Communication Specialist

Position Opening: Communication Specialist
Application Deadline: January 25th, 2025
 
Overview:   
The Communications Specialist (CS) is an experienced professional who will support the various communication needs of the Community Mental Health Fund, including communicating with internal and external audiences. The CS carries out a variety of communication activities, including social media, public information materials, and externally focused reports. The CS is also responsible for board communication and coordinating training and community events.  This person will assure that stakeholders are engaged with the Community Mental Health Fund, resulting in the achievement of specific goals within our strategic plan.
 
Key Responsibilities:
Develop and carry out the organization’s communication strategy:   The CS will conduct a communication assessment that reviews current strengths and needs, then develops a strategy that aligns with our strategic plan.  From this plan the CS will:

• Develop and implement organizational communication priorities.
• Develop messaging on mental health and public policy.
• Serve as the primary creator and project manager for social media and other outreach.
• Work with the leadership team to create an annual communication budget to advance our strategic goals.

Manage external communication strategies. External audiences of the CMHF include a network of agency grantees, other funding organizations, news media, governmental entities, and the general public. General responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Increasing awareness of mental health resources.
• Collaborating with culturally specific media channels to reduce mental health stigma.
• Manage and update website content and serve as staff liaison to contract web designers.
• Increasing awareness of the community mental health fund, its purpose, and effectiveness.
• Creating and managing an annual communication calendar that aligns communication-related activities, and special events with other workflows of the CMHF.
• Collaborating with CMHF leadership on proactive and responsive communication, prepared responses to events and relevant topics.

Coordinate internal communication. Internal audiences include but are not limited to staff, board, committees, and professional consultants. General responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Assuring consistent, professional communication between staff and board for meetings, events, and carrying out action.
• Coordinate and manage logistics and communication for trainings and events.  Serving as a key point of contact between venues, vendors, and participating organizations.
• Responsibility for posting legal notices for all meetings.
• Generating email communication campaigns including bimonthly e-newsletters.
• Provide other assistance as requested by leadership.

 
Relationships:
The Communication Specialist directly reports to the Executive Director in partnership with the  Deputy Director.
The Communication Specialist will also work with the Program and Administrative Support Team and other Vendors and Suppliers as needed.
 
Qualifications and Required Skills:

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in communication, journalism, marketing, nonprofit management, or related field.
• Five or more years of experience in a communication role.
• Ability to develop and analyze website and social media metrics in partnership with external website provider.
• Track record of successful engagement-building in traditional media and social media outlets.
• Experience in supporting volunteer boards and managing events.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite,  social media sites/applications and email marketing systems.
• Experience collaborating with contractors and media outlets.
• Strong written communication, organizational and people skills, with the ability to work as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail and proofreading skills.
• Initiative-taker with strong problem-solving abilities.
• Able to work occasional events outside normal business hours and lift 25-50 pounds.

 
Salary/Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with experience and the range is $56,000 to $70,000. The Community Mental Health Fund offers an industry-leading benefits package including Health Insurance, retirement plan with company match, paid time off and paid holidays. After initial six-months, ability to transition to 20% remote work.
 
How to Apply:  Please email a cover letter, resume, and three work samples to Finance@jacksoncountycares.org. Application deadline January 25th , 2025.
 
About the Community Mental Health Fund. The Community Mental Health Fund (CMHF) is a public funder of mental health care for uninsured and underinsured residents of Jackson County, Missouri. Recipients of funding are thirty nonprofit agencies (agency network), contracted to provide mental health services. Over 10,000 people are served annually. Additional information on CMHF, our agency network, and major initiatives is available on our website: jacksoncountycares.org.