Communications Specialist

The Communications Specialist reports to the Director of Advancement and works closely with the Storytelling Manager and programmatic team. The Specialist works to increase Propeller’s reach and reputation as a leader and go-to source in inclusive entrepreneurship, coworking, and industry verticals in food consumer packaged goods (CPG), early childhood education, and water.

The Specialist is responsible for growing the reach and engagement of Propeller’s impact, messages, and mission with accuracy and professionalism to increase participation from Propeller’s key audiences: New Orleans BIPOC entrepreneurs, coworking members, funders/media/influencers, and key stakeholders in Propeller’s industry verticals. Core strategies for accomplishing these goals include public relations, events, influencer site visits, visual branding (inclusive of coworking facility branding), marketing collateral, and digital marketing.

This is a salaried and non-exempt position.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES & OUTCOMES 

Public Relations

• Drafts compelling press releases and coordinates media communications and logistics (i.e. interviews, television spots, talking points, captioned photos, quote coordination, etc.).
• Builds and maintains a relevant local and national press list/database through research, relationship development with reporters, and serving as a credible resource. 

Digital Marketing

• Oversees coordination of digital marketing strategy and execution – website design contractors, newsletter, and videography/photography contractors to ensure alignment with Propeller programs and activities.
• Collaborates with the Storytelling Manager on social media strategy and execution.

Brand Quality and Consistency

• Ensures clear, compelling, brand-consistent, visually appealing, factually accurate, and grammatically correct communications, produced on time and with minimal edits required from supervisors.  This includes:
  • Regularly updates marketing materials (including one pagers, facility brochures, and other collateral).
  • Oversees execution of visual elements of Propeller’s coworking facility to bring our mission and impact to life visually, including production of indoor/outdoor signage, large scale photography, visual storytelling, etc.
  • Oversees contract graphic designers and photographers.

Department Administration

• Facilitates departmental meetings, ensures departmental Asana project management system tasks and deadlines up to date, and ensures accurate file management.
• Oversees communications budget and strong management of contractors (graphic designers, photographers, printers, etc.).
• Supports CEO with overall communications vision, strategies, and key messages
• Ensures communications metrics are continually updated across communications platforms. 
• Develops communications strategies collaboratively with each department and serves as inter-departmental support.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Supports coordination of high profile events through marketing, logistics, and preparation of presentation materials and talking points.
• Researches and recommends engagement with high-profile and/or mission-critical partners, national conferences, events, and speaking engagements to advance Propeller’s advocacy, development, and community engagement goals.

CRITICAL COMPETENCIES & EXPERIENCE

• Demonstrated effectiveness in public relations, digital marketing, and external relations.
• Excellent written, visual, and verbal storytelling skills. Expertise in crafting messages and communications strategies targeting different constituencies, including entrepreneurs, community members, donors, and elected officials.
• Attention to detail and demonstrated success with budgeting, scheduling, managing multiple projects and deadlines, and establishing priorities. 
• Project management skills, with demonstrated experience stewarding projects from inception to completion.  
• Strong interpersonal skills, personable demeanor, and ability to collaborate and work cross-departmentally internally, as well as externally with elected officials and funders.
• Personal qualities of emotional intelligence and maturity.
• Deep belief in Propeller’s mission and personal, professional alignment with our core values and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s or equivalent knowledge + 2-4 years’ experience, or Master’s degree or equivalent knowledge + 0-2 years’ experience.
• Experience working in partnership with  prominent New Orleans communities of color (Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Vietnamese-American, and others)

Hiring Manager: Co-CEO, Andrea Chen

Compensation: $55,250 – $64,025. Propeller also offers a competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, long- and short-term disability insurance, retirement, paid time off, and professional development.

Location: New Orleans, LA with the opportunity for hybrid remote work.