Communications and Media Specialist in Shelby, Michigan at AMERICAN YOUTH FOUNDATION

American Youth Foundation Mission

We dare people to discover and celebrate the very best in themselves and others; inspire them to explore diverse perspectives and complex challenges; and embolden them to live courageously, engaging their full capacity.

Job Summary

The Communications and Media Specialist communicates with camp families and the broader AYF community about camp activities by writing blog posts, creating social media content, and managing family email communications. This role writes and uploads blog posts documenting daily life at camp, drafts frequent social media content across all camp platforms, works with the Communications Manager to write and schedule camp family newsletters/emails, and writes longer-form articles for Founder Sparks, the AYF email newsletter. This role also gathers content for social media marketing to be used throughout the year.

Job Locations

• Miniwanca – Shelby, Michigan
• Miniwanca necessitates the ability to move through rugged terrain.
• The Communications and Media Specialist lives onsite during staff training and the two camp sessions, including weekends and evenings, to be available 24 hours/day in case of emergency response.
• Housing and all meals are provided.
• Staff live in a communal space with other staff, or in cabins with campers, depending on position.

Job Type

Seasonal

Company Culture

The AYF believes that how we act and interact reflects who we are as a community. In practice, at the AYF we value investing in youth, stewarding the environment, encouraging participants and staff to explore and develop their values and beliefs, belonging in community, and growing together.

Recognizing the full value of all, the American Youth Foundation affords equal opportunity for employment and program participation to all individuals on the basis of merit and/or eligibility without regard to race, color, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, familial status, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Position Responsibilities

• Responsible for supporting the health, safety, and wellbeing of campers in the community.
• Write and upload blog posts documenting life at camp on a daily or weekly basis.
• Draft social media content for all camp platforms at least three times weekly, or daily as needed.
• Work with the Communications Manager to write and schedule camp family emails/newsletters, sharing information about camp activities with parents.
• Write longer-form articles (at least two per season) for Founder Sparks, the AYF email newsletter.
• Gather content for social media marketing to be used throughout the year.
• Actively participate in all camp activities with enthusiasm, creating an inclusive environment that encourages all campers to participate.
• Provide mentorship and connection to all campers in the community with whom you interact.
• Model responsibility and compassion for campers in all activities, such as cleaning cabins or the eating lodge.
• On occasion, assist with Main Office, Boys Camp, or Girls Camp office management, or a cabin, at the request of coordinators.
• This is not meant to be a complete list of all responsibilities. Other duties may be assigned.

Skills and Qualifications

Required:

• Minimum age: 18 years old with at least one year of post-high school experience (some communications-focused assignments require candidates to be 21 or older).
• First Aid and CPR certification (training available).
• Strong long-form and short-form communication and writing skills (journalism, marketing, PR, or other communications coursework or experience preferred).
• Experience with blogging and running social media for an organization (club, school, team, business, etc.).
• Familiarity with strategic communications for a brand on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, including knowledge of social media marketing tactics and analytics.
• Strong time management and organizational skills; ability to multitask.
• Strong emotional and mental health. Must be adaptable and exhibit good judgement to determine what is in the best interest of the campers in their care.
• Support the organization’s mission and vision with integrity, dependability, and accountability.
• Interact effectively with individuals and groups respecting social and cultural diversity. Establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships and interpersonal skills that contribute to a positive community.
• Demonstrate passion for serving youth, encouraging campers to explore through play and creating a space where youth feel included and a sense of belonging.
• Fully participate in and be present at all camp community activities, including staff training activities.
• Maintain effective mental, emotional, and social interactions in our youth-centered residential summer camp program.
• Ability to handle stressful situations appropriately, maintaining mental, emotional, and social resiliency needed for the job in a fast-paced, interactive environment.
• Use effective and appropriate self-care practices for maintaining overall wellness.
• Follow all guidelines and policies as described in the AYF (American Youth Foundation) staff manual.

Preferred:

• Previous experience working with youth and young adults.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required for this position. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.