Communications Associate
Job Title: Communications Associate
Reports To: Executive Director
FLSA Status: Exempt
JOB SUMMARY:
Karamah is seeking a highly motivated Communications Associate to assist the organization’s Operations and Communications departments and to provide general organizational support as needed. The Associate will serve as the sole support staff for the Operations department, working closely with the Programs department, Research Department, and Executive Director.
The successful candidate will be self-motivated, detail oriented, and able to quickly adapt and learn new skills. S/he will understand the organizations goals, and be willing to take on a wide range of tasks to ensure the smooth operation of the organization, including some general clerical and receptionist work. S/he must also be able to work in a fast-paced office while maintaining a high level of quality and detail.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned):
Communications
Oversee and manage communications and development as it relates to events, marketing of events, managing attendees, attending to media issues, arranging photography/videography, website coverage, and new media.
Write and disseminate press releases, newsletters, and other correspondence to Karamah contacts
Oversee all web content to ensure that it is well-written, consistent and published in a timely and accurate manner; update online content on a daily basis in conjunction with staff and content contributors.
Manage contributions from Karamah community including jurists, alumni, board members, etc., for blogs, online columns, website content, and new media.
Manage relationship with web design firm for updates and hosting company for technical issues (database backups).
Review and edit staff contributions for the internet and intranet (forum and portals for students and jurists).
Manage social media efforts
Interpret web analytics and usability data to inform design decisions
Manage and track outreach of contact lists and oversee data entry
Create monthly/quarterly newsletter
Update brochures, media packets, flyers, donation forms, signage
Operations
Serve as the “face” of Karamah greeting guests, answering phones, checking main email and facilitating contacts.
Perform general clerical duties to include but not limited to: photocopying, faxing, mailing, and filing.
Sign for and distribute mail and packages, including making weekly visits to Karamah’s PO Box.
Research, price, and purchase office furniture and supplies.
Keep minutes of weekly staff meetings and any additional meetings that may take place.
Assist in the maintenance of electronic and paper filing systems for financial and program documents.
Facilitate intra-office and external visit scheduling.
Develop procedures and protocols as necessary to facilitate smooth, effective daily office functioning.
Support staff in assigned project based work.
Build relationships with diverse stakeholders including client groups, professionals, partners, funders, and governmental authorities.
Add to the emerging American and global reputation of the organization.
Maintain current knowledge of organizational policies and procedures.
Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, and establishing personal networks.
Must be proficient in MS Office (Work, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Windows.
DESIRED SKILLS:
English required; Arabic (writing and reading) highly desired
Experience in communications, website management, marketing, media outreach, database
management, event planning, and issue advocacy or grassroots organizing
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Islamic Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, or related field.
Superior written and verbal communication skills
Experience with social media marketing (blogs, Twitter, Facebook, Wikipedia, and YouTube).
Ability to multi-task, work independently, and in a team environment
Efficiently respond to questions from networks, staff and members of the community;
communicate effectively in both written and oral form.
Knowledge of the principles and techniques of fundraising and grant writing, contract
administration and negotiation, community organization, fiscal and organizational management,
and principles and practices of marketing and public relations.
Ability to plan, direct and coordinate activities, negotiate and administer contracts, and exhibit
independent judgment in the development, procedures and policies.
Cultural knowledge and language capabilities for target populations.
