Position Description
The Communications Associate develops, executes, and supports strategic communications and other activities to advance The Tow Foundation’s goals and objectives. Reporting to and working closely with the Director of Strategy and Communications, the Communications Associate works with the Foundation’s staff, consultants, grantee partners and media representatives across the Foundation’s priority areas to capture, share, and promote information, stories, and lessons learned from the Foundation’s areas of investment in Connecticut and New York.
Responsibilities
General Communications Support
- Provide overall support in the development, implementation, and execution of the Foundation’s strategic communications plan, strategies, and tactics
- Create and maintain a communications calendar
- Identify and create opportunities to promote Foundation and grantee work
- Edit and/or draft written materials for external and internal audiences, including the media, policymakers, and Foundation leadership and grantee partners
- Monitor and share developing news and information related to the Foundation’s areas of investment
- Assist in curating, developing and disseminating a monthly newsletter
Website Content and Development
- Serve as the primary editor for the Foundation website, including researching, developing and posting content
- Troubleshoot and coordinate with the Foundation Operations team and outside vendors to ensure functionality throughout the site
- Work collaboratively to ensure online information and resources are engaging, transparent and accessible
Social Media
- Manage the Foundation social media channels to engage with and attract new audiences
- Support design, implementation, and execution of digital campaigns, which may include planning, interview outreach and graphic design
Analytics and Archives
- Track and report on Foundation website analytics
- Stay informed of new tools and best practices for online outreach and metric monitoring
- Monitor data trends and identify opportunities to reach audiences effectively toward strategic goals
- Update and organize Foundation digital assets management system
- Maintain Foundation archives, library, and print collateral
The ideal candidate will be
- An excellent writer and editor
- An information seeker, motivated by the desire to contribute knowledge and learning to the public sector
- A diplomatic communicator who is comfortable working with diverse constituencies
- An innovative, self-starter who functions well in a collaborative team environment but is also comfortable working independently
- An upbeat person with a can-do attitude
Qualifications
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Excellent editing and proofreading skills (AP style)
- Excellent analytic abilities and critical thinking skills
- Strong interpersonal skills: articulate, collegial, energetic, and able to develop productive relationships with colleagues and external partners
- Demonstrated efficiency, effectiveness and accuracy
- Highly organized, creative, and nimble, with strong project, people, and time management skills
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and juggle multiple priorities
- Good judgment and the ability to make decisions and recommendations, problem-solve and seek help when needed
- Solid experience with social media, website content management systems and website analytics
- Passion for the Foundation’s mission and goals
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, public policy, or a related field
- One to three years relevant work experience
- Ability to commute to NYC for meetings and travel occasionally
- Computer savvy including effortless skills in internet research, MS Suite and ability to learn new data management tools
- Experience with Salesforce, MailChimp, Canva and Photoshop a plus
Who We Are
The Tow Foundation, established in 1988 by Leonard and Claire Tow, funds projects that offer transformative experiences to individuals and create collaborative ventures in fields where they see opportunities for breakthroughs, reform, and benefits for underserved populations. Investments focus on the support of innovative programs and system reform in the fields of juvenile and criminal justice, medicine, higher education and culture.
The Tow Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Details & How to Apply
To apply, please send your resume, an unedited writing sample of no more than five pages, and a cover letter to employment@towfoundation.org. Please include your first and last name and “Communications Associate” in the subject line. No phone calls, please.
The application deadline is April 3, 2020. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the deadline, so we highly recommend applying early.
