What are the responsibilities and job description for the Communications Associate position at Rural Economic Development?
Background
Since 1987, the NC Rural Center has worked to improve the quality of life for the state’s rural people and places. We operate with the core belief that our rural communities have inherent cultural value and are vital to the overall economic health of our state. We recognize that the changing landscape of rural North Carolina brings with it significant challenges, but we also believe in the resiliency of our state’s rural people and their dedicated stewardship of the communities they call home.
The Mission
The mission of the NC Rural Center is to develop, promote, and implement sound economic strategies to improve the quality of life of rural North Carolinians. They serve the state’s 78 rural counties, with a special focus on individuals with low-to-moderate incomes and communities with limited resources.
Job Summary:
The Communications Associate will create and publish content for our website, social media, and newsletters. The person in this position will also support the Rural Center through activities such as writing press releases and profiles of our clients and partners and helping to organize and staff events.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Maintains and regularly updates a strategic social media plan, integrating innovative and creative ideas for promotion.
- Manages social media channels by posting creative content relevant to the Center’s brand each day, monitoring/sharing information from the online community, and evaluating performance metrics and analytics for online platforms.
- Manages, monitors, and updates the organization’s website on a daily basis.
- Coordinates with the Center’s web development agency to troubleshoot and brainstorm new web developments.
- Creates and manages newsletters and email blasts with relevant content while tracking click-rates and open-rates for optimal success.
- Coordinates print and digital materials for events, programs, and other organizational needs.
- Coordinates promotional scheduling, online advertising, and materials for the Center’s program meetings and major events.
- Assist with building brand awareness through a growing online presence, digital marketing, and program materials.
- Assist with building and maintaining vendor relationships for needs such as graphic design, photography, web development, and brand materials.
- Assist in media relations activities, including preparing internal staff for interviews and speaking engagements; and drafting, editing, and on occasion, distributing press releases, op-eds, and media advisories.
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Excellent time management and problem-solving skills.
- Familiarity with the AP Stylebook.
- Familiarity with rural North Carolina and the mission of the NC Rural Center are highly desired.
Core Competencies:
Organization, Communication, Creativity
Education and Experience:
- Three or more years experience and a minimum of bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in journalism, communications, marketing, or public relations in a nonprofit environment.
- Proven experience as a writer and editor.
- Demonstrated experience managing professional social media accounts on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
- Video creation and editing experience a plus.
