Communications Assistant

Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation seeks a Communications Associate beginning immediately.

Berkshire Taconic is a highly professional, energetic nonprofit dedicated to building stronger communities and a better quality of life for all residents in the Berkshire Taconic region of Berkshire County, MA, Columbia County, NY, northeast Dutchess County, NY and northwest Litchfield County, CT.

Founded in 1987, the foundation connects donors with causes they care about by helping individuals and local nonprofits fulfill their philanthropic visions. It strives to do the most good possible by building endowments for future community needs and being a community leader.

The foundation has $92 million under management and houses 500 funds. The Foundation distributes almost $7 million a year across its 2,200 square mile catchment area and beyond. Berkshire Taconic has a staff of 12 and is overseen by a 19-member board of directors.

Position Overview:

The Communications Assistant is responsible for the administrative functions of the department and will support the Marketing Director in carrying out the strategies of the foundation's marketing and public relations efforts. This includes the organization and execution of communications in multiple types of media. The Communications Assistant will work in collaboration with all departments at the foundation and reports to the Marketing Director.

Responsibilities:

Essential Functions:

• Act as the organizational center for the marketing department
• Assist with the creation of communications plans for all functional areas: development, grantmaking, donor relations, professional advisor outreach, finance, the Center for Nonprofit Excellence
• Provide administrative support to marketing director, assisting with presentations and budgeting
• Develop and maintain status reports, Excel charts, calendars, project briefs, filing (electronic and hard copies), Powerpoint and other systems to keep department running smoothly
• Develop and maintain outside vendor relationships (photographers, printers, designers)
• Follow and refine guidelines for maintaining consistent language and graphic identity for all foundation materials

Project Management:

• Schedule & execute all marketing and communications projects and their deadlines
• Communicate effectively, utilizing a can-do attitude to implement communication projects internally and externally
• Assist marketing director with special projects such as the 25th Anniversary campaign, brand research, etc.

Website:

• Make changes and update the foundation's website (adding press releases, updating grant guidelines, changing dates and other daily maintenance)
• Assist Marketing Director with project management of upcoming website re-design

Public Relations:

• Work with Marketing Director to schedule, write and distribute press releases to regional media
• Communicate with internal and external parties to obtain press release content
• Follow up with media sources and update press contact list on an ongoing basis
• Manage press clippings

Social Media:

• Maintain presence on Facebook, YouTube, Flickr etc.

Email Marketing:

• Utilize Constant Contact to create and distribute eblasts
• Edit and make images web-ready
• Copy editing
• Manage bounce-backs and optouts

Qualifications:

The successful candidate will have:

• A strong interest in the work of the foundation
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Excellent problem solving, project management and organizational skills
• Excellent computer skills including the ability to update the foundation's website
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Interest in contributing ideas and solutions
• Proficiency with Windows-based word processing, HTML code editing, Excel spreadsheets, databases, PowerPoint, social media platforms
• Familiarity with Adobe Photoshop and InDesign
• Knowledge of and facility using web-based tools as part of marketing campaigns a plus: Constant Contact, Dreamweaver, etc.
• Respect for accuracy and detail
• Willingness to learn and understand the Foundation's values, vision and constituencies
• Ability to work successfully as part of a team as well as assume independent responsibility
• Ability to facilitate meetings and work well with a wide range of personalities
• Ability to communicate effectively with donors, nonprofits, vendors and colleagues
• Good humor, flexible working style, and ability to remain calm in an active office
• Commitment to confidentiality, high standards, and professional development

Experience:

• 2-3 years in an active office preferred, nonprofit marketing/communications experience a plus
• Experience with website updates/website re-design a plus

Education:

Minimum Bachelor's degree

Compensation: Salary is $16/hour, 27.5 hours/week (9am-3pm M-F). Benefits include paid vacation days and sick leave.

To Apply:

To apply, please email a cover letter and resume.