Communications Coordinator

Responsibilities

• Strategic and Executive Communications - Work closely with the President & CEO to develop and execute communications priorities that advance HFHD's mission and strategic goals. - Draft talking points, speeches, op-eds, letters, newsletters, and other messaging for the CEO and leadership. - Maintain and protect HFHD's brand, voice, and style standards across all materials. Website and Digital Content - Update and maintain the HFHD website, ensuring content is accurate, timely, accessible, and optimized for search. - Write and publish web copy, program pages, news posts, event pages, and donation or volunteer calls to action. - Monitor website analytics and recommend improvements. - Manage email communications and e-newsletters, including list segmentation and performance reporting, in coordination with Development. Media Relations and Public Relations - Write, edit, and distribute press releases, media advisories, and public statements. - Build and maintain relationships with local and regional media outlets, including print, broadcast, radio, and digital reporters and editors. - Pitch stories, respond to media inquiries, coordinate interviews, and prepare the CEO and staff for media appearances. - Monitor media coverage and community conversation about HFHD; maintain a media contact list and coverage log. - Support issue and crisis communications as directed by the President & CEO. Social Media - Support HFHD's social media accounts (such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X) by developing a content calendar, creating posts, graphics, and short video, and engaging with followers in a timely, professional manner. - Track engagement and growth, and report on results. - Capture and share stories, photos, and video from build sites, events, volunteers, homeowners, and partners, with proper permissions and releases. Publications, Marketing Materials, and Special Events - Support the development of publications such as the annual report, impact reports, newsletters, brochures, sponsorship packets, and presentation decks. - Support communications, promotion, and logistics for HFHD signature and special events, including invitations, programs, signage, event messaging, photography, and post-event follow-up. - Coordinate with designers, printers, photographers, and other vendors as needed. Development and Donor Relations Support - Serve as back-up support to the Development department by providing communications input for donor relations, including donor acknowledgments, stewardship messaging, grant and appeal copy, and impact updates. - Help ensure donor and partner communications reflect HFHD's voice and accurate program data. General - Handle confidential information, including information about homeowners, partner families, and donors, with discretion. - Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and operations of HFHD.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, English, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Two or more years of experience in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with a portfolio or writing samples demonstrating press releases, web content, and social media.
• Working knowledge of website content management systems, social media platforms, and email marketing tools.
• Basic design and multimedia skills (for example, Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud, or similar), including photo and short video editing.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to work in the office as scheduled and to support occasional evening and weekend events.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to translate complex housing, policy, and financial topics into clear, engaging stories for diverse audiences.
• Professional, poised, and confident when representing HFHD to the public and the press.
• Sound judgment, creativity, and initiative; able to work independently and collaboratively.

Preferred

• Experience in a nonprofit, housing, government, or community-based organization.
• Experience working directly with news media and pitching stories.
• Familiarity with donor databases and fundraising or donor-communications practices.
• Knowledge of AP style and search-engine optimization basics.
• Knowledge of the Durham and Triangle community and its affordable housing landscape.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.