Communications Coordinator

Texas Organ Sharing Alliance (TOSA), founded in 1975, is one of 57 federally designated Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) in the United States. TOSA is committed to a mission of saving lives through the power of organ donation by providing organ donation and recovery services to Central and South Texans wishing to donate, and to those waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. Recognized as a Top Employer, TOSA has staff members in Austin, San Antonio, and McAllen.

JOB SUMMARY:  The Communications Coordinator primary responsibility is to increase public awareness and acceptance of organ donation program in their region.  This position requires travel by personal automobile or commercial aircraft to accomplish job responsibilities.  The incumbent will have access to confidential material and needs to use discretion with this information and strictly adheres to the TOSA confidentiality policy.

WORK SCHEDULE:  The Communications Coordinator is a full-time position.  Normal office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.  The employee may occasionally have to work evenings or weekends, as needed to support special events and media requests.

JOB SUMMARY:  The Communications Coordinator primary responsibility is to increase public awareness and acceptance of organ donation program in their region.  This position requires travel by personal automobile or commercial aircraft to accomplish job responsibilities.  The incumbent will have access to confidential material and needs to use discretion with this information and strictly adheres to the TOSA confidentiality policy.

KEY FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES:

• Under the guidance and direction of the Director of Communications, the Communications Coordinator will: 
  • Write and distribute News Releases and Media Advisories as needed.
  • Respond to media queries from radio, television and print media reporters.
  • Conduct interviews with news media regarding organ donation.
  • Coordinate with PSA directors to air organ donation public service announcements.
• Under the guidance and direction of the Director of Communications, the Communications Coordinator will solicit and respond to requests to participate in community activities to increase awareness about organ donation.  As such the Communications Coordinator will:
  • Solicit speaking engagements and invitations to local health fairs.
  • Establish and train volunteer group to assist with speaking engagements and health fairs.
  • Serve as the liaison with other donor and transplant agencies to coordinate donor awareness events.
• Under the guidance and direction of the Director of Communications, the Communications Coordinator will plan and coordinate special activities to increase awareness of organ donation.  Events will be organized for Donate Life Observances: 

National Donor Day, National Donate Life Month, National Living Donor Day, National Pediatric Transplant Week, National Minority Donor Awareness Month and National Donor Sabbath. The Communications Coordinator will also be responsible for coordinating TOSA specific events, such as TOSA Fiesta Medal Reveal, Volunteer Appreciation events, etc. 

The Communications Coordinator will be responsible for administrative duties in connection with the administration of the communications program to include:

• The Communications Coordinator will submit monthly reports of Communications activities to the Director of Communications.  These reports will be updated as necessary - at least weekly - and documented on the regional events tracker.
• The Communications Coordinator will keep the Director of Communications informed of all scheduled communications activities on a weekly basis or more often as necessary.
• The Communications Coordinator will scan news media for news about organ and tissue donation issues.
• The Communications Coordinator will maintain a file of local news articles relating to organ donation.
• The Communications Coordinator will work with the Communications Administrative Assistant to maintain an inventory of communications’ donor awareness materials such as brochures, bumper stickers, etc. and inform the Director of Communications of shortages.
• The Communications Coordinator will be responsible for all correspondence in support of communications’ events and activities.

REQUIREMENTS:  

1. College degree preferably in public relations, journalism, marketing or related field. 
2. Bilingual (English/Spanish) required for McAllen office - a plus for Austin and San Antonio offices. 
3. Candidate must have excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
4. Candidate must be familiar with local area including media in local area. 
5. Physical requirements also include the ability to lift at least 50 lbs.