, and federal level. Serve as liaison and point of contact between the IRC’s HQ Advocacy team and the Phoenix office.

•Monitoring local, state, and federal legislation, maintain legislator relationships, while representing the IRC.

•Identify and cultivate a comprehensive media contact list, proactively pitch stories to local media contacts, develop media partners to showcase the work of the IRC. Serve as spokesperson for the organization.

•Serve as liaison and point of contact between the IRC’s Headquarters (HQ) Communications team and the Arizona office. Respond to HQ media requests as appropriate. Identify and prepare clients and staff for media interviews.

•Produce a monthly Arizona e-newsletter for external circulation and maintain the Phoenix and Tucson webpage and social media sites.

•Conduct ongoing public events to highlight the work of the IRC, improve fundraising opportunities, and create and strengthen partnerships within the community.

•Provide strategic leadership in planning and executing IRC public events such as an annual fundraiser, World Refugee Day and other awareness raising events.

•Represent the IRC to external organizations such as We Are All America.

•Facilitate presentations on the IRC’s work and engagement opportunities to individuals and organizations.

•Attend relevant community and public meetings requested by IRC and/or other state and local partners.

Job Requirements:

Education: Undergraduate degree in marketing, communications, policy, political science, public administration preferred.

Work Experience: 3+ years of related professional experience ideal. Experience should include working with media, communications/outreach, event planning and/or community organizing.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

•Strong public speaking and presentation skills.

•Persuasive personality with excellent attention to detail and strong follow through.

•Intermediate to advanced familiarity with and use of social media (Facebook)

•Strong English language skills including writing and editing skills.

•Excellent digital literacy (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required; proficiency in graphic design (including Adobe Creative Cloud) preferred.

•Excellent organizational and time management skills.

•Strong leader with ability to work independently with minimal direction.

•Ability to communicate effectively and work as a team member in a diverse, cross-cultural environment.

•Strong interest in international and refugee issues or strong interest to learn.

•Fluency in written and spoken English, bilingual ability preferred in Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Arabic, French or other refugee/immigrant language used in Arizona. Cross-cultural understanding and strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

•Must have a valid driver’s license, active insurance policy, access to reliable transportation and the ability to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area.

•In accordance with Arizona State Law, must possess or be eligible to receive a fingerprint clearance card.

Working Environment:

•Standard office work environment with considerable amount of time at a computer terminal

•Regular travel in and around the service delivery area

•Work outside of traditional office hours required on occasion

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law