Communications & Community Engagement Manager

*This role is remote, but MUST live in the Kansas City, MO metro area*

Purpose of Division:

NeighborWorks America is a national non-profit created by Congress to create opportunities for people to live in affordable homes, improve their lives and strengthen their communities. It supports a network of 250 nonprofit community development organizations with services and resources provided by national headquarters in Washington, DC and five regional offices.

The Field Operations Division of NeighborWorks America is responsible for delivering services, grants, and technical assistance to approximately 250 NeighborWorks organizations with the overall objective of sustaining a network of excellence that creates opportunities for people to live in affordable homes, improve their lives and strengthen their communities. The Field Operations Division is overseen by the Senior Vice President (SVP) of Field Operations, who is responsible for establishing the priorities and procedures for service delivery, grant programs and the identification of new affiliates. The primary relationship with NeighborWorks organizations is provided through staff in four regions across the country.

Position Summary:

Internal Position Title: Regional Public Relations and Communications Advisor (PACA)

The Regional Public Relations and Communications Advisor (PACA) works to empower network members to implement cobranding strategies and build internal capacity in the area of public relations, communications, marketing, outreach and resource development. The PACA works with internal and network partners to promote NeighborWorks America as a leader in the community development field and create a recognized and engaged regional presence that creates opportunities for NeighborWorks America and the Network.

The PACA works with the Regional Vice President and Senior Director in his/her role as the official representative of the region, including contributing to strategic discussions on visibility and external partnerships by bringing knowledge of network organizations and regional markets. PACAs ensure regional visibility for NW America through a combination of communications and external affairs strategies.

“Due to the current pandemic circumstances and our commitment to provide the highest care for our community, NeighborWorks America requires all new employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before being hired. Candidates should be prepared to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination upon hire or discuss accommodations in line with COVID-19 safety protocols.”

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The PACA works in collaboration with NeighborWorks America’s Public Relations division, PPLA, Resource Development and other public facing divisions to:

• Promote impact of network and strategic partners
• Provide content and stories for NW America communications channels and presentations
• Provide resources and local subject experts for national media inquiries
• Support execution of various initiative related events (LIFT, CBE/Dorothy Richardson)
• Coordinate placement of executive leadership at local events
• Collaborate with PR Division to execute national public relations plan to support cobranding, storytelling and visibility priorities
• Collaborate with corporate Resource Development Division to strengthen network capacity and support corporate development goals
• Collaborate with CEO/COO’s office to provide network intelligence, message points, applicable logistical support for meetings/tours/events, and other key visibility and partnership related deliverables
• Support PPLA on key tactics/strategies as it relates to governmental relationships
• Provide content and stories for weekly member newsletter (NetWorks) and manage its distribution

PACAs work side-by-side with Relationship Managers as part of the regional team to develop a deep understanding of NWO’s communications, marketing and resource development capacity in order to anticipate and support the services and resources. This includes serving as point of contact to network organizations and brokering delivery of resources and services to network organizations with regards to public relations, marketing, resource development, and all visibility related matters in collaboration with public facing divisions including and not limited to Public Relations, Resource Development, and Public Policy and Legislative Affairs (PPLA). The PACA position offers:

• Brand Management
• Event support for cobranded and strategic events
• Storytelling to elevate NWO stories to national audience in order to showcase the network and highlight NWO and strategic partnership relationships in order to enhance resource development environment for NWOs
• Capacity building in the areas of Public Relations, Marketing and Resource Development
• Serve as region and/or Field division representative to division and/or corporate initiatives, programs, and working groups as agreed to by the supervisor.
• Performs relevant other duties as required.

Nature of Work Contacts

• NeighborWorks® organizations and district field staff in developing capacity in areas of public relations and marketing.
• Collaboration with other NeighborWorks® America managers and staff at the regional level and the Washington, DC headquarters, and NeighborWorks® network leaders.
• Outside marketing/PR consultants.
• Members of the media (reporters, editors, etc.).
• Members of the public.
• Key private- and public-sector partners.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or related field and/or personal experience.
• 5 – 7 years of experience in public relations, public affairs and/or resource development.
• Communications experience, understanding of issues management, social media, community outreach and engagement, government, public involvement and media.
• Demonstrated project management skills and ability to inspire others.
• Proven self-starter with ability to work independently and as a member of a team.

Skills:

• Demonstrated significant and successful experience in developing and implementing communications and public relations strategies at a management level

• Excellence in all forms of written and verbal communications, formal and informal, including the ability to write and speak clearly, and basic public speaking and presentation skills

• Ability to work in a highly matrixed environment

• Demonstrated project leadership and management skills

• Ability to work as a consultant to customers

• Strong technical skills in marketing, public/media relations, community relations, event management, and resource development

• Strong relationship building, collaboration, customer service, and problem-solving skills

• Ability to manage multiple deadlines, motivate others and generate enthusiasm

• Good judgment, especially the ability to appropriately manage sensitive information

• Cultural competency and sensitivity to racial, ethnic and geographic differences

• Openness to continuous learning and ability to adapt to a rapidly changing profession

• High degree of integrity, creativity and authenticity

• Understanding of non-profit communications and community relations

• Familiarity with housing and community development a plus

NeighborWorks America Staff are expected to demonstrate excellence in the following:

• Sensitivity to racial, gender, sexual orientation, and cultural differences
• Effective, respectful, and timely communications with internal and external stakeholders
• Listening effectively, seeks and accepts feedback
• Effective teamwork
• Analytic, thoughtful, and strategic thinking
• Considering the mission, objectives, and goals of NeighborWorks and demonstrating an understanding of the impact of her/his/their decisions and behavior on the organization

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed with considerable independence under general direction of the Regional Vice President. Work is reviewed through individual conferences and customer feedback reports.
• Work is performed both in field and office settings, requiring extensive travel and frequent overnight absences from an employee’s place of residence (at least 35%, subject to regional budget availability).
• Extensive computer and telephone usage.
• Remote – this role is remote and will work from a home office within the defined region.

NeighborWorks America