JOB SUMMARY

This position functions as a team member, under the direction of the Development Director, and is responsible for developing strategy and programs designed to represent The Arc Allegany-Steuben favorably and make positive contributions to the community.

The Community Relations Coordinator is to nurture relationships between the Arc and its associates, those we serve, external organizations, the media, and local community.

This position supports marketing initiatives and acts as an ambassador for The Arc Allegany-Steuben.

The Community Relations Coordinator is also responsible for supporting the agency’s self-advocates through developing curricula and facilitating self-advocate group meetings;

empowering individuals to learn skills to help them advocate to improve their lives. This position also supports legislative advocacy efforts for the agency in conjunction with the Development Department.

JOB FUNCTIONS :

Program / Service Management

• Organize and oversee the agency’s annual membership drive.
• Attends community events and activities as The Arc Allegany-Steuben ambassador.
• Oversees all event planning activities (luncheons, dinners, receptions, etc.)
• Oversee the placement, payment, and tracking of advertising.
• Manages agency awards and Associate Recognition Program.
• Oversees agency mailings.
• Develop and distribute press releases and editorial copy related to The Arc Allegany-Steuben activities.
• Support the editorial development of all content (including research, writing and editing) of monthly newsletters, blogs and website as assigned by the Development Director.
• Assists with social media channels when needed.
• Sit on boards / committees as needed.
• Present to community organizations and businesses about The Arc Allegany-Steuben and the services it offers.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with media representatives, community groups, public officials, associates and the general public.
• Records and prepares agenda / minutes for assigned meetings.
• Supports the Fundraising Manager with fundraising initiatives as needed.
• Assist the Peer Support Specialist to coordinate weekly self-advocacy meetings. Includes securing a meeting location, creating, and distributing an agenda, keeping records of all meetings and those in attendance and assist in facilitating the weekly meeting.
• Plan community service projects / advocacy events / fundraising. Includes reaching out to community organizations for volunteer / partner opportunities, assisting self-advocates to schedule events (contact families, job coaches, house managers, etc.

keeping in contact with state and federal advocacy agencies to stay informed on opportunities for self-advocates to take part in advocacy trainings / events, securing needed supplies for fundraisers, promoting fundraisers, attending events and completing service projects with self-advocates.

Stay informed on advocacy efforts for people with intellectual / developmental disabilities on the local, state and federal levels.

Keep self-advocates informed on these efforts and give them opportunities and / or information on how to be involved.

Other duties as requested by Development Director.

Regulatory and Corporate Compliance

• Ensure records, files and reports are kept secure and confidential.
• Maintain and revise forms as directed and distribute.
• Report any fraud, neglect or abuse that you may become aware of.

Fiscal Management

• Be knowledgeable of how this position and responsibilities are part of the agency financial viability.
• Participate in the development of department budget and review monthly expenditures to identify and take action in response to variances.
• Demonstrate effectiveness and efficiency in carrying out responsibilities.

Person Centered Services

• Work with self-advocates and their circles of support to assist in having advocacy included in Life Plans.
• Work collaboratively with others and respectfully with persons of varying backgrounds.
• Demonstrate support for person centered principles and practices.

Physical Plant and Safety

• Assure safe working conditions and practices for associates.
• Adhere to OSHA standards ensuring that the physical site is maintained and immediately address areas of concern.
• Practice standard precautions and other appropriate infection control practices.

Contact with Others

• Develop and maintain positive customer relationships.
• Ensure that internal and external written and verbal communications regarding the agency are positive and reflect our mission, vision and values.
• Represent The Arc of Allegany - Steuben at various community events.
• The person in this position must demonstrate rapport with various departments and the ability to connect and interact successfully with them.

Additional Functions

• Participate in agency committees, initiatives, projects and trainings.
• Assist the Development Director with strategic goals assigned to the Development Department.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES :

• Ability to maintain a positive attitude and performance in all situations.
• Strong problem solver; shows initiative.
• Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills and people skills.
• Skilled in all office suite applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Office, Photoshop, etc.) experienced in email platforms and the ability to learn new software applications relevant to the position.
• Excellent public and one-on-one speaking skills.
• Ability to prioritize projects in an organized manner
• Work independently in a team environment.
• Extremely detailed orientated and able to work on multiple projects at one time.
• Social media knowledge.
• Strong organizational and project management skills including team collaboration and coalition building.
• Understand and use audiovisual (camera, video camera, etc.) and other relevant equipment.

QUALIFICATIONS :

• Associate degree in business, public relations, communication, or a related field OR Over 3 years’ experience in a related position.
• Strong public speaking and writing skills.
• Must be willing to work nights and weekends when applicable.
• Willing and able to travel outside of the region, including use of personal vehicle.
• Must be cleared by the NYS Child Abuse Register.
• Must be cleared and maintain acceptable criminal background check process.
• Will report any fraud, neglect or abuse that you may become aware of.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS :

• Valid driver’s license for the state in which the person resides
• Acceptable safe driving record

Where position requires driving individuals served by the Agency :

• Motor vehicle with up-to-date inspection, that is registered and insured.
• Will be required to enroll in LENS (Licensed Event Notification System).

AUTHORITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY :

People : This position has no direct authority.

Operations : This position is responsible for supporting the Development Team and works under the general direction of the Development Director.

Budget : This position has SOME budget responsibilities.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Last updated : 2024-05-08