The Communications Specialist will work with the development and communications team to advance Latin American Youth Center’s (LAYC) mission by disseminating our work and message to a wide variety of stakeholders through the enhancement of digital channels and platforms (social media, websites, email and direct marketing).

A successful candidate will strengthen LAYC’s mission and impact by helping us find new and creative ways to tell our story. This individual will possess a problem-solving mentality, and strong digital communication and campaign organizing skills. The Communications Specialist should have prior experience in formulating and implementing organizational strategies in communications. They will represent the organization before various types of audiences to advance and increase awareness of LAYC’s work, cultivate organizational/program partners, and garner financial support.

JOIN US AND SUPPORT YOUTH TO LIVE, WORK, AND STUDY WITH DIGNITY, HOPE, AND JOY!

LAYC/MMYC is an organization that makes a difference in our community. We invite you to join our talented staff and become a part of an organization that is known for its commitment to excellence, mission, and respect for youth. We value diversity as a strength, with 85% of our staff identifying as people of color. We p rioritize recruiting and supporting staff who have shared life experiences as our youth.

LAYC/MMYC’s mission is to empower a diverse population of youth to achieve a successful transition to adulthood, through multicultural, comprehensive, and innovative programs that address youths' social, academic, and career needs. To achieve that mission, LAYC/MMYC provides services and opportunities to approximately 5,000 individuals annually to support academic achievement, promote healthy behaviors, and guide youth toward successful adulthood. LAYC/MMYC also conducts advocacy and public policy work to broaden opportunities for youth.

LOCATION: Washington, DC

COMPENSATION: $55,000- $60,000

Competitive Benefits

In addition to a friendly work environment, we are pleased to offer the following benefits to our employees.

Medical, dental, and vision plans with prescription coverage
Employer-paid life insurance
Voluntary long-term disability and supplemental life insurance
Matching 401(k) program beginning at hire
Ten days paid vacation leave per year, increasing to 20 with tenure, 12 days paid sick leave per year, 12 paid holidays per year
Eight weeks paid parental leave, including adoption and foster care
Health club discounts
One day per week of telework for most positions
Educational Assistance

Essential Responsibilities

Creates engaging storylines that advocate for our youth and celebrates their accomplishments.
Develops, implements and adjusts a cohesive communications strategy with input from development and communications team and program staff using benchmarks and metrics to meet goals.
Manages Latin American Youth Center’s presence on social media and website ( www.layc-dc.org , Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube etc.).
Collaborates with development and communications, evaluation, programs, and grants teams to execute communications plans for our annual fundraising events and campaigns.
Coordinates with staff to curate and disseminate quarterly newsletter and internal announcements with vivid storytelling and thoughtful framing that educates, informs, connects with, and inspires team members.
Provides content strategy and messaging, ensuring LAYC youth are at the forefront.
Manages multiple projects and competing priorities with an organized project management-based approach.
Completes other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience Requirements

A bachelor’s degree with at least 3 years of experience in digital marketing, content management, and storytelling.

Skills & Qualifications

Experience writing and editing articles, developing website content, creating reports, developing press releases, writing blogs, and managing social media.
Experience engaging and growing consumer interest via digital channels.
Experience in web optimization and web analytics, marketing, communications, web designs, and creating a multi-channel user experience.
Knowledge and experience with programs such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Squarespace, Canva, Constant Contact, Microsoft Suite, Hootsuite or Google Apps.
Video and photo editing is a plus.
Basic understanding of stakeholder mapping and audience identification.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends to support LAYC activities and events.
Strong interpersonal, project management and organizational skills.
Ability to work within a team environment, initiate projects, be a team player, have an open-mind, and be curious about new ideas and thinking.
Ability to prioritize appropriately when facing multiple responsibilities and tasks.
Complete criminal and child abuse/neglect clearances.
Flexible, energetic, positive individual with commitment to youth development in a high quality, respectful environment.
Ability to work well and communicate with culturally diverse populations.
LAYC/MMYC requires the COVID-19 vaccine of all its employees. You will be asked to provide proof of vaccination at the time of your interview and at your onboarding.
Ability to travel (car preferred) within the DC metro area for organizational and program events.

Physical Requirements

This is largely a sedentary position that requires the ability to speak, hear, see, and lift small objects up to 10 lbs. May require the ability to travel locally and/or regionally.

LAYC/MMYC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing opportunities without regard to age, race, color, pregnancy, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or status within any other protected group.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and resume.

Latin American Youth Center

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