JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

UNITED WAY OF FRESNO COUNTY POSITION DESCRIPTION Job Title: Communications Specialist Reports To: HUB Manager FLSA Status: Part-Time, Exempt, Grant Funded Salary Range: Closing Date: $22.50/hr. April 27, 2012 or until filled

PROJECT BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION Building Healthy Communities (BHC) is a 10 year strategic initiative funded by The California Endowment (TCE) aimed at improving the health status of children and youth in fourteen communities in California and to provide a blueprint for creating healthy communities through policy and systems change that is driven by intentional resident engagement and systems partnerships. Central/Southeast/Southwest Fresno BHC collaborative concluded a community-wide planning phase and has embarked on the implementation of the community plan submitted to TCE. The collaborative, made up of residents, systems leaders, community benefit organizations and other stakeholders, is coordinated by a host agency (United Way of Fresno County) and the Hub committee. ROLE Under the supervision of the Fresno BHC Hub Manager, the Communications Specialist serves as the media contact and spokesperson for the Hub. The positions primary function is to provide day-to-day media support including performance or coordination of publicity and public relations tasks related to the Hub, BHC and TCE as they relate to Central/Southeast/Southwest Fresno. The Communications Specialist is also responsible for building a media, communications, and marketing plan for BHC. He or she may also assist with other project-related activities as needed. Given the nature of the work, this position requires flexible hours; and despite the fact that the position is part-time, the Communications Specialist will be expected to make the position his or her top priority and to arrange a work schedule that reflects that level of commitment. This position starts immediately and is grant funded. The current grant runs through September 30, 2012. There is a strong possibility of this grant being renewed and the position transitioning to full-time status. 1

RESPONSIBILITIES include the following (other duties may be assigned) 1. Serves as the lead media contact for the Central/Southeast/Southwest Fresno BHC Hub. 2. Prepares, develops and distributes messages to media outlets in the form of press releases, videos, audio clips, flyers, brochures, newsletters, posters, presentations and speeches. Generates online content for Hub-managed sites including, but not limited to web pages and social media outlets. 3. Creates and administers surveys, focus groups and other instruments designed to obtain input and feedback from community members and other audiences. 4. Maintains records that measure the scope and effectiveness of messages, relating them to goals identified in BHC project plans, the Central/Southeast/Southwest Fresno BHC logic model and project narrative and Fresno BHCs Priority Outcomes. 5. Engages other Hub staff, BHC project managers, the community, and others in identifying topics and generating messages that inform the community of local efforts to achieve BHC goals. 6. Serves as an advisor, trainer and collaborator to community partners as they communicate within media, the Hub and to the larger community. 7. Develops and manages a community calendar for events relating to BHC. Seeks to coordinate staff and committee meeting schedules. 8. Establishes consistent protocol for BHC events, meetings, and gatherings with an eye towards professional BHC representation. 9. Manage signature BHC events. 10. Compiles meeting notes to promote thoughtful and reasonable planning, timely preparation, complete documentation, and coordination of the Central/Southeast/Southwest Fresno BHC initiative. 11. Responds promptly to inquiries about the BHC Initiative. 12. Composes and/or types, photocopies, compiles, and distributes program correspondence, invitations, forms, packets of program handouts, and other items as requested. 13. Monitors correspondence and receipt of progress reports, and produces written summaries as requested. 14. Maintain centralized contact information of BHC stakeholders, including mailing lists, e-mail lists, and attendance records for Central/Southeast/Southwest Fresno BHC members. 15. Other duties as assigned. ESSENTIAL FUNCTION The Communications Specialist role is to identify all critical audiences, both internal and external and then ensure that all important messages are transmitted using a wide range of media channels with an emphasis on feedback, inclusion, transparency and outreach. Emphasis must be placed on partnering and leveraging the specialist efforts because the volume of information is substantial and will grow during the 10-year-long project 2

lifespan. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES May directly supervise and train community volunteers and members of the HUB, including youth. Duties may include developing job descriptions, recruiting, selecting, training, supervising and evaluating workers as well as addressing complaints and resolving problems. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE Graduation from an accredited 4-year college or university is highly desirable. Three or more years of relevant (communications) experience is also desirable. Candidates with extensive work experience that includes communication duties who can demonstrate their ability to succeed in this position are encouraged to apply. QUALIFICATIONS: TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES 1. Strong, professional caliber communication skills with proficiency in using multiple media channels (print, online, video, audio, advertising, presentations, public relations, etc.). 2. Direct experience creating and managing media operations utilizing multiple channels as described above. 3. Strong analytical skills and the ability to assemble and lead others, including providing training and support to ensure success. 4. Ability to compose, edit, design and produce publications including newsletters, flyers, brochures, posters and other documents, including online publications and interactive sites. 5. Familiarity with social media including, but not limited to Face Book, Twitter, interactive web sites and blogs. 6. Familiarity with and, preferably, experience working in an office environment, particularly in a non-profit or public agency. 7. Able to plan workload and maximize resources while working on multiple projects. 8. Motivated and able to work independently. 9. Bilingual ability (English and a major client language) highly preferred. 10. Familiarity with the Central/Southeast/Southwest Fresno BHC community is desirable. 11. Ability to set up online data collection (e.g. Survey Monkey/Doodle) and to gather input through surveys or focus groups is desired. 12. Excellence in professionalism with the ability to maintain strict confidentiality and integrity. 13. Able to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and communities. 14. Ability and means to travel as needed, proof of liability and property insurance on vehicle used is required. 15. Ability to travel and work evening and weekends as needed. INTERPERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS 1. Professionalism with the ability to maintain strict confidence and integrity 2. Proven team leader who assists others and asks for help when needed. 3

3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Strong listening, interpersonal, networking, and customer service skills. Able to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and communities. Deep interest in and commitment to the vision, mission, and work of BHC. Excellent verbal and written communication skills Ability to accept constructive criticism and feedback. Demonstrate ability and knowledge of youth program development practices

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS Possess a valid California Drivers License and verifiable automobile insurance. Have the use of a reasonably reliable automobile or equivalent vehicle for transportation to irregularly scheduled events. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use their hands. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; climb; stoop, kneel, crouch; talk and hear. 2. The employee must occasionally lift 40 pounds and move it up to 100 feet. Push a hand-truck or dolly with a load of 150 pounds a distance of 100 yards; and access items on shelves and in files located 0 to 60 inches above the floor. 3. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus. 4. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; normal airborne particles; outside weather conditions; extreme cold; and extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. SALARY AND BENEFITS The Public Relations Specialist is a part-time, exempt position. This job position is grant funded and will only be available through the grant period therefore the position will end when the grant funding ends. Salary: $46,000 49,000 annually DOE. Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. DISCLAIMER 4

This job description lists typical examples of work and is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to a position. An employee may be required to perform other related duties not listed in the job description provided that such duties are characteristic of the position. UNITED WAY OF FRESNO COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER UWFC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, origin, gender, national origin, age, marital status, military service, disability or sexual orientation. Reasonable accommodation provided upon request. All applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to pass a background screening and submit to any required tests to screen for illegal drug and alcohol use prior to appointment. Application evaluation may involve interviews, written tests and/or other appropriate screening tools. HOW TO APPLY Please submit a cover letter, resume and names and contacts of 3 job references. 1. Cover letter explaining why you are applying for the position and your experience working with in a collaborative environment to achieve community-wide goals. 2. Resume 3. One page writing sample 4. 3 references profession, address and phone numbers Submit to: Melissa Smith Vice President of Operations United Way of Fresno County 4949 E. Kings Canyon Road Fresno, CA 93727 Or email: [email protected] Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will be filled immediately. Please, no phone calls. ####