AmeriCorps VISTA - Communications Coordinator

Communications Coordinator

The Durham Public Schools Foundation is seeking a Communications Coordinator to help grow and support communications across several projects and programs. This is a full time position with flexible hours. 

Interested applicants should submit a resume and letter of interest to DPSF’s Director of Communications, Katie Spencer Wright, katie@bullcityschools.org

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Second round applicants will be asked to apply via the AmeriCorps VISTA website as well.

About the Durham Public Schools Foundation

The Durham Public Schools Foundation (DPSF) launched in the fall of 2018 as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit that unites our DPS school communities, public- and private- sector resources and community leaders around strategies to strengthen our Durham public schools. It was founded by a group of Durham community leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, parents and DPS alumni. 

DPSF believes that the success of Durham is linked to the success of Durham Public Schools. For Durham to reach its full potential, we must have public schools where all students can thrive. DPSF brings together our community resources to champion public education, invest in the people in our schools and foster a culture of innovation and equity across DPS. 

COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR  |  AmeriCorps VISTA 

The Durham Public Schools Foundation is seeking a full-time AmeriCorps VISTA to support and expand communication efforts across our programs. This position will help manage and implement social media and email marketing campaigns, website content development, and other communications. We are looking for a collaborative, organized individual with strong communication skills and experience using digital tools to create and share content. 

The Communications Coordinator is a full-time, 40 hours per week, 12-month AmeriCorps VISTA position. Compensation includes a living allowance of $1,755 per month. Other benefits include: health care, child care, an education award of $6,095 or a stipend of $1,500 (taxable grant) at the end of service, forbearance or deferment of federal loans, and relocation allowance (if relocating more than 50 miles, not to exceed $550). Click here to learn more about AmeriCorps VISTA. 

Additional benefits include a $500 Wellness Stipend that staff can access through a reimbursement process for qualifying expenses (such as therapy, gym membership, etc.) and a $750 Professional Development budget that staff can access for pursuing their ongoing professional growth (additional professional development funds can be requested). DPSF also provides generous vacation time.

Working hours for this position are flexible. DPSF has shared office space at the W.G. Pearson Center in Durham that staff can access if they would like to use the workspace. DPSF’s staff works in a hybrid environment, with weekly in-person staff meetings. Wednesday and one other day in the office are required for this role. Working days and times will be discussed with the manager.

The range of responsibilities will include: 

*Assist in developing communications strategies that help key audiences better understand DPS successes, challenges, and needs

*Collaborate with team members to understand communication needs and to develop and implement creative ideas for engaging storytelling through video, quotes, images, and graphics 

*Implement the day-to-day content of social media accounts in consultation with the Communications Manager.

*Support DPSF’s website: updating existing content, adding new content, and building out storytelling on DPSF’s website, in collaboration with DPSF team members.

*Organize and grow our email marketing database; implement email marketing communications.

*Craft written communications for social media, web, email marketing, and press releases, across our core and emerging programs.

*Support DPSF program communications by creating simple, effective, and engaging graphics for announcements and storytelling; assist the team with providing content and feedback to graphic designers for larger projects.

Competitive applicants for the Communications Coordinator position will have the following skills: 

*Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to adapt messaging to diverse audiences

*Organized with strong attention to detail

*Comfort working in a fast-paced, start-up environment 

*Collaborative team player coupled with the ability to work independently. 

*Proficiency with email marketing software (e.g. Mail Chimp) and website CMS software (e.g. Squarespace).

*Graphic design skills using basic design software (e.g. Canva).

*Basic video editing skills are a plus

*Bilingual (Spanish/English) a plus

*Commitment to DPSF’s core values: We believe:

• All children can succeed at the highest levels.
• Students’ and families’ voices matter and they know what they need from schools in order to thrive.
• Professional educators deserve support.
• Public schools can lead in dismantling systemic racism when they address current and historic systems of inequality.
• Public schools are crucial to a growing Durham with shared prosperity.
• Impact is sustainable when we continuously learn and collect evidence for what works.