Community Engagement & Relations Specialist

The Downtown Committee of Syracuse is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is the revitalization of Downtown Syracuse. The Community Engagement & Relations Specialist plays a key role in the marketing, communications and events team by engaging with the public and for media relations, content development, relationship cultivation, and messaging of the organization. This role helps ensure that communications are clear and engaging, supporting the Downtown Committee’s overall marketing and outreach goals.

This position plays a critical role in supporting event logistics, developing and maintaining media relationships, coordinating sponsorships, contributing to digital and print content, and promoting downtown experiences. The Specialist will assist in developing communication strategies and ensure consistent, accurate messaging across all platforms.

The ideal candidate will be mission-driven, detail-oriented, collaborative, and capable of managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

Communications, Media Support & Public Relations (35%)

· Coordinate and engage in public relations and media engagement activities, including drafting press releases, preparing talking points and remarks, and managing media outreach.

· Plan and execute media events by coordinating logistics such as speaker lineup, preparation, event timelines and agendas, communications plan.

· Maintain media contact lists and help foster positive relationships with print, broadcast, and digital media outlets.

· Seek opportunities to build awareness of the Downtown Committee and its services and programs.

· Represent the organization positively at community meetings and public engagements.

Event Support & Coordination (35%)

· Provide logistical and communications support for major events including the Annual Meeting, Progress Breakfasts, Farmers Market, Earth Day, Arts & Crafts Festival, Dining Weeks, and Holiday Programs.

· Oversee event timelines, speaker outreach, volunteer coordination, and digital communications.

· Prepare event materials, presentations, and website updates.

Sponsorship & Fundraising Support (20%)

· Support efforts to secure and manage sponsorships for Downtown Committee events and initiatives.

· Help maintain sponsor relationships and ensure timely follow-up and fulfillment of sponsorship benefits.

· Assist in identifying and cultivating donor and supporter relationships for the Downtown Syracuse Foundation (501c3).

Sponsorship & Fundraising Support (20%)

· Support efforts to secure and manage sponsorships for Downtown Committee events and initiatives.

· Help maintain sponsor relationships and ensure timely follow-up and fulfillment of sponsorship benefits.

· Assist in identifying and cultivating donor and supporter relationships for the Downtown Syracuse Foundation (501c3).

Education and Experience

· Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Marketing, Advertising, Journalism, or a related field.

· 6 years of experience in public relations, communications, or marketing.

· Additional years of relevant experience at a ratio of 2:1 may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· Ability to collaborate with staff, board members, and community partners.

· Effective in managing multiple tasks and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

· Self-starter with a commitment to community engagement.

· Exceptional attention to detail and time management.

· Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse communities.

· Proven ability to exercise sound judgement.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office; familiarity with Canva preferred.

Salary and Benefits:

· $65,000 - $70,000

· Salary is commensurate with experience.

· Benefits include health and dental insurance, 401k plan, paid time off, parking/transportation subsidy.

Please send cover letter, resume, and three (3) relevant work samples to the attention of Kristine Sherlock at ksherlock@downtownsyracuse.com