• Application Deadline: Rolling
• Company: ACCESS
• Location: Dearborn, Michigan

Job Title: Communications Specialist

Job Status: Full-Time 

**Please note, due to the coronavirus pandemic, ACCESS requires that all new hires are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before their first day of employment.**

Job Summary: 

Under limited supervision, the Communications Specialist develops various communication materials designed to keep the public informed about the organization’s programs, accomplishments or points of view. Arranges for communication efforts and serves as in-house staff member. Maintains organization’s brand integrity and continually promotes the mission through preparation and distribution of print and electronic materials, fact sheets, news releases, photographs, scripts, video and audio recordings to media, external stakeholders and the general public. Obtains advertising space and time as directed. Utilizes knowledge of the communities that the agency serves, changing attitudes and opinions of clients, employees or other interest groups to promote goodwill through various publicity efforts.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Research, write and edit communication pieces which may include press releases, news briefs, journalist pitches, fact sheets, company e-newsletters, e-mail, organization website, internal announcements, opinion columns and other materials
• Generate and identify messaging, design and content for print and electronic communication that engages clients, funders, community partners, stakeholders and policymakers
• Utilize social media (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other venues) to generate awareness, create connections and promote events and programming
• Maintain official agency website and other electronic media
• Develop and manage relationships with key journalists, community organizations and other stakeholders
• Maintain media contact lists
• Plan and execute communication activities prior to, at and following various events including annual banquet, fundraisers and other large/formal events
• Work with outside vendors to produce effective media products
• Manage distribution of all printed materials including direct mail, exhibit cards and program materials
• Maintain clip files, photo archives and other publication archives
• Provide public relations, marketing and communications advice and implementation to a specific line of business
• Participates in the planning and execution of events and fundraisers
• Maintain currency in industry news and trends
• Maintain currency in effective public relations and communications techniques
• May participate in line of business meetings with department management in order to partner and provide marketing and communication services
• Operate standard office equipment and use required software applications
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Intermediate concepts, principles and practices of public relations
• Media venues and marketing including social media
• Types of stories and information of interest to journalists
• Local, national and international media outlets
• Arab/Middle Eastern culture and languages preferred 
• Surrounding communities that agency serves
• AP style
• Libel and slander laws

Skill in:

• Operating standard office equipment and using required software applications for program area and other applications, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop
• Operating electronic media publishing software including Web 2.0
• Operating audio/visual equipment may be required based on assigned functional area
• HTML coding and editing software may be required based on assigned functional area

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Maintain ACCESS brand integrity throughout all work performed
• Capture still photographs and video.  Some photo editing may be required based on assigned functional area.
• Write and edit effective and efficient communications and publications. May include the use of various creative and artistic genres. 
• Partner with other functional areas to accomplish objectives
• Gather information, identify linkages and trends and apply findings to assignments
• Incite enthusiasm and influence, motivate and persuade others to achieve desired outcomes
• Organize and prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships both within the organization and with external partners, specifically community partners

Educational/Previous Experience Requirements:

• Minimum Degree Required:
• Bachelor’s degree
• Required Disciplines:
  • English, Journalism, Communications or related field
• At least three years of journalism, marketing, event or entertainment management or social media experience or any equivalent combination of experience, education and/or training approved by Human Resources
• Advocacy experience preferred

Licenses/Certifications:

• Licenses/Certifications Required at Date of Hire:  None

Working Conditions:

Hours:  Normal business hours, some additional hours, including some nights and weekends, may be required

Travel Required:  Local travel may be required

Working Environment:  Climate controlled office