Director, Communications & Community Engagement

Union Settlement is an East Harlem based nonprofit organization founded in 1895. For 128 years, Union Settlement has provided critical and innovative programming to children, youth, families, and older adults. As a pioneer of the settlement house movement, Union Settlement continues to meet the needs of the ever-changing East Harlem community through its core programs. Through these programs, New Yorkers gain opportunities, develop skills, and become empowered to pursue and achieve their dreams. 

Today, Union Settlement provides services through 33 program sites in approximately 28 locations. Union Settlement’s current programmatic portfolio includes 8 core program areas: Early Childhood Education, Youth Services (including after school programs), Family Services (including the Family Enrichment Center and the Family Childcare Network), the East Harlem Community Partnership, Adult Education, Mental Health Services, Older Adult Centers, and Economic Development.  Union Settlement serves more than 10,000 individuals and nearly 1,000 businesses every year.

Strengthened by a dynamic, diverse, and collaborative workforce of more than 350 employees, Union Settlement also serves as a connector, convener, and advocate for East Harlem and its partners. To learn more about Union Settlement, visit www.unionsettlement.org 

Position: Director, Communications and Community Engagement             

Department: Development & Communications 

Reports to: Chief Development and Communications Officer       

Hours: Full-time 

Salary: $130,000 - $140,000                                                                         

FLSA: Exempt 

Location: On-site, with the potential for some remote work. 

Positions Reporting to this Role:     Coordinator, Community Engagement & Volunteer Services

Reporting to the Chief Development and Communications Officer, The Director, Communications and Community Engagement leads and is responsible for Union Settlement’s overall communications strategy and community engagement initiatives. The Director is responsible for management of the Coordinator, Community Engagement and Volunteer Services. The Director collaborates to shape organizational decision-making and lead progress toward Union Settlement’s mission and goals serving as a key thought partner to stakeholders throughout the organization about how to engage their audiences, translate initiatives, day-to-day activities, and policies into accessible, actionable, and relevant content, and elevate our brand and work.

This is a unique opportunity for a kind, inclusive, and empathetic communications leader to build upon a foundation of strength and help lead Union Settlement to continue to share important stories, reach loyal and new audiences, and raise awareness in traditional ways, social media, and other innovative approaches. The ideal candidate is a strong manager and an enthusiastic leader committed to empowering and equipping the

Communications team to take a proactive role in shifting narratives of the East Harlem community and supporting the thought leadership of Union Settlement. They are collaborative, collegial, humble, and lead with a deep sense of humanity. They are creative and open to a variety of ideas, no matter how big or how small, and they inspire creative thinking and empowerment among the team, staff and colleagues. They bring lived and/or professional experience working with marginalized communities, deep and authentic alignment with the values of Union Settlement.

Responsibilities include:

• Responsible for developing, managing, and executing Union Settlement’s communications strategies through print, all digital platforms, media, literature, advertising, and all other methods to ensure that Union Settlement’s message aligns with and supports the organization’s mission, vision, values, brand, reputation, and strategic goals.
• Capture the authentic voice of leadership in written communications and help shape the internal communications narrative.
• Oversee the development and growth of Union Settlement’s website, social media channels (including Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube), inbound marketing efforts, and digital advertisements.
• Implement a robust data analytic strategy that will guide and direct all future communications decisions and initiatives, as well as report on the overall performance.
• Maintain consistent brand messaging across all social channels.
• Plan, execute, and manage all digital marketing, including SEO, SEM, email marketing, and social media; Analyze and review boosted social posts and tested ads where appropriate.
• Develop communications templates and plans to raise awareness of agencies external advocacy activities and results.
• Create and manage content for organization’s social media, emails, and other forms of digital communication.
• Collaborate with and support the Development team to create and implement digital campaigns that drive revenue.
• Partner with teams across the business to advance initiatives related to DEIAB, Learning & Development, Administration, Programs, Human Resources and more, ensuring these resonate with employees across all levels and functions.
• Work with staff, volunteers, community partners, and other stakeholders throughout our sites to maintain organization’s digital presence.
• Keep the organization’s photo, video, digital assets, and testimonial collection up to date.
• Maintain an editorial calendar to deliver targeted content.
• Working in WordPress, ensure the organization’s website is up to date and functioning.
• Collaborate with team on planning and execution of community events; drive participation.
• Provide writing, editing, and execution support across a wide variety of projects.
• Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree and five (5) years of demonstrated experience in Communications.
• Excellent computer skills; Microsoft Word and Excel experience essential.
• Experience planning and implementing high-quality community events.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical skills, and written and verbal communications skills with the ability to translate business objectives into clear and concise communications.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to work both independently without close oversight, but also function as a team player.
• Social media savvy, with a passion for staying on top of trends.
• Proficiency in photo and video editing software (Canva).
• Experience with SEO and SEM strategy, keyword research, and website analytics tools, such as Google Analytics.
• Familiarity with MailChimp and other marketing software a plus.
• Take initiative and manage multiple tasks and projects concurrently.
• Skilled in digital content creation, storytelling, and content strategy.
• Ability to handle matters of confidentiality with utmost tact and diplomacy.
• A dedicated work ethic, diligence, and readiness to be a hands-on team member with a keen eye for detail and organization.
• Overall flexibility and ability to work under pressure and meet many deadlines.
• Familiarity with social service programs with ability to work with diverse backgrounds.
• A strong desire to help improve the lives of the residents of the East Harlem community.
  
  

  Union Settlement’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commitment

   

  Union Settlement is an equal-opportunity employer. They do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.