Communications and Media Coordinator

Urban Habitat
Founded in 1989, Urban Habitat (UH) builds power in low-income communities and communities of color by combining policy, advocacy, research, leadership development, and coalition building to advance environmental, economic and social justice in the Bay Area. UH applies a race and class analysis to issues of climate, transportation, housing, land use, planning, and community development, and offers a clear vision and agenda for the equitable development of the region.

Position Description
The Communications and Media Coordinator promotes understanding of and support for Urban Habitat's work among: political decision-makers, funders, unions, social and environmental justice organizations and other key constituencies on a national, regional, and local level, as appropriate. This individual is responsible for the creation and dissemination of a broad spectrum of communications assets; for managing media and public relations; and for coordinating and supporting the communications work of UH’s complex program mix. As a result, they must have a broad and working knowledge of key environmental and economic justice issues and demonstrated experience communicating complex concepts relating to the equity dimensions of climate, transportation, housing, land use, planning, and community development in multiple media.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in creating both written and visual communications materials using software applications such as Quark, InDesign, Photoshop, Content Management Systems, and e-mail blast and newsletter programs. He/she must be able to juggle multiple priorities while managing contractors and vendors and working collaboratively with co-workers to meet deadlines. Finally, this position will require strong project management skills for overseeing production processes associated with the timely creation of print and web versions of varied communications materials and assets.

Essential Duties
1. Messaging: Work collaboratively with management and staff to develop and refine core communication messages across the organization and provide coordination and guidance to specific program areas to ensure consistency and effectiveness.
2. Materials: Write, edit and design of a variety of written and visual materials, including e-newsletter, information packets, publications, annual reports, op-ed pieces, press releases and. Manage dissemination of materials to appropriate audiences. Edit copy prepared by other staff to ensure consistency with standards.
3. Media: Develop and implement national, regional and local media strategies to increase recognition Urban Habitat and understanding of the regional equity agenda. Cultivate and maintain contacts with national and local media representatives. Assess and respond to media opportunities on issues that intersect with UH activities or agenda. Track stories related to Urban Habitat's work. Train and prep UH-identified spokespersons for media and other appearances.
4. Organizational Identity: Develop and maintain Urban Habitat's visual and stylistic identity with consistent design elements, format and editorial style. Guide and manage new initiatives in leadership development (BCLI), climate justice (CJ) and other program areas in developing tag lines and appropriate logo usage in accordance with strategic plans.
5. Web/online presence: Assist in the creation of improved Urban Habitat web site and functions. Work with communications and program staff to monitor, improve, and update web site. Maintain and expand social media sites (YouTube Facebook etc.) as appropriate for communications goals. Manage templates and lists for e-newsletter communications and email blasts.
6. Planning and coordination: Manage ongoing administration of UH communications activities and budgeting; develop annual communication plans in consultation with management and staff; oversee regular updates of existing materials; work with development staff and database consultants on improving functionality of contact lists for program and media outreach; effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously; establish production timelines; select and oversee outside contractors and vendors to ensure cost-effective, quality production of materials within deadlines and budget, including assignment and evaluation of photographers, designers, and multimedia producers; coordinate and ensure consistency with UH communications standards of materials produced, uploaded and distributed by Educational Technologist, Program and Publishing Assistants, and other staff; and undertake special projects consistent with the qualifications associated with this position, as assigned.

Qualifications
*Bachelors or Master’s degree in Communications, Digital Design or related field.
*3-5 years experience working in a non-profit, union or community-based organization doing communications work.
*Proven excellence in writing, editing and designing communications materials.
*Capacity to establish goals and priorities along with the ability to manage multiple projects to achieve deadlines.
*Demonstrated expertise in computer applications such as Quark, InDesign, and Photoshop; prior experience with Content Management Systems and e-mail blast and newsletter programs.
*Social and environmental justice experience and an understanding of the political and media landscape of the San Francisco Bay area.

Reporting Structure
This position reports to the Director of Programs. He/she will work closely with the Director of Education and Coalition Building, the Race, Poverty & Empowerment Editor and Webmaster, and Program Directors on annual goals and objectives.

Application Procedure
Send your Cover Letter, Resume, and Portfolio samples, including writing samples, press materials, and visual design projects/products (please make note of the software applications you used to create the final product). For digital submissions, please submit attachments as “.doc” or “pdfs” to Communications@urbanhabitat.org or via mail to: 436 14th Street, Suite 1205, Oakland, CA 94612.

Salary Range
$50,000 - $65,000
Generous benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, holidays, vacation, 401 K, and sick leave. This is a full time position.

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled.