Communications Specialist

Under the direction of the Development Manager, the Communications Specialist works closely with the local leadership team and program coordinators to increase community awareness of the work of the IRC in Salt Lake City and improve external communications. The Communications Specialist is responsible for maintaining and improving communications plans and strategies, liaising with local and national media, building robust ethical storytelling practices, and centering beneficiary voice in external communications. Specifically, this position will maintain regular social media and e-newsletter communications, fulfill headquarters and locally-led media strategies, build relationships with local media partners, maintain and improve web presence, facilitate staff training and work with volunteer and professional graphic designers, photographers and videographers to capture the work of the IRC in Salt Lake City.

Key Responsibilities:

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

•Work cross-departmentally to build a culture of storytelling, curating staff, program and client stories and crafting compelling, well-designed content to support the fundraising, marketing, programmatic and advocacy goals of the organization.

•Produce a monthly IRC newsletter incorporating diverse storytelling from across programming in Salt Lake City for external circulation and ensuring new content is placed on the Salt Lake City webpage.

•Conduct outreach and networking activities to recruit and educate potential donors, volunteers and constituents.

•Identify and cultivate a comprehensive media contact list, proactively pitch stories to local media contacts and development media partners to showcase the work of the IRC in Salt Lake City.

•Serve as liaison and point of contact between the IRC’s HQ Communications team and the Salt Lake City office, including participating in monthly CoP calls, responding to HQ media requests as appropriate, and identifying and preparing clients and staff for interviews with the media.

•Support and implement the production of event and appeal-related communications plans and strategies.

•Plan and execute digital fundraising campaigns, especially on Giving Tuesday.

•Support public events highlighting the work of the IRC, including internally and externally organized community events.

•Liaise with and supervise, when appropriate, volunteers supporting communications, graphic design, photography, videography, etc.

•Support broader development team initiatives and events, including Breaking Bread, the annual appeal, Welcoming Week, World Refugee Day, etc.

•Support program and community-led initiatives encouraging storytelling within client communities, including collaboration with the Community Outreach & Engagement AmeriCorps VISTA and cross-departmental efforts to empower client communities.

•Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

•Experience working with media, communications/outreach, event planning and/or community organizing.

•Strong public speaking and presentation skills.

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

•Bachelor’s Degree in marketing or communications preferred.

•Familiarity with social media (Facebook, Instagram, etc.) beyond a basic level.

•Strong writing and editing skills.

•Excellent computer skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required; proficiency in graphic design preferred.

•Excellent organizational and time management skills.

•Strong 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.