Community Relations Specialist

Are you passionate about storytelling and being the voice of impactful change? Join our organization as a Community Relations Specialist, where you'll be a key advocate in the disability rights movement. This role goes beyond traditional communication – you will be the storyteller of our successes, challenges, and mission, amplifying our impact within the community. We seek a driven professional who thrives with limited resources, understands the power of narrative, and is eager to be an integral part of shaping the future of disability advocacy.

This role is critical in ensuring our organization serves all people with disabilities, including those with physical disabilities, cognitive disabilities, behavioral health disorders, and individuals living with the effects of aging.

Key Responsibilities:

Essential Duties:

• Serve as a storyteller and promoter for the organization, highlighting both our triumphs and obstacles.

• Lead efforts in community outreach, public education, and marketing to raise awareness about disability rights and the services we provide.

• Develop and execute communication strategies across social media and the website to strengthen our public presence.

• Create and produce engaging video content that tells the stories of the individuals we serve, showcases our programs, and highlights advocacy efforts, ensuring accessibility for diverse audiences.

• Frame and communicate the organizational message, ensuring consistency in all external communications.

• Act as a key spokesperson and represent the organization at events and in community discussions, advocating for disability rights.

• Stay updated on local, state, and national disability issues to ensure our message aligns with current events.

• Conduct public speaking engagements and training on behalf of Independence Inc.

Secondary Duties:

• Participate in systems advocacy efforts to make our community more accessible and accepting of people with disabilities, influencing local and regional policy change.

• Collaborate with the management team on grant reporting, offering insights into activities and services that demonstrate the organization’s impact.

• Conduct accessibility surveys to local businesses, government buildings, and private homes.

• Step in as the organization's official spokesperson in the absence of the Executive Director.

• Assist in internal meetings and contribute to team discussions on strategic initiatives.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Qualifications:

Proven experience in communications, particularly in advocacy or community-based organizations.

Expertise in digital marketing and online outreach, with a creative approach to limited budgets.

Strong verbal and written communication skills, with a knack for compelling storytelling.

Self-motivated, independent worker who can also collaborate effectively within a team.

Experience managing communications and outreach projects across a multi-county service area.

Ability to use various technology platforms, including social media, digital design software, and website management tools.

In-depth knowledge of independent living philosophy, disability rights legislation, human service systems for people with disabilities, and systems advocacy efforts to enhance community accessibility.

Reliable means of transportation for recurring travel, including occasional overnight stays.

Specific Equipment Used:

Telephone, computer, camera, smartphone, tablet, microphone, PowerPoint projector, and personal vehicle.

Physical Requirements:

The role typically involves sitting, standing, and walking in various community settings. Occasional physical effort may be required, along with regular travel.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $21.00 - $23.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

Experience:

• Public relations: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Minot, ND 58701: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person