Providence Housing Authority is hiring: Communication Specialist in Providence

Communications Specialist

Department:

Strategy & Development Office

Date:

October 2024

Supervises:

No Staff

Supervisor:

Directors of Strategy & Development

Job Description

Purpose:

The Communications Specialist assists the Office of Strategy & Development (OSD) as well as the Executive Office in various responsibilities to provide support and assistance in the public communications and outreach efforts for the Providence Housing Authority. The Communications Specialist acts as primary liaison for all activities related to an agency-wide communications plan. Tasks include but are not limited to: Coordination of press events, authoring press releases, social media posts, and website content, public-facing documents, newsletters and the management of video content. This position fosters a strong sense of outreach between PHA, its residents, the general public, and various stakeholders to effectively share core messages and build dialogue with the community at large.

Essential Tasks of the Position:

Responsible for working with the Directors in various responsibilities of the Strategy and Development Office.

• Writes a variety of compelling content to support communications and marketing efforts including newsletters, web/social media content and press releases

• Develops and maintains effective relationships with all PHA staff and resident leadership to ensure branding, messaging and voice are consistent across all platforms

• Assist in the development and implantation of an agency-wide communications plan

• Assists in public engagement process and agency initiatives, such as upcoming PHA Strategic Plan (2026-2030) and press events/conferences and/or other community engagement activities or meeting forums

• With support of IT Department, manages online content of agency website

• Assist in response to public inquiries of resident and stakeholder matters

• Prepares various internal and external reports, adhering to any internal and government reporting requirements.

• Assists in event logistics and presentations such as Board of Commissioners public meetings (monthly), agency and/or resident events.

• Works seamlessly with any communication consultant and/or strategic planning consultant that the PHA may bring on

Coordinates communication between residents and the Housing Authority related to any future PHA development and redevelopment projects, and other strategic initiatives.

• Designs and coordinates quarterly resident newsletters/media alerts (such as resident flyers for print, website, and social media.

• Create and translate resident-facing content in Spanish.

Conducts and participates in program development and implementation, training and research.

• Prepares surveys, needs assessments and focus groups for programs and policies operated by the Providence Housing Authority.

• Assists in the development and promotion of PHA University, a resident admissions educational program and maintains and organizations the PHA Resource Library and related resident program material

• Stays up to date on industry and communication trends to create meaningful strategies of engagement

PROVIDENCE HOUSING AUTHORITY

Position Description

Position Requirements and Qualifications:

Education Level

• Four-year degree from an accredited college/university with studies focused on communications, urban, public and/or social policy, required.

• Education requirement may be waived if applicant has demonstrated competence in the criteria cited and has at least 5 years’ experience in related fields.

Experience in Related Field

• 1-3 years of experience in research or analysis, preferred

• 2-5 years of experience working with public agencies, non-profits and/or government agencies, preferred.

• 2-5 years of experience in the public housing or affordable housing field, preferred

• Experience in program and public relations implementation

• Considerable communication skills (oral and written) required

• Bilingual (Spanish), highly preferred

Knowledge, skills, abilities, licenses and certifications

• Proficiency and working abilities with personal computers and the following applications required: Microsoft Office software and visual design software (such as Canva).

• Proficiency or ability to learn basic tasks of website content updates (WordPress)

• Ability to work independently.

• Working knowledge of public policy, planning and public administration issues.

• Excellent communication skills (written and oral). Demonstrable analytic skills.

• Working knowledge of statistical analysis.

• Ability to draft public-facing documents and reports. Ability to maintain and enforce confidentiality in all assignments.

• Ability to work harmoniously with other agency personnel.

• Ability to relate to and interact with elderly and family residents in low- and moderate-income housing settings.

• Ability to be flexible and perform work under time pressure.

Working Conditions:

Environmental Parameters

• Ability to work in office environment.

Physical Demands

• Type: A Sedentary work Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move an object. Work involves walking, standing, and driving for brief periods of time.

Work Schedule:

• Ability to work 35-hour week.

• Ability to work flexible hours, occasionally. CC will be required to attend meetings of the Board of Commissioners monthly, as well as some special events in the evenings and weekends

• Limited travel may be required.

Equipment Used:

• Competency in operating computers, printers, and general office equipment.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All

PROVIDENCE HOUSING AUTHORITY

Position Description

personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

The requirements for this position are indicative of the physical and mental capacities needed to satisfactorily perform the duties for the position. Reasonable accommodations, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act will be granted wherever possible.

Approved By:

Kimberly Dawley

Director of Human Resources

Date: October 2024