The Director of Communications and Members Support is a key position in a small but mighty organization, as they establish and execute both the short- and long-term communication vision for HSU, in partnership with the Executive Director, HSU membership, and the Board of Directors. This individual will serve as the bridge between HSU’s membership and the organization to ensure they are meeting the current needs of the field. Through regular communication with staff at nonprofit member organizations, they will develop, guide the direction, and implement communication strategies that elevate their work, effectively communicate our advocacy efforts and respond to relevant current events across various platforms. The Communications and Member Support Director advises the HSU team and facilitates activities to support membership such as trainings, forums and sharing of resources. This role is ideal for someone who is a natural communicator, detail-oriented, and deeply committed to member engagement and satisfaction. This role requires a deep commitment to the mission and values of HSU, and a desire to improve circumstances for the community we serve. HSU is a growing organization; an ideal candidate will be excited about the opportunity to grow with us.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
COMMUNICATIONS
• Creates, edits, and distributes engaging content across various platforms, including press releases, newsletters, social media, and the company website.
• Engages with and maintains relationships with journalists and media outlets.
• Works with member agencies and HSU Team to craft a communications strategy to promote the policy platform and elevates the issue of homelessness in the city’s annual budget and during election cycles.
• Serves as a bridge between HSU and the member organizations.
• Creates compelling content for digital and print materials that inform, inspire, and mobilize our community. Develops and sends, in coordination with the Administrative Coordinator, newsletters, event invitations, and campaign updates via email and social platforms.
• In collaboration with the Executive Director and consultants, plans and develops conferences and other events and meetings to promote HSU’s policy platform and advance its mission.
• Engages fellow coalitions and advocacy groups to remain abreast of relevant campaigns and developing concerns to formulate policy and program recommendations for the elected officials and government partner.
• Develops and implements innovative strategies to increase the organization’s awareness, visibility, engagement, and followers on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and other emerging media platforms.
• Creates or supports the creation of compelling and relevant content, including graphics, videos, and copy, that aligns with organization’s branding and communication goals.
• Tracks and analyzes performance metrics to help optimize our social media campaigns and improve engagement.
MEMBER SUPPORT
• Works with the Executive Director and Board to chart and build towards long-term goals and growth plan of the organization.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for members, responding to inquiries and providing timely, thoughtful support.
• Works with the Administrative Assistant to maintain and update the member database and ensures accurate records of engagement and communication.
• Supports the planning and execution of member events, webinars, and engagement initiatives.
• Monitors member feedback and suggest improvements to enhance the member experience.
• Planning, implementing, and coordinating successful community outreach and public education campaigns.
• Represents HSU at community meetings, presentations, trainings, and conferences that are pertinent to the successful work of the organization.
ADMINISTRATION
• Assists in managing HSU’s Administrative Assistant and Interns.
• Completes administrative tasks as assigned by the Executive Director.
• Assists in tracking engagement metrics and reporting outcomes to guide future strategy.
Minimum Requirements
• High school degree or equivalent plus minimum three to five years’ experience working with in communications, experience with nonprofits is a plus.
• Experience creating and disseminating media content.
• Experience developing and maintaining key relationships across multiple constituencies.
• Proficient with MS Office365 and demonstrated comfort in learning new software/online tools as needed.
• Experience in graphic design, proficient in Adobe Creative Suite or similar platforms.
• Experience in email marketing and managing an email client, especially MailChimp, including campaign creation, audience segmentation, and performance tracking.
• Experience creating and managing content across professional social media platforms.
• Strong writing and communications skills, including public speaking. Required English language proficiency.
• High levels of creativity in a communications setting.
• Strong analytical skills with proven ability to analyze and use data to inform messaging.
• Strong agency and/or client relationship management skills.
• Excellent time management, organizational and project management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain relationships, partnerships, with coalitions of organizations, community members/leaders, and public officials via the internet, in-person and telephone.
NOTE: This position may require registration as a lobbyist in New York State and New York City.
Benefits and Wages
Salary range $80,000-$85,000 based on experience. Medical, dental and vision benefits provided after one month’s employment as well as vacation and personal days.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
This position is an optional hybrid model (home and office), expected to work at least two days/week in our Manhattan office. In the office environment, the Director of Communications and Member Support must be able to work at a desk and participate in video meetings. Some travel is required. Must be able to travel to in-person meetings, conferences, and other advocacy gatherings, primarily across New York City, but may include occasional trips to Albany and Washington DC. Occasional evening meetings and events will be required.
FLSA and Employment Status
Nonexempt, full-time position
How to Apply
Think you might be a good fit for this role? Send cover letter and resume to: info@hsunited.org. Please do not call to submit application material, instead please direct all inquiries to info@hsunited.org.
Homeless Services United is an equal opportunity employer, drug-free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.
All applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, ancestry, physical/mental disability, medical condition, military/veteran status, genetic information, marital status, ethnicity, alienage or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. By completing this application, you are seeking to join a team of hardworking professionals dedicated to consistently delivering outstanding service to our customers and contributing to the financial success of the organization, its clients, and its employees. Equal access to programs, services, and employment is available to all qualified persons. Those applicants requiring accommodation to complete the application and/or interview process should contact a management representative.
