Communication Specialist in Anchorage, Alaska at Catholic Social Services

The Communication Specialist is responsible for content and story creation for their assigned programs at Catholic Social Services. This position will serve as a topic matter expert as well as a liaison between programs and communications for the purpose of planning and campaigns. This position will also be responsible for building relationships with clients and guests to amplify the voices of those receiving services – with dignity and respect. This position strengthens Catholic Social Services (CSS) mission and brand recognition through compelling content, written stories, photography, videography, outreach, and other communication techniques. The Communication Specialist will work closely with programs and clients. They will capture stories, communicate upcoming events, and create a strong understanding of program services and their needs. The Communication Specialist will use and suggest outreach/communication techniques and contribute to plans that will further communicate the work of the agency and its connection with all audiences. This position reports to the Chief Communication Officer and will work in coordination on other projects as assigned.

CSS is a Catholic human and social services agency and behavioral health care provider that welcomes people of all faiths through its programs and employment. We provide help for our Alaskan neighbors through a variety of supportive service programs, including emergency shelter, food stability, housing, case management, and refugee assistance. CSS empowers individuals and families on their path to permanent stability, creating thriving communities for all. Located in Anchorage, Alaska, CSS is a nationally accredited organization through the Council on Accreditation (COA), which recognizes that CSS provides high quality services that meet best practice standards in the social service field.

Mission: To promote the physical, spiritual and mental welfare of persons in need in the community. This mission is achieved by:

• Offering charitable assistance to those in need, especially persons who are poor
• Developing and conducting programs to strengthen and support families and the dignity of the human spirit
• Administering the Corporal Works of Mercy and Gospel of Jesus Christ as defined by the magisterium of the Roman Catholic Church and envisioned by the traditional concepts of Catholic Social Teaching and Action through the laity
• And advocating for social justice for the common good of all

The communications team has the great privilege of sharing the stories of our community and engaging our community partners. With a focus on ethical storytelling and community engagement, we share the perspectives and experiences of our neighbors and create opportunities for our neighbors to engage in programs and partner together to help those in need.

Your work on our team has the potential to build understanding, enact change, and create a more prosperous community for all who call Anchorage home.

Competency: Must be flexible, dependable, and demonstrate attention to detail and organization. Individual must have a sincere commitment to the mission of CSS, its programs, and the people they serve. Must have a strong work ethic, a positive attitude and work well as a member of a team. Must be able to maintain confidentiality and treat all individuals with dignity and respect. Must be able to take initiative and work with little supervision. Must be able to multitask and prioritize projects.

Stress Tolerance: Displays emotional resilience. Deals with difficult and adverse events while maintaining professionalism and caring. Responds appropriately in the face of tension, emotion, and resistance. Seeks support from others when necessary and uses appropriate coping techniques.

Knowledge: Knowledge of Word Press, Social Media Management, MailChimp, and Adobe.

Skill: Effective communication skills and experience in storytelling, and public relations. The Communication Specialist will be a strong and creative communicator, eager to tell the story of CSS. The Communication Specialist should have experience in graphic design, writing, and social media. An ideal candidate will also be creative and a strong problem solver.

Content Creation

• Work closely with Refugee Assistance and Immigration Services, St. Francis House Food Pantry, and Family Disability Services staff to gain a strong understanding of program services
• Keep up to date on current happenings and upcoming events at programs
• Promote program events and happenings in partnership with the team
• Meet with staff and clients to create written and visual client centered and trauma informed stories
• Conduct research and work with programs to develop a deep understanding of the challenges of those we serve and our programs
• Contribute to the mission and messaging of CSS through stories, photos, videos, and graphics
• Communicate the needs of clients and programs to donors, volunteers, and the public

External Communication

• Contribute to the creation of agency wide publications through photography, design, and written stories
• Create and produce content for social media, appeals, Holidays, annual reports, newsletters, and events
• Create and produce video content communicating agency needs, agency news, and agency work
• Contribute to the creation email campaigns through ideas, stories, and other content
• Assist in website maintenance and content, including the blog
• Assist in the creation of campaigns , appeals, and agency-wide advocacy efforts
• Translate program data and technical information into easily understandable graphics and stories
• In partnership with program teams, ensure that clients and perspective clients are aware of services and resources at CSS

Public Relations

• Support for special events.
• Assist in the creation of press releases, media relations content, white papers, newsletter content, social media content, and blog content
• Develop and reinforce the CSS mission to keep up to date with current agency happenings and goals
• Assist with media

Internal Communications

• Ensure communication flow of important information to assigned programs
• Support internal communication efforts as decided and directed, including employee newsletters, internal announcements, and story sharing

Provide support in creating communication materials for special projects as needed

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in marketing, public relations, communication, graphic design, or another related field. Four (4) years of experience may be substituted for the required education.

Minimum Experience Requirement: Two (2) years in effective communication skills and experience in storytelling and public relations. Experience in nonprofit work preferred.

A relevant combination of education and experience may be considered.

A valid driver’s license and auto insurance are required.

Work is performed in a standard indoor office environment. Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds. Frequently sitting or standing at a desk for several hours at a time.

Travel out of Alaska is rare. Occasional travel within Anchorage is required.

Location: 4600 Debarr Road, Anchorage, AK