Communications Assistant

First Peoples Worldwide is an Indigenous-led organization that supports Indigenous controlled, locally initiated, community driven development with small grants from its Keepers of the Earth Fund. First Peoples also engages publicly held corporations, international finance institutions, investors and global agencies to forge partnerships that will further empower Indigenous Peoples and realize the aspirations for a sustainable future for all.

Position Overview:

The Communications Assistant is responsible for upkeep and management of social networking and internet presence, writing articles and blogs, building and maintaining relationships with reporters, and managing email and post mail campaigns, among other duties. The assistant will be required to write extensively for various purposes, and often conduct necessary research for relevant projects.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain social networking and social media, including frequent postings, monitoring, facilitating internal and external communications, etc.
• Manage holiday card mailing annually, as well as other mailings as assigned by the Managing Director or Communications Director
• Manage several email campaigns yearly, as directed by the Communications Director.
• Manage the documentation and upkeep of contact address lists.
• Write 1-5 blog posts per week, as assigned by the Communications Director.
• Contribute to a monthly newsletter, and manage mailing of monthly newsletter.
• Work with the Communications Director on writing, outreach, and communications assignments.
• Conduct basic research assignments as needed to produce relevant communications materials.
• Manage all events hosted by or associated with First Peoples Worldwide, including invitations and managing guests, preparation and coordination of the actual event, attendance, and necessary follow-up work.
• Create relationships with various reporters and media relevant to Indigenous issues and news. Write media advisories and press releases for articles written by First Peoples Worldwide, and disseminate advisories and releases to relevant audiences.
• Facilitate distribution of funding opportunities, calls for proposals, academic opportunities, etc. through email to large audiences.
• Manage relationship with FPW affiliated radio programs.
• Contribute to website content.
• Other duties as assigned by the Managing Director and Communications Director.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA
• 1-2 years of experience in the communications field.
• Must work from FPW office in Fredericksburg, VA.

Core Competencies:

• Communications skills - writing, editing, speaking -- at the highest level in English. Must be able to think quickly, write fluidly, and argue convincingly. Proficiency in Spanish desirable.
• Exceptional writing skills required.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision, and as a team member to accomplish group goals.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and time well and meet deadlines, often under pressure.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to see projects from concept to completion.

Start Date: As soon as possible.

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter, resume, and writing sample(s) to Katie Cheney.

First Peoples Worldwide
857 Leeland Road
Fredericksburg, VA 22405