Nonprofit Remote Digest - Issue #343
Our Future West Virginia (OFWV) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that meets folks where they are as communities build local power to upend the oppressive systems around them.
Home | Our Future West Virginia — www.ourfuturewv.org The people of Our Future West Virginia meet folks where they are as communities build local power to upend the oppressive systems around them.
Communications Director
Who We Are
Our Future West Virginia (OFWV) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that meets folks where they are as communities build local power to upend the oppressive systems around them. We envision a West Virginia where every child, youth and adult has the justice, dignity and equity needed to thrive. www.ourfuturewv.org
What We Do
In an effort to work towards our vision, OFWV supports West Virginians in tackling a variety of social justice issues on both a local and statewide level. This work includes issues of:
Economic Justice: OFWV works to build the equity of West Virginians. We work alongside communities to fight for improved housing laws and tenants rights, childcare accessibility and support, and reducing child and young adult hunger.
Education Justice: OFWV believes every child deserves a strong and fair education. We work directly with parents and community leaders to increase participation in the public school systems through Local School Improvement Councils (LSICs). We also support movements and projects from both students and parents that promote a fair and equal education for all students.
Racial Justice: Racial justice ties into all of our work as we build equity and leadership in all West Virginian communities and particularly our black communities. OFWV supports the leadership of young black West Virginians through our Young WV program and fights alongside black parents in WV for educational justice and equity.
Civic Engagement: Participating in the civic process is one of the most important ways West Virginians can have a voice. That’s why OFWV works with communities to increase voter engagement and participation in the 2020 Census. As a member of the #CountMeInWV Coalition, we are working to increase Census participation in WV so that our state is accurately represented and funded.
Responsibilities
Content Development
Research, write, edit and publish content for the website, social media and other digital platforms. This includes writing press releases; editing op-ed pieces by OFWV organizers; summarizing and publishing work done by OFWV staff on the website and social media; and researching and writing social media updates on local issues relevant to our audience
Design marketing materials such as toolkits, flyers and informative graphics
Edit and publish videos created by staff and community partners
Document events using a DSLR camera and edit photos for digital distribution
Digital Tasks
Monitor and update the organization’s social media and online presence, including maintaining the website, and collate analytics
Utilize customer relationship management tools to send monthly newsletters
Manage daily online engagement with community members and partners using social media platforms
Recommend methods to expand the organization’s digital reach
Partner Engagement and Outreach
Participate in weekly meetings and calls with the OFWV team
Participate in meetings and calls with statewide and national partners as needed
Work directly with the organization's staff to promote ongoing work, maintain public image and support the communications needs of staff
Maintain relationships with local media, businesses and organizations relative to communications and marketing
Support planning, promoting and executing events and webinars
Strategy Development & Administrative Tasks
Maintain and build upon the organization’s communications strategy
Maintain the communications budget
Manage contacts between the website’s database and the organization’s customer relationship management tool
Qualifications
Degree not required
Demonstrated experience in the communications, marketing, public relations or related field
Experience in community engagement and/or advocacy work, particularly with marginalized/affected individuals and frontline communities
A firm understanding of and personal commitment to social and racial justice
Proficiency in communications technologies (Microsoft Office, social media platforms, content management systems, customer relationship management tools)
Skilled in teamwork and communication with 10+ team members
Excellent writing and editing skills with the ability to streamline information
Strong time-management and organizational skills
Experience working with press and local media is a plus
Experience with design programs (Adobe, Canva) is a plus
Experience with website building software (Wix, Wordpress) or basic HTML coding knowledge is a plus
Demonstrated ability to master new skills in a short period of time
Work Environment and Physical Demands
Majority of the work can be done remotely but a central office in Charleston is available for use
Ability to travel (primarily through West Virginia) as needed is required
How to Apply
To apply, submit a resume and writing sample of less than 700 words responding to the prompt below to info@ourfuturewv.org. If possible, candidates can submit their own samples of communications pieces such as press releases, articles or blog posts, infographics, flyers, videos, etc.
Indicate “Communications Director” in the email subject line
All applications must be received by 11:59 pm EST, Friday, May 8, 2020.
All attachments should be saved in PDF format and named in the format of “Last Name, First Name, Document Name.”
Prompt: An Eastern Panhandle organizer working with community leaders on an environmental and housing justice campaign has learned that a large portion of those community members are not registered to vote. She has connected with 35 community members, obtaining their names, emails and phone numbers. The organizer wants to create a digital voter engagement campaign that will reach these community members and increase voter registration. Develop and outline a communications strategy for this digital voter engagement campaign that will allow the organization to better reach these communities. Please include specific language used for 30 second elevator pitches and social media (such as example posts), digital tools utilized, media created and a short timeline of the campaign.
Our Future West Virginia is committed to equity and inclusion, both on our team and in our work. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.