Communications Coordinator

The Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross (SCHC)

Job Description

The Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross (SCHC) is a not-for-profit organization with roots in the Episcopal Church.

Since 1884, Companions have welcomed women who feel called to a life of prayer, thanksgiving and simplicity, and advocacy for social justice and peace.

About 700 Companions meet regularly in 32 chapters across the U.S. and in India. A lively virtual chapter connects those who don’t live near a geographically based chapter. Companions are active in the Episcopal Church as well as other Christian denominations.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Communications Coordinator role works with the General Manager, the Society’s Companion-in-Charge, and the Communications Committee Chairwoman to successfully coordinate all SCHC communications. Working with the staff, the Communications Committee, other Companions and established service providers (such as PHP for website problems and printer/mailing house), this role coordinates specific communication initiatives, website maintenance, online content creation, social media outreach, collateral visioning and development, pre- and post-event support, and Companion and community relations.

RESPONSIBILITIES OVERVIEW / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Communications

Collaborate with the Communications Chairwoman to implement the SCHC Annual Communication Plan.
Staff to the Communications Committee: Attend regularly scheduled meetings of the Committee to report on initiatives and receive progress reports from members and subcommittees.
Collaborate with SCHC publication editors to edit, design, format, finalize, and distribute publications including the monthly and annual publications, mailings and newsletters
Develop and monitor procedures to ensure all print and digital marketing materials are strategically aligned with SCHC brand message platform.
Respond to general inquiries from Companions.
Manage internal communications that highlight and celebrate SCHC's culture, fostering a positive and engaging environment for staff and Companions.

Design

Create content and design for collateral such as ads, flyers, banners, brochures, event signage, holiday cards, newsletters, appeals, invitations, and other outreach materials.
Work with multiple stakeholders to develop and design the SCHC Annual Report.
Collaborate with external vendors to produce quality branded materials, including business cards, letterhead, printed marketing materials, etc.

Events Support

Create and execute campaigns to promote SCHC member programs, regional conferences and other activities. Use local media, community contacts, social media and grassroots efforts to promote public programs, both in-person and virtual.
Develop the following:
Pre-event promotional announcement (email, local media, social media, blog)
Follow up communications
Post-event recap with photos
Development and distribution of post-event survey; distill survey results and present to the General Manager, Companion-in-Charge (C-in-C), Communications Chairwoman and other relevant parties, to provide insight on best practices for future events.
Provide materials and social media support at relevant conferences across the US.

Community Relations/Outreach

Providing Companions with the tools that they need to conduct outreach in their churches, nonprofits and communities to improve awareness of and exposure to SCHC as a partner organization.
Initiate and support opportunities for target audiences to engage and to be exposed to SCHC, including through paid media campaigns online in relevant religious publications (Episcopal News Service and other denominational communications outlets, and journals, such as Spiritual Direction).
Analyze existing database of Companions, identifying who has not been active as of late, and seeing how they can be re-engaged. Tailor “we miss you” communications — work with Chairwoman of the Communications Committee, the Assistant Companion Charge of Chapters, and other Companions on these initiatives.

Website and Social Media

Provide ongoing content management of the member and public SCHC websites, regularly reviewing and updating content, including monthly blogs.

Member Website

Provide reports and feedback to the Communications Committee regarding the benefits and drawbacks of the current member website from a user interface perspective.
Work with Communications Committee to ensure regularly scheduled content and videos for SCHC blog, including regular interviews with Companions about happenings in their local chapters. Share across social media and the public SCHC blog.
Collect photos and videos taken at SCHC regional events and maintain digital photo files for ongoing use; create, edit and upload photos and videos to websites, social media outlets, and in newsletters as appropriate.
Create and post regular content to the Facebook and Instagram accounts; monitor constituent engagement with social media and respond as appropriate.
Strengthen and expand SCHC’s virtual presence by developing, scheduling and evaluating new media efforts.
Maintain system for tracking, analyzing and reporting data to measure results for online communication efforts; review data and identify opportunities for improvements and new initiatives.
Regularly audit websites to identify user experience and content improvements.
Assist staff and members in troubleshooting website issues; collaborate with the Technology Committee as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Background

Bachelor’s degree is required in Communications, Journalism, English or related field.
At least five years’ professional experience in digital and print communications.
Experience working in a nonprofit setting.
Experience working with volunteer organizations.
Experience developing and executing community relations plans to build awareness among target audiences.

Skills

Excellent project management and organizational skills.
Excellent verbal communication skills and ability to relate to people of diverse backgrounds, training and experience; experience working with volunteers preferred.
Skilled at and enthusiastic about building relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
Experience maintaining and editing websites.
Excellent graphic design skills.
Experience using WordPress, Canva, Adobe Design Suite, Microsoft Office 365, Blackbaud (or similar CMR software) Google Drive.
Experience managing social media including Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Demonstrated ability to write strategic communications pieces for an organization, including newsletters, website content, brochures, promotional material and member/donor correspondence; must have strong editing and proofing skills.
Ability to solve problems and think creatively; ability to generate and implement new, creative ideas to communicate mission.
Organized, efficient, reliable and detail-oriented with strong interpersonal skills; ability to work both independently and collaboratively with team.
Must be comfortable working with and supporting volunteers.

The Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross is committed to diversity and inclusion, and we aspire to build a diverse team and community. SCHC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status.

Pay: $30.00 - $33.00 per hour

Benefits:

403(b)
Flexible schedule
Health insurance
Paid time off

Application Question(s):

Do you have a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, English, or a closely related field?
How many years of professional experience do you have in digital and/or print communications?
Do you have experience working in a nonprofit organization?
This role is based in Byfield, MA and requires full-time on-site presence during an initial training period. Are you able to meet this requirement?
This position pays $30.00–$33.00 per hour. Does this range align with your compensation expectations?
Are you authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship?

Work Location: In person