PR & Communication Manager Job at Burbank Housing in Santa Rosa

Organization Overview:

Burbank Housing is a North Bay leader in affordable housing. For more than 40 years, we’ve built and maintained high-quality homes that allow families and individuals to have security and overcome the daily challenges we all face.

Our work doesn’t stop at ribbon-cuttings. We’re here every day for our residents — providing responsible Property Management and vital Community Services to help people achieve a better future. As a nonprofit that relies on government funding and private donations, we’re committed to strong stewardship of our resources so that we can support our clients with purpose and integrity.

Summary: 

Under the supervision of the COO, the Communications and Public Relations Manager (CPRM) creates and executes comprehensive communication strategies that promote Burbank Housing’s Strategic Plan (vision and mission), its programs, and visibility. This role actively engages in managing internal and external communications, digital media, and marketing efforts to strengthen Burbank Housing’s brand and engage community stakeholders and partners.  Messaging will be developed in collaboration with the CEO, COO, and the Development Team. The role demands excellence in print, verbal, and digital communications to support ongoing operations, programs, and development initiatives.  The CPRM is a member of Burbank’s Senior Leadership Team. 

Specific Duties and Responsibilities: 

The following reflects Burbank Housing’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. 

Communications Strategy and Brand Management:

·         Work with internal stakeholders to develop and implement innovative communication strategies and plans aligned with organizational goals.

·         Support the implementation of a communications strategy that tells the Burbank Housing story, employing best practices of brand management; direct development of written content to be consistently utilized across all platforms.

·         Develop and implement long and short-term communication plans and provide reports on objectives/key results. This includes email newsletters, print newsletters, marketing collateral, signage, social media, video content, photo shoots, town halls, crisis management and internal communications.

·         Oversee the consistent application of the organization’s brand guidelines across all communication channels and materials.

·         Manage brand-building efforts and media presence for the organization, ensuring consistent message, voice, and image.

·         Develop and execute an annual social media strategy, collaborating with team members to enhance Burbank’s online presence, maintain positive interactions with the online community, and respond to inquiries promptly.

·         Collaborate with the CEO and COO to draft media pitches, press releases, talking points and statements to respond to requests for interviews or information.

·         Oversee the planning and execution of photo/video shoots and coordinates interviews.

·         Ensure that the organization’s collateral and website, including copy and photos, are up to date.

·         Cultivate relationships and act as a point of contact with local, regional, state, and national industry groups, and journalists, keeping Burbank staff apprised of developments, trends, and new initiatives.  Where appropriate, prepare letters of support on issues of importance to Burbank. 

·         Collaborate with CEO and COO to support Burbank's communication with municipal, county, and state officials.

·         Identify, recommend, and act upon potential communication and public relations opportunities aligned with the organization’s strategic priorities.

·         Participate in regular training and development opportunities to increase personal capacity to apply innovative approaches to daily workflows, organizational goals and strategies, and functions of the position.

Administration and Operations:

·         Understand and follow the organization’s policies and procedures.

·         Manage Communications and PR budget.

·         Assist in planning and communication strategy of organizational town halls and community meetings that positively promote the organization.

·         Support the production and distribution of the bi-monthly internal newsletter.

·         Draft and proof design of materials to create a cohesive organizational message (externally and internally) for all print, video, and online communication vehicles, including, but not limited to the following: Social Media Posts; Newsletters; eblasts; brochures and information kits; annual reports; fundraising and donor and volunteer relations materials; event invitations; and press kits.

• Lead the creation of marketing and informational content as well as reviewing and providing copy for documents for the Development department, including publications, and communication materials (cultivation, solicitation, and donor acknowledgment letters).

·         Work closely with Executive Assistant and Senior Leadership Team to produce BOD packet materials for monthly BOD meetings; provide BOD with tools, current messaging, and opportunities to promote the Burbank brand.

·         Assist the BOD-Community Engagement Committee as needed.

·         Create and implement an organizational Annual Report.

• Manage Burbank website, organizing and publishing content on our website and digital channels.

• Coordinate with all staff to ensure consistency in organizational communications and provide an oversight of all public relations activities, including press conferences, press kit mailings, press release mailings, and all media follow-up with story pitches.
• Help staff to prepare for workshops, training, guest speaker engagements, and other events to ensure that all communications are accurate and consistent.
• Practice direct, respectful, open, and honest communication with colleagues. Proactively seeks support from team members and management.

Community Engagement:

·         Industry Presence - Monitor and act as a point of contact with local, regional, state, and national industry groups, keeping Burbank staff appraised of developments, trends, and new initiatives.  Where appropriate, prepare letters of support on issues of importance to Burbank.  Collaborate with CEO and COO to support Burbank's communication with municipal, county, and state officials.

·         Community Presence - Attend community gatherings representing Burbank. Act as a liaison with other stakeholders in Sonoma County.

·         Assist identifying private sector, government, and nonprofit funding opportunities for Burbank. Where appropriate assists preparing funding applications.  Maintain relationships with foundations and major funders. Maintain a list of potential donors and supporters.

Required Experience and Skills:

Education and Experience:

-       BA/BS degree in Communications, Marketing, or related field or a minimum of 7 years in similar and equivalent role.

-       A minimum of 5 years of communications and public relations experience, preferably in a non-profit organization.

-       Experience in professional communications, such as writing press releases, building websites, and managing social media campaigns.

-       Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, InDesign, Photoshop, and Adobe tools.

-       Strong administrative skills with two years of administrative experience, preferably in a nonprofit/development environment.

-       Experience developing, implementing, and measuring communication and engagement plans/strategies.

-       Experience writing, editing, and proofreading messages for target audiences.

-       Experience implementing and managing multiple complex projects.

-       Budget management experience.

-       At least one year of experience in event planning.

Required Skills/Abilities:

-       Outstanding written and verbal communications skills required, including the ability to meticulously edit under deadline, to ensure the highest standard of editorial quality for all communications.

-       Strong writer with demonstrated skills to quickly and accurately communicate complex issues and topics.

-       Excellent project management and strong organizational skills are required to manage multiple concurrent projects, unsupervised, in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a high attention to detail and meeting critical deadline requirements.

-       Ability to build positive relationships across all stakeholder groups including team members , Board of Directors, and governmental authorities.

-       Ability to maintain confidential and sensitive information and use discretion and tact.

-       Commitment and enthusiasm towards achieving Burbank Housing’s Mission and Vision Statements. Positive attitude.

-       Creative thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Other Skills and Abilities:

-       Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, a good driving record, and automobile insurance per requirements of the State of California.

-      Ability to work with individuals and/or groups as a representative of Burbank Housing, both in public and private arenas.  Contacts may include public agency officials, housing development professionals, representatives of the business and financial community and community-based groups.

-      Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with a diverse group of people.

-      Must be self-motivated and demonstrate initiative.

-      Ability to attend occasional evening and/or weekend meetings and/or events.

-       Self-motivated, resourceful, results-driven, and deadline-oriented.

-       Interest and passion for affordable housing.

-       Ability to learn new skills and concepts quickly.

Qualification Requirements: The above requirements represent the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made (except experience levels) to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Supervisory Responsibilities:  None.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk; sit; use hands to handle objects/operate keyboards, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; stoop; kneel and crouch; talk and hear.

Work Environment: The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Position type and work schedule: This is an exempt, full-time position. The work schedule is Monday – Friday. Currently, employees are asked to work on-site two days a week. As the work demands change, Burbank Housing reserves the right to ask employees to work onsite more often.