POSITION TITLE: Public Relations & Communications Coordinator
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
DEPARTMENT: Executive
SUPERVISOR: Marketing Manager
SALARY RANGE: $41,000 – $51,600 DOE

Position Summary:

Under the direct supervision of the Marketing Manager, the Public Relations (PR) & Communications Coordinator supports Native Forward’s overall Comprehensive Marketing Plan encompassing public relations, promotional and communications activities of the organization and assists in the implementation of the communications strategy to support Native Forward’s fundraising and sustainability plan, scholarships, and programs.

• Within the guidelines and priorities defined in the Comprehensive Marketing Plan (that aligns with Native Forward’s Strategic Plan and Development Plan), engage with the CEO and team to achieve organizational goals, build long-term relationships with constituents, and strengthen brand authority.
• Manage Native Forward media relations and communications to achieve optimum response.
• Write and distribute media releases, manage photo opportunities, host press outlets, and facilitate successful press experiences.
• Develop and deliver corporate messaging to include external communications, internal communication systems, public relation efforts, social media, and other web-based programs.
• Conduct research and analyze Native Forward program and financial data to contribute to the overall messaging and public information disseminated by Native Forward.
• Participate in the development of communications strategies for Native Forward to maximize impact – economic, social, personal, and cultural – and promote the effectiveness and strengths of Native Forward programs.
• Prepare reports on the activities, plans, and outcome (actual and projected) for assigned PR and communications initiatives as directed by the Marketing Manager and/or CEO.
• Develops and proposes a personal professional development plan, budget, and networks for review by the Marketing Manager to stay abreast of the latest trends and research in public relations and communications. 
• Assignments and duties are performed consistent with the measurable goals, strategies, tactics, and resources defined by the CEO to facilitate evaluation and impact.
• Maintains strict student confidentiality and compliance with the Family Education Right to Privacy Act.
• Embodies Native Forward Core Values and promotes the Native Forward organization, staff, and programs, in a positive and professional manner.
• Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results.
• Perform other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, marketing or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Familiarity with Raiser’s Edge database is a plus.

Valid Driver’s License is required. Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol screen and background investigation.

Knowledge, Abilities, Skills, and Certifications:

• Knowledge of American Indian History, culture, and tribes.
• Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, and equipment
• Knowledge of public relations best practices, brand management and media strategies.
• Excellent knowledge of web and related technologies, including relevant analytic tools.
• Skill in preparing, reviewing, and analyzing operational reports.
• Knowledge of business English, proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and basic arithmetic.
• Ability to communicate effectively in the English language, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to multitask, organize and prioritize while maintaining high standards of accuracy and quality under deadline pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet prescribed deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.
• Expertise with a generally recognized design/publishing software (In Design, Adobe Publisher).
• Experience using various social media platforms and web integration tools, familiarity with LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and WordPress.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to work independently and meet strict timelines.
• Ability to make solid decisions and exercise independent judgment.
• Ability to manage several priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to analyze situations and adopt appropriate courses of action.
• Ability to demonstrate excellence in everything and continually seek improvement in results.
• Skills in operating business computers and office machines, including Word, Excel, Access, and presentation software (such as PowerPoint).
• Skills in analyzing problems, projecting consequences, identifying solutions, and implementing recommendations.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee occasionally is required to stand; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed in an office setting with a moderate noise level.  Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required. Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common. Travel will be required for events, meetings, conferences, presentations, and training.

Please submit your letter of interest and resume to Careers@NativeForward.org.