Job Description
Job Description The Communications Specialist will support North Hartford Ascend, a prenatal-to-career initiative dedicated to ensuring that children in the North Hartford Promise Zone-encompassing the Clay Arsenal, Northeast, and Upper Albany neighborhoods-have the support they need to thrive. This role will play a vital role of managing communications strategies that foster engagement and connection, while also elevating the voices and stories of affiliated organizations/programs and community members. This position is focused on showcasing the impactful work of North Hartford Ascend and its comprehensive model. By effectively communicating the benefits and successes of affiliated programs, the Communications Specialist will strengthen existing partnerships and attract new collaborators who share our vision for positive change in the Promise Zone.
Responsibilities Digital and Social Media Strategy: Develop and execute a digital communication strategy that showcases affiliated organizations and programs, promotes community events, and increases community engagement through both organic and paid social media efforts.
Content Creation and Review: Produce engaging content for email communications, newsletters, social media, and other communication channels that reflects the mission and impact of North Hartford Ascend. Review collateral developed affiliated organizations and programs to ensure it aligns with North Hartford Ascend brand guidelines.
Storytelling and Impact Reporting: Capture and share compelling stories of families, partners, and community leaders that illustrate the positive impact of North Hartford Ascend's programs.
Community Outreach and Events: Create Eventbrite pages and participate in community events to promote North Hartford Ascend, affiliated organizations and programs, engage residents, and celebrate successes.
Collaboration with Partners: Work closely with partner organizations to gather insights and feedback, ensuring that our communications accurately represent their contributions and experiences.
Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to: - Gather and curate compelling narratives from families, affiliated organizations and programs, and community members that highlight the positive impact of North Hartford Ascend's initiatives.
- Develop multimedia content (videos, testimonials, case studies) to effectively communicate successes and the overall work of Ascend.
- Foster and maintain strong relationships with community organizations, the community, affiliated organizations and programs, and local stakeholders.
- Collaborate with affiliated organizations and programs to identify joint communication opportunities that promote shared goals, enhance visibility, and support project outcomes and performance measures. Assist the Ascend team by creating
- and managing Eventbrite listings for events. Attend these events to offer hands-on support and evaluate their success through participant feedback and observations.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive digital communication strategy that showcases Ascend events as well as partner programs and contributions.
- Utilize both organic and paid social media campaigns to increase community engagement and outreach.
- Create engaging content for various platforms, including newsletters, social media, and the website, ensuring alignment with Ascend's messaging and branding.
- Regularly update and maintain digital platforms to reflect current initiatives and successes.
- Work closely with affiliated organizations and programs to gather insights and feedback for effective storytelling and communication.
- Facilitate joint communication efforts that highlight the collaborative nature of Ascend.
- Track and analyze the effectiveness of communication strategies and community engagement efforts, adjusting approaches as needed based on feedback and metrics.
- Prepare regular reports on communication activities and their impact, sharing insights with the leadership team and stakeholders.
- Ensure consistent branding and messaging across all communications and outreach efforts.
- Maintain the Ascend Messaging and Communications Guide, Brand Guidelines, and other key tools intended to support consistent messaging and branding across affiliated organizations and programs.
- Monitor public perception of Ascend and address any misinformation or gaps in understanding.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications Minimum Education and Experience Required: - Associate's degree in Communications, Marketing, or related field and 5-7 years of professional experience OR Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, or a related field and 3-5 years of professional experience OR Master's degree in Communications, Marketing, or a related field with 1-3 years of professional experience.
- Experience in communications, marketing and community engagement, preferably in nonprofit or educational settings.
- Strong ability to convey stories and data in a relatable and impactful manner.
- Strong editing and proofreading skills, ensuring all communications are clear, accurate, and professionally presented.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a knack for engaging diverse audiences.
- Proficiency in digital communication platforms and social media management, including experience with both organic and paid social media campaigns.
- Strong organizational skills and a proactive approach to managing multiple projects.
- Lived experience in an urban community preferred, but not required.
- Residents of the North Hartford Promise Zone are encouraged to apply.
License and/or Certification Required: None
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of:
- Communications and marketing strategy.
- Project management and associated best practices.
- Social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
- Canva for content design.
- Email marketing platforms
- Event management platforms, such as EventBrite.
- Virtual meeting platforms, such as Zoom.
Skilled at:
- Excellent written and spoken communication skills.
- Outstanding organizational and planning skills.
- Detail- and efficiency-oriented.
- Effective multi-tasker comfortable in a fast paced environment.
- Critical and strategic thinking to facilitate idea generation, problem-solving, and cross-sector collaboration.
- Ability to guide cross-sector, collaborative teams.
- Strong facilitation skills.
- Analytical skills, including data collection, management, and analysis.
- Using project management software, such as Smartsheet.
- Computer literacy in PC Windows, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access), and the Google Suite.
Must be a confident communicator and presenter with superior written and verbal communication skills. Strong writing, editing, proofreading, layout, and design skills are all essential, along with the ability to present concepts clearly. Excellent organizational and planning skills are required, complemented by superior project and time and task management abilities. A high degree of creativity is necessary, along with strong knowledge of current trends in digital media and social media.
Prior experience in a marketing and communications role is essential, demonstrating proven success in designing and executing marketing and communications strategies and campaigns. Candidates should be up-to-date on industry trends and capable of thinking analytically and strategically. The ability to work well as part of a team, as well as independently, is important. Experience managing multiple projects with different deadlines. Familiarity with communications, email marketing, and project management software needed.
Ability to:
- Demonstrate CT Children's Core Organizational Competencies.
- Independently make procedural decisions.
- Interact with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
- Gather and analyze relevant data to guide process improvement.
- Organizing resources and establishing priorities.
- Function in a fast paced environment with flexibility and strong attention to detail.
- Sensitive to different cultural and social contexts, able to collaborate successfully with people from many different cultures.
About Us Connecticut Children's is the only health system in Connecticut that is 100% dedicated to children. Established on a legacy that spans more than 100 years, Connecticut Children's offers personalized medical care in more than 30 pediatric specialties across Connecticut and in two other states. Our transformational growth establishes us as a destination for specialized medicine and enables us to reach more children in locations that are closer to home. Our breakthrough research, superior education and training, innovative community partnerships, and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion provide a welcoming and inspiring environment for our patients, families and team members.
At Connecticut Children's, treating children isn't just our job - it's our passion. As a leading children's health system experiencing steady growth, we're excited to expand our team with exceptional team members who share our vision of transforming children's health and well-being as one team. Connecticut Children's
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