Job Overview

Job Responsibilities

**Key Duties:**
·Provide leadership, strategic direction, and management for the organization by implementing a coherent, consistent, and effective communications strategy that incorporates electronic communications/newsletters, graphic branding, social media, press relations, print and all multimedia, including video, photos, etc.
·Expand the brand and messaging of Fostering Hope so that there are clear pathways of engagement, and Fostering Hope becomes a well-known resource for families and churches
·Research external best practices from other sectors and organizations that will lead to continuous improvement of external communications for Fostering Hope
·Manage Fostering Hope’s contracts with the various communications contractors and vendors, including the website developer, website host, professional videographers, social media assistance, printers, etc.
·Support Fostering Hope Programs through the timely creation and delivery of all communications and media needs
·Lead the writing and curating of all content and messaging in a manner consistent with trauma-informed and TBRI language and practices

**Branding and Creation:**
•Develop all plans for content creation and coordination with the Executive Director and Programs Department (to include creating/editing photography, videography, graphic design, etc.)
•Maintain files and develop new graphic images to support Fostering Hope branding and programmatic materials

**Communications:**
•In partnership with the Director of Ministry Development & Programs and Executive Director develop and implement all communications strategy and annual communications plan
•Track level of constituent engagement through communications and adjust promotional activity based on outcomes
•Manage the development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic materials including, but not limited to, newsletters, brochures, videos, annual reports, and Fostering Hope's website (WordPress)
•Coordinate webpage and social media maintenance—ensure that new and consistent information (article links, stories, and events) is posted regularly
•Plan for strategic communications with segmented audiences and manage the implementation of plans using the CRM (EveryAction & potentially NeonOne)
•Provide regular maintenance and direction to support our communication software and database
•Lead a once-a-month meeting with all staff to learn communication needs
•Provide strategic direction and implementation to increase public relations with foster/adoptive/kinship care and various communities
•Contribute content and review/edit in a timely way all relevant external documents published by Fostering Hope both electronically and physically, including regular e-newsletters, social media posts, emails to our distribution lists, and all mailings/emails/material

**Event Support:**
•Implement vision and theme of the annual A Future and A Hope Conference and other events using media in partnership with the Executive Director and Program staff
•Manage all media for A Future and A Hope Conference, including audio/visual, print, electronics, etc. Meet deadlines and ensure all aspects of Conference communications and media are completed in a timely manner
•Manage communications and media for all other events, including but not limited to: Posting events (currently Eventbrite), social media promotions, flyers/print materials, etc.
•Implement vision and communication plans for Joyful Giving annual calendar

**Development Operations Responsibilities**
•Lead management of organizational CRM (EveryAction, NeonOne) to ensure accurate data and audience segmentation and utilize CRM tools to create engaging forms, email and auto-generated content for constituent stewardship
•Engage and develop donor relationships and commitment by creating a strategy of regular updates and appreciation communications with Executive Director
•With support/guidance of the Executive Director, implement fundraising communication plans for End of the Year giving, Amplify Austin, monthly donors, sponsorships, and other fundraising opportunities
•Track and measure the level of engagement through promotional communications
•Strategically support the Executive Director to expand fundraising activities and donor relationships to support existing programs and grow new programs.
•Help plan for and increase monthly donors, grants, and corporate sponsorships with communication strategies

Job Qualifications

**Qualifications:**
•Five or more years of experience in communications and marketing
•Ability to manage multiple projects at once and meet deadlines
•Highly collaborative style; experience implementing communications strategies
•Excellent writing/editing and verbal communication skills
•Skills in Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, Canva, Teams/Sharepoint, communications software (EveryAction, NeonOne, MailChimp), WordPress
•Strong, creative writing and editing skills are required. This role requires a story-telling lens in areas such as website content, video creation, newsletters, and donor communications
•Flexibility and confidence in working with a variety of different people and audiences
•Sincere commitment to work collaboratively with all constituent groups, including Child Protective Services, nonprofits, churches, community stakeholders, families, staff, board members, volunteers, donors, program participants, and other supporters
•Self-starter, able to work independently, and entrepreneurial; enjoys creating and implementing new initiatives and can manage a variety of projects assuring their completion
•Participate as a full member of Fostering Hope Austin, adhere to our core values, attend staff meetings, participate in FHA events, and coordinate collaborative activities with other departments as needed
•A desire to learn about foster care, adoptive, and trauma-informed care trends through relevant books, articles, blogs, trainings, and other sources.

Additional Information

MISSION STATEMENT
Fostering Hope Austin equips families, churches, and organizations to transform the lives of foster and adopted children.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can send a cover letter and resume to: joe@iamfosteringhope.org