Freelance Communications Manager
Job Description
Communications Manager
(Contract Position)
The Texas Coalition for Healthy Minds advocates for the health and well-being of all individuals living in our state impacted by or at risk of mental health and substance use disorders. Collectively, our organizations represent thousands of doctors, social workers, mental health professionals, and other advocates promoting policies that prioritize prevention, identification, treatment, and support. The Communications Manager provides a wide range of strategic support to the coalition, reports to the director, and works closely with a communication committee, and other coalition stakeholders. This is an exciting opportunity for a creative, hard-working contract professional to help grow the coalition’s reputation, reach and impact.
Job Description
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Deliver high-performance communications results in service of the coalition’s mission, vision, values, and strategies;
- Collaborate with the coalition director, leadership team, and the communication committee to develop essential messaging in support of the collation’s policy agenda;
- Develop and implement a strategic communication plan, including the revamping of coalition website, newsletter, and related messaging tools;
- Implement tactics to engage and activate key audiences;
- Create, edit, and publish excellent written products, including press releases and statements, web and social media content, op-eds, talking points, briefings, and newsletters;
- Develop internal materials, including memos, reports, materials, and presentations;
- Create and manage media lists, track reach and other essential metrics;
- Maintain relationships with press, pitch stories, and respond to media inquiries;
- Manage editorial calendar for the coalition’s social media platforms.
Other Duties and Responsibilities
- Keep abreast of current events in mental health and substance use disorder policies;
- Write extensively for external purposes;
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Minimum 5 years of experience in strategic communications, preferably for social impact;
- Experience working with the nonprofit sector desired;
- Exceptional communications skills, both written and verbal;
- Significant experience writing and talking about social impact;
- Demonstrated skill and comfort building relationships with reporters and editors, and successfully promoting content with the media to achieve high-impact placements;
- Effective communicator with excellent interpersonal skills;
- Positive “can-do” attitude and a willingness to do what is necessary to get the job done;
- Well-developed organizational skills and attention to detail;
- Able to take initiative and work proactively, often times under tight deadlines;
- Trustworthy, diplomatic, and respectful; committed to excellence, with a collaborative workstyle;
- Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to mental health and substance use disorder issues.
Preferred Qualifications:
- BA/BS in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or equivalent;
- Strategic, creative thinker who can work under time pressure with competing priorities;
- Lived experience with mental health and substance use disorders welcomed.
Working Conditions
This is a grant funded contract position, with a fixed monthly retainer of $1,042 for the period of 12 months (total grant amount – $12,500), with potential to renew for an additional year. Can be based anywhere in Texas, but preferred Austin location. Contractor meets both virtually and in-person with coalition director, leadership team, and coalition members.
How to Apply
Please send a cover letter and resume to Seth Winick at director@coalitionhealthyminds.org. The coalition will begin reviewing applications on July 15th and will continue until the post is filled.231 total views, 0 today