Communications Specialist

About the Company

The Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD) is committed to providing quality, affordable housing opportunities and fostering sustainable communities for residents of Birmingham, Alabama. As a community cornerstone, HABD serves as a catalyst for transformation, offering innovative programs and initiatives designed to empower individuals and families. With a focus on economic development, education, and self-sufficiency, HABD works in collaboration with stakeholders to address the diverse housing needs of the community while promoting equity and inclusivity.

About the Role

The primary purpose of this position is to plan, organize, and implement The Housing Authority of the Birmingham District communications and marketing initiatives, as well as public relations activities. The incumbent is responsible for creating and distributing marketing materials, managing various communications-related projects, and ensuringconsistency in all forms of the Authority's communications. This position assists in strategic communications planning and monitors current technological and media trends.

All activities must support The Housing Authority of the Birmingham District's ("HABD") mission, values, strategic goals, and objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The position duties and responsibilities listed below describe the general nature and scope of work. Other responsibilities, duties, and skills may berequired and assigned, as needed.

• Assists in developing communications campaigns and disseminating communication according to plan/strategy; ensures that messages are supportive of and consistent with HABD marketing strategies.
• Provides support to the Director of Strategic Communications by creating and delivering marketingmaterials, ideas, and activities including brochures, sell sheets, and thought leadership materials.
• Researches current media coverage and industry trends; identifies, develops, and executes HABD's communication strategy for key media contacts and customer references.
• Assists in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with local media representatives; develops fresh story ideas and supports the broadcast of promotional events, significant achievements, and other positive activities and accomplishments; maintains records to document local media participation.
• Promotes HABD servicesthrough public relationinitiatives.
• Creates or assists with press releases, media relations content, case studies, white papers, executive bios, corporate newsletter content, social media content, and speaking proposals.
• Assists in coordinating Authority press events, determines newsworthiness, and provides appropriate guidanceand follow-through with external contacts. Assists in planning, coordinating, and hosting events and resident advisory briefings,
• Coordinates HABD social media outreach; coordinates and delivers email campaigns; assists with the development, planning, and execution of socialmedia strategies and tactics; coordinates with other HABD departments to determine events, updates, and other news items that should be shared on social media platforms. Delivers content via social media platforms.
• Receives suggestions, comments, and complaints from target audience members relating to public relations campaigns; resolves problems or errors, or reports to the appropriate staff member.
• Conducts research and drafts briefingmaterials and presentations to educate and inform the

public about HABD initiatives and programs, as directed; provides quality review of materials.

• Assists with the creation of HABD graphicsand art.
• Workswith Resident Servicesto ensure that HABD residents are informed of allcommunity programs and events, by way of preparation and coordination of advertisements and notices.
• Meets on site with program participants, resident councils in communities, and others involved in Authority programs to discuss programneeds, participate in decisions, and further Authority goals.
• Attendscommunity functions/events to recognize milestones in the lives of participants and encourages and supports their attainment of goals.
• Prepares Authority newsletter, including researchingandwriting stories of interest to our residents, and taking photographs.
• Works with the Director of Strategic Communications to determine event budget and manages expensesto that budget.
• Assistswith administrative dutiesincluding scheduling, composing correspondence, mass mailing of materials, and maintaining records.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, or Organizational Development with a minimum of three (3) years of public relations, marketing or sales experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Some positions may require possession of a valid driver's license and the ability to be insurable under the HABD's automobile insurance plan at the standard rate.

Job Competencies

• Knowledge of HUD, federal, state, and local laws and regulations, as well as HABD policies and procedures related to the position.
• Soundunderstanding of the principles of marketing as well as new technologies and how they canbe applied to marketing.
• Excellent copywriting skills and the ability to frame technical text for a broaderaudience.
• Ability to coordinate a PR budget.
• Ability to accurately and rapidly compose effective correspondence.
• Ability to handle tensesituations in a calm manner,while delivering excellentcustomer service.
• Ability to work under pressure and meetstrict deadlines.
• Abilityto communicate on a level of the listener, recognizing when information has been misunderstood, and the ability to rectify any misunderstanding as needed when explaining Authority policies and procedures.
• Abilityto present ideas and address the public in a clear and concise manner, in English, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with media, co-workers, vendors, consultants, contractors, customers, HUD; and local, state, and federal officials; Demonstrated ability to communicate with people from a broad range of socio-economic backgrounds.

Equal Opportunity Statement - HABD is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer