Communications Specialist

We are currently assisting our client, a foundation focused on improving opportunities for young people, with a search for a Communications Specialist.

JOB SUMMARY

The Communications Specialist is a temporary role that will provide coverage and administrative support for the Communications team during a five-month period (April-August 2025) of staff parental leave, with the possibility of extending into the fall. This temporary role will focus on collaborating with team members to ensure the continuity of key day-to-day communications activities, including social media content management within an established communications framework, basic design support, and digital communications coordination. This person should be a savvy communications professional with a passion for social media and digital engagement, demonstrated design capabilities, a track record of creating engaging content for varied audiences, and strong project and process management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage day-to-day social media by planning, scheduling, and publishing approved content to the foundation’s channels and those of its two in-house programs. This includes ensuring alignment with brand and messaging standards and communicating information effectively.
• Monitor and respond to social media notifications across Foundation and program channels. This includes engaging with comments, answering inquiries, flagging potential issues, and ensuring timely and appropriate responses to maintain a positive and active online presence.
• Utilize analytics tools to share monthly performance.
• Support execution of digital advertising strategy based on pre-approved goals.
• Manage the organization of digital media files (photos, graphics, videos) into a digital asset manager with proper keywords, tags, and descriptions.
• Apply copyedits to design files (Adobe InDesign and Illustrator) and export into images and PDFs as needed.­
• Edit and update web properties through the Contentful CMS system.
• Handle video editing projects as needed for digital channels.
• Collaborate with communications and program teams to assist with creating and distributing newsletters and emails using MailChimp.
• Willing to work proactively and flexibly to support other organization projects, as needed.

Required Experience and Education:

• At least five years of online communications experience in the foundation and/or nonprofit sector.
• Proven experience managing social media channels for an organization, preferably in the philanthropic or social impact sector.
• Experience with and passion for written and visual communications, with a strong portfolio demonstrating the ability to craft compelling digital content and tailor messages for different audiences.
• Well versed in social media management platforms such as Hootsuite, Sprout, or Meltwater.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze social media performance metrics and using insights to refine and enhance strategy.
• Experience monitoring social media platform updates, trends, and best practices to inform content strategy and engagement approaches.
• Experience in graphic design, with proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and Canva.
• Video editing skills using software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro.
• Proficiency in managing CMS content systems and building email templates in email systems such as MailChimp.
• Proficiency with AP Style standards.

Characteristics:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to think creatively, to multitask, and to perform high-quality work.
• Commitment to ethical and asset-based storytelling.
• Sound judgment and a strong work ethic.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with team members and external stakeholders; adept at supporting the changing needs of the team.
• Possesses a positive, professional and proactive approach; is comfortable working independently and interdependently.
• Ability to effectively prioritize projects; is nimble and flexible and can gracefully manage conflicting deadlines and shifting priorities.
• Unwavering integrity, ethics, and sound judgment and ability to maintain the highest levels of confidentiality.
• Can think strategically while remaining focused on the detail-orientated work of the position.
• Ability to work proactively and take initiative to support the changing needs of the team.
• Conscientious of the organization’s brand and assets.

This position description is intended to provide a general overview of the expectations and responsibilities of this position and may not include all tasks that may be assigned. As the nature of business demands change, so may the functions of this position. Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

Location: Seattle, WA, Hybrid work schedule in office Tuesday – Thursday each week.

Schedule: 32 hours per week

Length of Assignment: 5 months with potential to extend

Compensation Range: $50 - $60/hour depending on experience.

Benefits: Three insurance levels, 401K match, sick leave, and working with a great company!

*This Organization Participates in E-Verify* This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.

About Hansell Tierney:

Hansell Tierney is one of the premier staffing and recruiting companies in the Pacific Northwest. Launched in 2001, we are a woman-owned business that serves and staffs Northwest organizations by doing things the right way, not just the easiest way. Hansell Tierney partners with candidates and clients to match the best candidates with interesting local opportunities. We navigate every relationship with the highest level of discretion and service while holding ourselves accountable to our promises. Our business thrives on our deep understanding of the job market and our ability to skillfully tailor our recruitment process to meet our clients’ unique needs.