Community Relations Specialist
Job Title: Community Relations Specialist
Reports to: Director of Community Relations & Development
Essential Functions:
The Community Relations Specialist is responsible for maintaining and building positive relationships between Goodwill Industries of Southeast Louisiana (GWSELA), and the communities that it serves by developing and implementing strategic outreach programs, managing public perception, and acting as a liaison with local stakeholders to foster positive public image through events, communications, and community engagement activities.
Responsibilities:
This job requires substantial knowledge of local, state and federal government workings. Must be able to cultivate, nurture and sustain relationships with stakeholders, including but not limited to schools, board members, external partners, local government entities, and community organizations to advocate on behalf of GWSELA on various matters. Must possess a deep commitment to the continuation in establishing GWSELA as an effective and responsive business partner in Southeast Louisiana.
1. Assist with strategic community outreach plan to engage with communities not currently engaged with Goodwill of Southeast Louisiana (GWSELA).
2. Develops a database of GWSELA existing and new community partners that include but not limited to information about neighborhood and communities served, contact information, and community needs.
3. Develops and launches new community engagement activities/events to address community needs identified in the outreach strategic plan.
4. Assist and executes GWSELA's community relations strategy.
5. Help maintain current GWSELA relationships with immigrant communities with regularly scheduled meetings (phone calls, webinars, video calls, etc.).
6. Under the direction of the Dire9tor of Community Relations and help from the Director of Marketing, works to promote GWSELA and other programs and priorities through website and social media.
7. Maintains organization and growth of contact lists (community organizations, government entities, media, etc.)
8. Builds strong relationships with community department, volunteers, and other stakeholders.
9. Attends events, meetings, resource fairs to represent GWSELA.
10. Serves as a GWSELA liaison to the general public.
11.Participates in regular office responsibilities, including phone coverage and constituent services.
12. Performs related duties as required.
Skills and Abilities:
1. Must have excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
2. Must have the ability to organize and inspire cooperation and collaboration.
3. Experience in group facilitation, organizing training, and community events preferred.
4. Must have strong skills and experience in social media
5. Proficiency in graphic design
Requirements:
1. Must have at least three (3) years of full time, or equivalent part-time experience in development and implementation, organization of training and community events.
2. Bachelor's degree preferred.
3. Must have knowledge of the diverse communities across Southeast Louisiana.
4. Must be able to take initiative and work independently and as part of a team.
5. Must be fluent in English (written and oral).
6. Must be able to work a flexible schedule to accommodate evening and weekend events.
7. Must exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.
8. Must provide own transportation.
9. Must be able to clear OMV check.
10. Must possess valid operator's license and maintain current vehicle registration, liability insurance and vehicle inspection.
11. Must be ambulatory.