Communications Specialist

Reports to the Senior Communications Manager

The Communications Specialist will support the development and implementation of HARC’s strategic communications plans. They will also support the tactical delivery of the organization’s corporate communications activity, including internal and external communications, public and media relations, social media, website, and marketing efforts, to help HARC fulfill its mission and grow its brand. 

The ideal candidate will have experience in most PR areas, contributing to communications activities and multi-channel campaigns at a similar organization. This position requires excellent writing and editing skills for various channels, such as social media, website, and media engagement, as well as an eye for telling an engaging and compelling story to connect with HARC’s various audiences.

Responsibilities:

The Communications Specialist will assist with communications activities that will further enhance HARC’s brand and promote HARC’s mission to the public.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:  

• Support the Communications team with the implementation of HARC’s strategic communications plan to advance HARC's mission, vision, and purpose.
• Develop, write, edit, and manage content for HARC’s newsletter, website, social media channels, and maintain editorial calendar for each.
• Track and measure the level of engagement for all online content and manage reports as required.
• Draft and review content for articles, press releases, email messages, blogs, and other communications projects, ensuring content is accurate and aligned with HARC’s mission, vision, message, and branding.
• Collaborate with project managers and teams to generate project-specific content and outreach strategies and support Senior Communications Manager with any project-specific campaigns.
• Work with the Development team to write, edit, and manage content for philanthropic needs.
• Work with the Director of Development and Business Administration teams to manage the use of HARC’s facilities and Living Lab by external parties, including overseeing requests and staffing for events, and working with staff and external parties to ensure the smooth running and success of event.
• Establish and develop positive relationships with press and media and identify potential story and interview opportunities to further promote HARC’s work and researchers.
• Work with Senior Communications Manager and Graphic Designer to coordinate and manage design and visuals for different communications purposes.
• Serves as a company spokesperson, representing the company at conferences, trade shows, media trips, photo shoots, public functions and other events when directed by supervisor.
• Support all company channels and businesses with communications needs.
• Establish and maintain professional working relationships with HARC staff and managers.

Required Skills:

The successful applicant for this position will: 

• Have at least 3-5 years of PR and communications experience, ideally in high impact communication positions (PR, political campaigns, journalism). 
• Have a minimum bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an accredited college or university, with a master’s degree preferred. A major in communications, journalism or marketing is also strongly preferred, but applicable work experience in the communications field can be substituted.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite; knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), MailChimp, WordPress, Canva, Bloomerang.
• Experience in writing and developing effective communications materials for multiple platforms.
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills for multiple channels.
• Strong understanding of social media and the ability to create effective messaging.
• Have experience in one or more of HARC’s core areas (sustainability, energy, water, air quality, equity). 
• Be skilled at translating complex topics and issues into tangible “plain English” messages (think like an expert but talk like a layperson). 
• Have experience communicating on issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, preferably in the context of environmental issues.
• Work in a collaborative and team-oriented fashion with internal and external colleagues and teams to produce tangible and impactful communications and media results. 
• Have an innovative approach and able to apply the newest communications strategies to the role.
• Ability to understand political and professional nuances and respond appropriately.
• Ability to manage multiple projects while working well under pressure and tight, sometimes, competing deadlines.
• Be a results-oriented, pro-active individual with strong organizational skills and team building competencies. 
• Have a sense of humor, flexibility, and creative professional style.
• Be a team player and display a strong attention to detail.

Other Details 

This is a hybrid position located in The Woodlands, Texas. As strong written and oral communications skills are a requirement for this position, applicants will need to provide 2-3 writing samples with their application. If selected for an initial screening, someone from our team will be in contact with you to request the writing samples. For those who progress in the interview process, they will also be required to conduct a writing exercise.