Communications Coordinator - Full Time

This position coordinates communications efforts for First 5 Monterey County (F5MC), including for the Bright Beginnings Early Childhood Development Initiative. Under the general direction of the Policy, Advocacy, and Communications Director and the Bright Beginnings Director, this position is responsible for co-designing and implementing communications strategies for the Commission including website, social media, talking points and promotional materials.

This position works collaboratively to develop strategies and implement activities based upon the needs of the field, including with F5MC and Bright Beginnings staff, contractors, and with other partners working in Early Childhood Development. It will also ensure the differentiation between F5MC and Bright Beginnings messaging, and leverage their unique comparative advantages in the community to enrich the lives of young children and their families.

Duties and Responsibilities

Communications

• Support and inform the overall communications strategy that meets the programmatic, administrative, and policy and advocacy objectives for both F5MC and Bright Beginnings
• Support content planning, draft copy and review communications tools and technology including, but not limited to website design, social media platforms, newsletters, digests, op-eds, press releases, reports, presentations, multi-media tools, advertisements, radio campaigns, podcasts, b/vlogs, grant applications, etc.
• Monitor analytics and create reports identifying the successes and opportunities of communications campaigns and strategies
• Instill best practices, follow brand standards and maintain consistency (logo, content, images, etc.) across all channels of Communications
• Prepare staff for media appearances, interviews, public comment, and presentations with talking points and graphics
• Manage website platform content and updates
• Organize meetings, events, and other gatherings both in-person and via zoom for a variety of audiences
• Participate in early childhood local and state committees
• Participate in monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning strategy and implementation

General Support

• Coordinate with communications related vendors and contractors
• Manage project budgets and purchasing for communications related projects
• Participate in special projects as assigned, assuming responsibility for the end product
• Write and present reports as necessary for the Commission, Early Childhood Development Advisory Group, staff, partners, and funders
• Attend meetings and present results of research and program progress as well as general information about F5MC and Bright Beginnings
• Support integration of appropriate First 5 California supported activities into F5MC programs

Qualifications

• Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), Google Suite, Mail Chimp, Canva, and web-based communications, social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.), and some basic video production
• Excellent writing skills with the ability to write to a variety of audiences and mediums.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and work autonomously under pressure of deadlines
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with a variety of audiences, including community advocates, service providers, members of the public, and local officials
• Experience and skill in copywriting, proofreading, and editing with the ability to translate complex issues into a level appropriate for both the general population and policymakers
• Analyze problems accurately and recommend appropriate solutions
• Ability to work independently, as well as in group settings
• Excellent interpersonal skills that include diplomacy, self-reflection, and fostering a team environment
• Ability to assist in overseeing contracts

Desired Characteristics

• Strong commitment to F5MC vision, mission, and values including a deep commitment to and understanding of how to center race, equity, diversity and inclusion in communications.
• Working knowledge of early childhood development, including the importance of strong relationships and social-emotional wellness
• Strong commitment to and experience with collaborative work environments
• Exercise sound judgment with established guidelines, policies and procedures
• Cultural humility including the linguistic and cultural context of Monterey County, and the broad socio-economic, systemic forces affecting our communities, especially around race and equity
• Proven ability to work with people from diverse communities, and cultures, with an understanding of cultural humility practices and a deep commitment to improving the lives of those made most marginalized in our community

Other Requirements:

• Ability to travel independently within Monterey County to attend meetings as needed
• Eligible to work in the United States
• Available to work before and after office hours on occasion for meetings or to meet deadlines as needed
• Must have the ability to work cooperatively within this highly collaborative and diverse work environment
• English proficiency is essential for the position. Bilingual (Spanish/English)/bicultural applicants are preferred.

Experience, Education, and Training:

Any combination of work experience, lived experience, education, and training that demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities listed previously.

Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities can be requested

It is the policy of First 5 Monterey to afford equal opportunity in all aspects of employment to all persons without discrimination on the basis of race, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identify, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, ethnicity, physical or mental disabilities, color, marital status, medical condition, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors or any other basis protected by law. This policy shall apply to all employees and applicants for employment, and extends to all phases of employment, including hiring, training, promotion, discharge or layoff, rehiring, compensation and benefits.