Description

ABOUT US

Sanctuary for Families is New York’s leading service provider and advocate for survivors of domestic violence, sex trafficking and related forms of gender violence. Every year, Sanctuary empowers thousands of adults and children to move from fear and abuse to safety and stability, transforming lives through a comprehensive range of services. We provide a range of wrap-around services to help survivors rebuild their lives in the aftermath of abuse and work to end gender violence through three key strategies: direct services, outreach and training, and systems-change advocacy. Our services are available in 11 locations throughout New York City.

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking an innovative and dedicated Communications & Outreach Specialist to enhance our dynamic Development & Communications team at Sanctuary for Families. This vital role, reporting to the Senior Manager of Communications & Outreach, is key to advancing our mission by elevating our visibility, amplifying survivor voices, and engaging the community in our fight against gender-based violence.

The Communications & Outreach Specialist will be charged with leading the strategic development and execution of digital media campaigns, managing our social media presence across multiple platforms, and producing compelling video content. This role demands a unique blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of digital storytelling. The Specialist will be instrumental in shaping our digital narrative, driving advocacy efforts, and supporting fundraising initiatives through innovative digital and video content.

Ideal candidates will possess a strong background in communications and digital media, with a special focus on video production. Experience in addressing gender-based violence, and an understanding of its complexities and societal impact, will be crucial for success in this role. The Communications & Outreach Specialist will not only contribute significantly to our digital outreach but also play a pivotal role in inspiring change and supporting survivors through powerful digital storytelling.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Video Production

• Develop video content concepts to support fundraising efforts, highlight survivor stories, and raise awareness about gender-based violence.
• Draft scripts, organize filming schedules, and oversee the production process from filming to post-production editing.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure video content aligns with organizational goals and messaging.

Social Media

•  Lead and expand social media strategies on X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
• Utilize advanced data analytics to measure, evaluate, and refine the success of social media strategies.
• Develop innovative strategies to increase audience engagement and leverage the power of followers.
• Conceptualize and execute targeted campaigns supporting education, advocacy, and fundraising, ensuring consistent messaging across platforms. 

Digital Content and Website

• Design and implement creative digital content strategies, aligning with broader communications, education, and programmatic goals.
• Write, edit, and oversee web content and blog posts, utilizing WordPress CMS and ensuring high-quality, impactful messaging.
• Employ advanced design skills using tools like Canva, Adobe InDesign, and other programs to create engaging graphics.
• Produce and edit short videos and multimedia content for various platforms. 

Media Relations

• Lead media tracking and recording of all press coverage related to Sanctuary for Families.
• Use MailChimp to create and distribute a weekly news digest featuring content relevant to Sanctuary’s work and advocacy priorities.
• Support the coordination of media interviews and provide other types of PR-related assistance when necessary.

Marketing & Outreach

• Develop and execute marketing strategies, updating and distributing information packets and outreach materials.
• Coordinate the creation, printing, and distribution of marketing and outreach materials, ensuring consistent branding and quality.
• Lead outreach initiatives, coordinating with staff across departments to develop materials and strategies that educate the public on gender violence.

General Duties

• Play a key role in developing and implementing agency-wide communications strategies.
• Be the point person for Communications volunteers and interns, fostering their development in communications and outreach.
• Represent the organization at community events, fundraisers, and media events, effectively communicating the mission and impact of Sanctuary for Families.
• Undertake additional related duties or special projects as directed by the Senior Manager of Communications & Outreach.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

• Report directly to the Senior Manager of Communications & Outreach.
• Work closely with the Chief Executive Officer and the Development & Communications Department, playing a leading role in strategic decision-making and project execution.
• Collaborate with and provide communications support to staff across the agency.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Film, Public Relations, Gender Studies, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in communications, film, digital media, or a related area, preferably in a nonprofit setting.
• Strong skills in video production, including concept development, scripting, filming, and editing.
• Outstanding writing, editing, and oral communication skills.
• Strong graphic design skills
• Experience using content management platforms (SproutSocial, Hootsuite, etc.), email marketing tools (Luminate, Mailchimp, etc.), and analytics software (GA4, Google Analytics). 
• Knowledge of social media marketing; experience is highly preferred.
• Exceptional attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Excellent computer and tech skills; experience with Adobe InDesign and video-editing software a must.
• Strong eye for graphic design, color, and fonts.
• Experience with CRM systems (Luminate, Convio, Blackbaud etc.) and CMS systems (WordPress, Drupal) a plus.
• A self-starter who takes initiative and works well both independently and as a team member.
• Enthusiasm for intersectional feminism and social justice issues.
• Experience working with survivors a plus. 
• Strong commitment to the mission of Sanctuary for Families and a passion for advocacy in gender-based violence.

Budgeted Salary:  $60,000 - $61,206 annually.

Work position is currently hybrid; must be able to meet job location schedule obligations

Vaccination Policy: Proof of vaccination or proof of first dose with scheduled 2nd dose within 30 days is required.

Benefits:

• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance 
• Employer-paid life insurance 
• Employer retirement contribution
• Paid time off
• Flex spending account 
• Student loan assistance
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Gym reimbursement program

All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, creed (religion), color, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status or domestic violence victim status, and other categories protected under Federal, New York state or New York city laws. Sanctuary for Families follows the requirements of the Human Rights Law including with regard to non-discrimination on the basis of prior criminal conviction and prior arrest.

People of color, trans and gender non-conforming people, people with disabilities, and survivors of gender-based violence are strongly encouraged to apply.

We recognize that the safety, healing and self-determination of survivors of domestic violence and related forms of gender violence is at the intersection of racial, gender, economic, immigrant, LGBTQ , and disability justice, as well as many other critical issues. In order to realize our mission, Sanctuary strives to center DEI principles at every level of the organization and continues to deepen that commitment.