Media & Communications Associate Urban Habitat

Organizational Background and Mission

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 critical race and class lens to issues of transportation, housing, land use, planning, community development, and health, and offers a clear vision and agenda for the equitable development of the region.

Position Description: Full-time

The Media & Communications Associate serves as primary support staff to UH’s Media & Communications Manager. The ideal candidate is a thoughtful, creative and careful writer and gifted multimedia storyteller who possesses stellar editing skills, is comfortable posting stories and updates to the Web, has written a press release, can send out an e-newsletter, and crop a photo. The Associate will have a hands-on role in implementing Urban Habitat’s strategic messaging and marketing plan, which includes social media oversight, building UH brand awareness, and expanding reach and audience of our national journal Race, Poverty & the Environment. The position requires strong writing and content creation skills; experience in updating and maintaining websites, managing databases and listserves; and the ability to multitask and work in a dynamic environment. As a result, an ability to work well under pressure, multi-task, juggle multiple deadlines and work well with others, while exercising a courtesy and professionalism is paramount. Finally, this position requires a detail-oriented person who can work well independently on writing, design, and research projects.

This is a great opportunity for individuals who are passionate about journalism, storytelling, messaging, advocacy and policy issues. Candidates must possess a strong commitment to social, racial and environmental justice. Previous nonprofit experience preferred.

Essential functions of the job

Projects will vary over time, and will include the following assortment of opportunities:


Content creation and editing for print and website: Assist in production and dissemination of critical, timely, and evergreen information to our audiences and enhance their overall Web experience. Assignments may include writing, copyediting, photo-editing, multimedia packaging, crafting marketing materials, and drafting press releases, editorials, opinions, blogs, and letters to donors.
Social media management: Implement and participate in social media strategy to help attract and retain new audiences and gain supporters; inform and interact with UH friends and followers. Assist in SEO monitoring and interpretation of metrics to increase traffic and build UH Web presence.
Media outreach/publicity: Assist in marketing and promotion of Urban Habitat’s events and great work for low-income people and in communities of color locally, regionally, and nationally, where applicable. Build upon and develop relationships with organization’s strategic allies and partners. Coordinate efforts to strengthen content-sharing across organizations.
Database management: Oversee contacts in existing database(s) and listserves, and strategic transferring of contacts to updated constituent relationship management (CMR) system.
Development: Help draft supporter and donor email and post articles and updates to website.
In-house style guide: Assist in creation and enforcement of organization’s style guide.


Job Skills and Qualifications

Knowledge of organization’s mission and program area issues, and ability to think strategically about promoting them to external audiences.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, and the ability to take the initiative and project confidence.
Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple and shifting priorities and projects.
Public relations & marketing: demonstrated capacity to draft event materials, letters to the editor and press releases.
Skill conducting one-on-one interviews with community members and public figures.
Excelent attention to detail and proven follow-through.
A strong work ethic with a calm, relaxed demeanor and sense of humor in times of stress.
A helpful attitude with a willingness to take on small or large tasks.
Strong Internet search knowledge for conducting online research.
Familiarity with Google Analytics and Facebook Insights
Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Photoshop, InDesign, Adobe Illustrator
Effective use of Facebook, Twitter and other relevant social media sites.
Familiarity with Drupal a plus.
Proficiency with video cameras and video-editing tools a plus


Other characteristics of Job

Job may require some evening and weekend activities, including off-site activities.

Application Instructions

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a start date depending on candidate availability. Interested candidates should e-mail a cover letter, resume, short writing sample and three references to: mediaassociate@urbanhabitat.org.

Salary Range:

Full-time. Commensurate with experience. Generous benefits package, including full health coverage, paid time off (PTO), and 401K.

UH will use this posting to consider applications for part-time unpaid internships to interested students.

Urban Habitat is an equal opportunity employer, and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

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