Communications Associate - Bilingual

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The Education Trust—West (ETW) seeks a full-time, bilingual (English/Spanish) Communications Associate to support the organization’s efforts to increase awareness of and commitment to The Education Trust—West mission.

ETW works for the high academic achievement of all students at all levels, pre-kindergarten through college, and to forever close the achievement gaps that separate low-income students and students of color from other youth.  Our basic tenet is this— All children will learn at high levels when they are taught to high levels. For more information about EdTrust—West, please visit our website at www.edtrustwest.org.

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to join a vital and dynamic team that designs and implements ETW’s external strategies for informing and influencing education policy, research and practice in California and beyond. 

This position reports to the Director of External Relations and is responsible for executing comprehensive communication and effective outreach activities aimed at mobilizing a variety of education stakeholders and target audiences.

Qualifications and Experience

A minimum of one year professional experience in media relations or related field with demonstrated ability to forge and maintain strong, ongoing relationships with journalists;

Experience writing and distributing of news releases, statements, opinions, and other materials and collateral;

Fluency in English and Spanish;

Experience with new media and evolving technologies, including online media outreach, RSS feeds, social networking and blogging;

Demonstrated ability to engage multiple education stakeholders including state and local policymakers, business and community organizations, educators, parents and students;

Excellent writing, editing, and public speaking skills;

A demonstrable knowledge of state education policy and experience in Sacramento desirable;

The ability to prioritize and multi-task in a fast paced environment;

Solid follow-through and attention to detail;

High degree of energy and enthusiasm, flexibility and motivation;

Bachelor’s degree required and advanced degree in communications, journalism, education, public policy or related field is preferred;

Strong computer skills, including MS Office, web tools, such as social networking sites and web software;

Experience with contact relations management software, such as Salesforce or Cision is preferred;

Willingness to travel (valid CA drivers license);

Experience and demonstrated skills in the areas (outlined below) of ‘Communications and Community’; Some familiarity in the ‘Legislative’ area preferred.

Major Responsibilities

Communications--

Helping to create and carry out short- and long-term media and public outreach strategies and track their results;

Writing and distributing of news releases, statements, opinions, and other materials and collateral in a timely, effective manner for a variety of key audiences;

Day-to-day maintenance of the ETW website and web-based communication tools to keep it relevant and fresh;

Coordinating news conferences, web-based trainings, and other related work;

Collaborating closely with staff to ensure appropriate organizational positioning, messaging and integration;

Keep ETW staff informed of significant media activities through daily distribution of Daily Clips and ETW in the News communications, and other avenues as appropriate;

Maintain the ETW contact database using Salesforce and Cision.

Community--

Research and identify opportunities for outreach to key local and statewide constituencies, including nurturing relationships with organizations and individuals to engage, educate and mobilize them around ETW’s mission;

Coordinate outreach activities with ETW’s staff to maximize organizational strategic goals and priorities.

Legislative--

Assisting with the tracking and analysis of state legislative and regulatory proposals relevant to the ETW agenda;

Working collaboratively with the Director of External Relations, ETW’s Policy and Research team and other key staff members to develop appropriate responses to legislation and produce related collateral materials;

Commitment to The Education Trust’s mission of closing the achievement gap while raising achievement for all students.

Compensation

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.  The Education Trust—West offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Application Process

Please send cover letter, resume and writing sample (for example; press release, statements or opinions used in your professional experience) to jobs@edtrustwest.org.

In the subject line write the name of the position you are applying for and your last name, for example “Communications Associate_Smith”

Please save your resume and other materials as attachments with names as follows:

“Communications Associate_Smith_Résumé”

*** NO TELEPHONE INQUIRIES, PLEASE!***

The Education Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages diversity in all facets of the organization’s work.