COMMUNITY HOUSING ADVOCATES AN AFFILIATE OF MERCY HOUSING & SHELTER CORP. AND MY SISTERS’ PLACE

JOB TITLE:           Community Relations Specialist DEPARTMENT:      Development REPORTS TO:         Director of Communications & Development FLSA STATUS:       Non-Exempt

SCHEDULED WORK TIMES/LOCATIONS:

Monday – Friday, 8:30AM – 4:30PM; flexibility for occasional nights and weekends when necessary

118 Main Street, Hartford, CT

JOB SUMMARY:

The Community Relations Specialist (CRS) supports the Director of Development & Communications with public relations by coordinating communication efforts, volunteer activity and in-kind donations for the Organization, and supports the Director with social media and communication efforts by capturing photos and providing content when needed.  The CRS maintains existing volunteer relationships, searches out new volunteers and tracks volunteer paperwork and hours. Arranges and accepts in-kind donations, ensures internal delivery and proper acknowledgement. Assists the CEO and Director in activities related to campaigns including funder prospecting, special events, campaign reporting and general campaign support. Works on complex assignments, including the ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists with creation and gathering social media content for the Organization.
• Assists with Organization’s website(s) and makes recommendations for updates to content regarding volunteer and donation information.
• Represents the Organization in a professional manner when required.
• Responds in a timely manner to external and internal inquires related to donations and volunteering.
• Assists with creation of publications and promotional materials for the Organization, including but not limited to annual reports, event invitations and newsletters.
• Assist the Director with events and other fundraising activities.
• Organize volunteer activities according to organization’s needs. 
• Ensures volunteer paperwork is complete before volunteer activities commence. 
• Enters volunteer data into database to track hours.
• Accepts in-kind donations and ensures internal delivery.
• Enters in-kind donations into database in conjunction with Development Associate.
• Assure integrity and accuracy in maintaining records. Establish consistent protocol for data input and monitor results.
• Produce reports as requested.
• Responsible for thanking and acknowledging volunteers and in-kind donors on a timely basis in conjunction with Development Associate.
• Perform any other task that will assist the Organization in carrying out its mission, as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Volunteer management and development experience required. Marketing and social media experience a plus.
• Self-starter, able to work and make decisions independently.
• Ability to collaborate with Executive Leadership, Supervisor and team located at residential facilities.
• Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office Suite, social media and virtual meetings.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills, with the specific ability to be a team player.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines; ability to prioritize tasks.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a can-do attitude.
• Ability to lift boxes and other materials up to 30 pounds. 
• Ability to adapt to the needs of the organization volunteers, donors, and funders.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) and/or four years’ related work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience, including working with volunteers, fundraising, database, and some social media experience. 
• Experience in coordinating and implementing special events is preferred.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Must have valid Connecticut driver’s license and clean driving record with proof of automobile insurance.  
• PROOF OF COVID-19 VACCINATION REQUIRED.

SALARY

• Will commensurate with experience up to $50,000 annually.

• Community Housing Advocates provides a generous employee benefits package, including medical, dental, retirement, short- and long-term disability, and tuition reimbursement. Full-time employees receive 26 days of PTO (paid time off) per year, plus 12 paid holidays.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands associated with the essential functions of this job are intermittent physical activity, such as walking, sitting and occasional lifting.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

CHA, My Sisters’ Place and Mercy Housing and Shelter Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.