Communications & Development Specialist at Maya Angelou Schools and See Forever Foundation

Job Description

Job Description

Description : The Organization

The Organization

Maya empowers opportunity and justice-involved youth to transform the trajectory of their lives. We do this by engaging each of our scholars in a restorative, relevant school experience that prioritizes personalized academic support, well-being, and preparation for the post-Maya pathway of their choice.

With an education in our network of schools, our scholars will do more than succeed they will thrive!

If you would like to learn more about Maya Angelou Schools and See Forever Foundation, please visit Seeforever.org.

The Touchstone

At the Maya Angelou Schools, the key to our success is rooted in building trusting, respectful, and nurturing relationships with each other.

We strive to create safe spaces for all to be able to reach their limitless potential. We are at our best when we work together to ensure the unique needs of our community are met.

We empower each other to grow successfully so we can see forever! This is how we live the Maya Way, even when no one is watching.

Position Overview

The Communications and Development Specialist is a key member of the Development & Communications Department of the Maya Angelou Schools (MAS) and See Forever Foundation (SFF).

This position is responsible for working with the department personnel and the Chief of Institutional Advancement toward the conceptualization, planning, and execution of key strategies that support the overall fundraising, marketing, and communications goals.

This position is responsible for the overall daily support of the department and will work to achieve the outcomes identified in established development, marketing, and communications plans that will thereby benefit the students, families, and communities that we serve.

The Communications Development Specialist will support department efforts in many forms, including the planning and execution of events, ad and fundraising campaigns, strategic partnerships, and volunteer outreach and support.

This position will assist as needed in strategic planning, social media updates and coordination, Board committee coordination, crisis communications coordination and, other duties as needed.

Requirements : Responsibilities

Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities will include, but not be limited to :

• Collaborate with SFF and MAS staff with a primary focus on the programs and issues of the schools and SFF
• Provide support to the Communications Manager on internal and external communications strategies and messaging as needed
• Provide support to the Development Manager on fundraising campaigns, CFC, Foundations, Corporate and other fundraising entities, and activities as needed
• Create materials for communications and development projects as assigned
• Research, write, and focus on proactive media placements. As part of that work, generate content that can be used in other ways, such as on the program’s Web sites, newsletters, and other communications
• Respond to media inquiries, perform necessary internal research and analysis, and create necessary reactive communications as needed
• Work with new and existing community partners to carry out the needs of partnership agreement
• Maintain positive relationships with school leadership and staff
• Assist in monitoring local, regional, and national news coverage
• Maintain press clippings, news releases, and media library for the department
• Maintain development records and updated files for the department
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in business, nonprofit management, marketing, sales, or related subjects (Required)
• Two (2) to three (3) years experience in a related field (Required)
• Graphic design experience is a plus
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Significant experience using a variety of software packages, i.e., Microsoft Word, Canva, Google Suite., etc.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a wide range of people, from interns to senior executives
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships
• Desire to serve and work with diverse populations, especially urban youth
• Comfort with working in a fast-paced, non-profit environment

Salary and Benefits

Our salaries are comparable to those of other public schools in the District of Columbia area. In addition, See Forever offers a robust benefits plan, including health care coverage, HSA / FSA and dependent care accounts, voluntary dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability options, commuter benefits, a 401k retirement savings plan, student loan refinancing options, and the opportunity to positively impact students with a broad range of experiences and backgrounds.

See Forever is an equal-opportunity employer. We believe a diverse staff is a better, more effective staff.