Strategic Communications Associate

Please submit a cover letter in the "message/cover letter field" when applying or with your resume. Applications will not be considered without a cover letter.

Strategic Communications Associate

About Heart of Missouri CASA
Heart of Missouri CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) provides trained volunteers to advocate for children in foster care. CASA volunteers are consistent, caring adults who amplify children’s voices in court and ensure their needs are prioritized during times of uncertainty. Learn more at www.homcasa.org.

Position Summary: The Strategic Communications Associate will support the organization’s communications, storytelling, and marketing efforts to increase awareness, engagement, and support for our mission. This role is ideal for a creative communicator who thrives in a mission-driven environment and is skilled in digital content creation and community engagement. This is a .5FTE position (20 hours/week) (hourly, non-exempt).

Compensation: $20-25/hour, based on experience
Reports to: Development Director

Benefits:

• Retirement plan (match up to 3% of salary)
• Generous paid holidays (19 days)
• Paid vacation (10 days, increasing to 15 in 3rd year, 20 in 4th year, prorated to FTE percentage)
• Paid sick time
• Cell phone stipend ($40/month)

The ideal candidate for this role:

• Is passionate about the Heart of Missouri CASA (HOM CASA) mission and sees themselves as a good fit with HOM CASA’s Core Values.
• Is an energetic self-starter who can take initiative while working independently.
• Has experience and skills with persuasive written communication in a variety of formats, including social media, newsletters, website, storytelling, publications, and press releases.
• Has graphic design skills using tools such as Canva.
• Communicates effectively in person, by phone, and through email.
• Is goal-oriented and enjoys using systems to track data and goal progress.
• Displays a positive attitude, shows concern for people and community, demonstrates presence, self-confidence, and good listening ability.
• Has the skills to effectively use email, internet, and Microsoft Office 365 on a daily basis.

Primary Responsibilities:

Social Media & Digital Content

• Manage Heart of Missouri CASA’s presence on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
• Create, schedule, and monitor content (posts, stories, reels) to grow engagement
• Maintain a content calendar for campaigns, events, and initiatives
• Respond to messages and comments and route inquiries to the appropriate staff
• Manage and update website content to ensure accuracy, consistency, and strategic messaging.

Marketing & Communications

• Design digital and print materials (newsletters, flyers, email campaigns, etc.) using Canva
• Support the development and distribution of newsletters and email communications
• Collaborate on storytelling initiatives, including gathering impact stories and testimonials
• Contribute to the strategic planning and execution of awareness campaigns

Community Engagement & Events

• Assist with community outreach, development and engagement events
• Coordinate promotional materials and messaging for fundraising and volunteer events
• Represent CASA at occasional public events or tabling opportunities
• Act as the go-to behind-the-scenes contact for media and help get the word out by sharing press releases and important updates with news outlets and community partners.

Optional Duties Based on Experience and Interest

• Assist with advertising campaign strategy and performance tracking
• Conduct research on communications trends and best practices
• Help collect and analyze metrics related to social media and email performance

Qualifications:

• 1–3 years’ experience in communications, marketing, or a related field (including internships or volunteer roles
• Proficiency with Canva and social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
• Strong written and visual communication skills
• Highly organized, self-motivated, and detail-oriented
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Familiarity with nonprofit or child welfare work is a plus
• Passion for advocacy and advancing equity for children and families
• Must pass background checks and have reliable transportation.

Work Environment:

Hybrid with some in-office time required in Columbia, MO, with occasional evening/weekend events.

Heart of Missouri CASA is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to hiring individuals based on merit, qualifications, and alignment with our mission to support children and families in foster care.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and value a diversity of professional experiences and life journeys—including, but not limited to, experience in foster care, child advocacy, or trauma-informed systems. While such experiences are not required, they help inform compassionate and effective service delivery.

We make all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex (as currently defined under federal law), national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. Our policies adhere to current federal and state employment laws and do not implement preference-based hiring related to identity or demographic status.

If our mission resonates with you and you believe your skills and experiences can make an impact, we encourage you to apply.

The most significant duties have been included in this description acknowledging that other duties may be assigned/changed from time to time. The organization retains the right to modify this job description as needed from time to time to accurately reflect duties of the position.

To apply, please submit the following application materials to Angela Carson, Development Director at hello (at) homcasa.org. Position will be open until filled.

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Sample of your writing (short essay, blog, publication, etc.)
• 3 professional references will be requested for those selected for an interview

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person