Position Summary

The External Affairs Specialist is responsible for supporting Congreso’s External Affairs Department. This position provides critical administrative support to the Chief External Affairs Officer, External Affairs Manager, and Marketing & Social Media Manager. The External Affairs Specialist supports the coordination of stakeholder and community engagement activities and events as well as the execution of communications and marketing activities.  Execution of these initiatives requires strong administrative and time management skills as well as strength in organization, communication, digital marketing, and relationship building. The External Affairs Specialist is a well-organized, detail-oriented, creative, and resourceful individual who enjoys a workplace that is fast-paced and varied. This position requires effective communication and collaboration to help the department and organization achieve their goals.

This position reports to the Chief External Affairs Officer. This is a Hybrid position with onsite work conducted at Congreso's main office and at a variety of venues for stakeholder and community events.

The External Affairs Specialist applies the principles of the organization’s signature service delivery approach, Primary Client Model (PCM™), by promoting a positive employee/client-focused experience that is appreciative of the unique strengths, values and needs that each individual brings; and by using data to inform and drive decision making. Attention is given to compliance, quality assurance, and best practices as they relate to the role.

Congreso is committed to attracting and retaining candidates who have a passion for their work and will serve as ambassadors of the agency’s mission, values, and DEI&B vision.  We encourage all qualified individuals, including those of diverse backgrounds, differently abled, LGBTQ , and women to apply.  Congreso is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential

functions listed below.

Communications & Marketing

• Fields and responds to external and partnership form requests including the coordination and facilitation of meetings, tours, etc.
• Manages the info email inbox and distributes and responds to requests as appropriate.
• Supports the Marketing & Social Media Manager with graphic design, translation, content creation, reporting, website updates, and management of social media.

External Affairs Outreach & Events

• Attends and represents Congreso at external events.
• Supports Congreso’s participation in external community events and outreach initiatives including preparing materials for other programs and departments.
• Supports the External Affairs Department with planning and execution of events and initiatives including open houses, holiday drives, fundraising events, and other agency and external events hosted at Congreso as needed.
• Supports the External Affairs Manager with tracking and reporting on outreach and advocacy activities.

Administrative Support

• Provides administrative support for the External Affairs Department including scheduling/calendaring, processing facilities/IT tickets, fundraising data and acknowledgements, etc. 
• Manages ordering of giveaways, business cards, marketing items and printing of collateral with vendors on a regular basis.
• Serves as liaison with Fiscal & External Affairs processing check requests, completing Chief External Affairs Officer expense report, providing fundraising fiscal back up, etc.

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

All Staff Competencies

• Basic understanding of Congreso’s mission, values, DEI&B vision, Mission2Impact, Primary Client Model, programs, and services.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the community needs and demographics.
• Ability to understand, acknowledge, and assess client needs to provide a timely, trauma informed approach in service.
• Ensures the appropriate handling of sensitive information and understanding for issues such as confidentiality, domestic abuse, child abuse, and mandated reporter requirements.
• Adheres to all Congreso, departmental, programmatic, and security policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Attends all Congreso trainings and in-services as required, including relevant professional groups to maintain professional, requisite knowledge and licensure.
• Attends, participates, and facilitates relevant staff meetings to promote communication and execution of goals.
• Ability to effectively use standard office equipment, including a variety of common software programs such as Office365, UNIDAD, and other customized databases.
• Follows through on assignments, works in a timely manner, within established deadlines, and completes special projects specific to the function of the department, as needed or as directed by supervisor.
• Demonstrates ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse groups, in a compassionate, courteous, and respectful manner that fosters an inclusive environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills including effective and respectful communication with individuals and groups.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) written and verbal skills required.

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

This position has no supervisory responsibilities. 

Minimum Experience, Education, and Qualifications

Minimum Education: 

High school diploma or GED/HISET required, some college level course work a plus.

Minimum Experience: 

1-3 years’ relevant experience required. 

Experience with customer service and working in a dynamic, complex, multiple location/service organization, preferably in a non-profit setting, a plus. 

Certification/License:  

Valid driver’s license required.