Position Description:
The Communications and Development Coordinator is a newly created position at VOCAL-NY and will be responsible for supporting the organization’s communication and development initiatives. This includes, but is not limited to, writing and editing related to VOCAL’s advocacy campaigns, our website and social media, and assisting in organizing the annual gala, major gift solicitation, grant writing, planned giving, and special event planning. An essential role of the position is the development of effective, targeted communications to elevate the work and mission of VOCAL-NY to a wide variety of stakeholders.
Job Responsibilities:
Other duties may be assigned. On an ongoing basis regular duties include the following:
Fundraising: Researches public and private grant sources to identify sources of potential funding. Organizes individual donor campaigns (e.g., major donors, direct mail, ongoing donations, matching gifts). Builds relationships with institutional and individual donors.
Grant Writing: Helps write proposals and reports for state and city government grants, private foundations, and other funders.
Database and Records Management: Maintains electronic and paper records of donors and grants, and generates reports on that information as needed.
Special events: Responsible for the coordination of the annual gala and occasional fundraising events and helps arrange invitations, food, programming, and other logistics for the event.
Communications & Public Relations: Responsible for producing a variety of organizational communication documents, such as the annual report, brochures, newsletters, etc. Produces general content for website. Prepares press releases and media advisories. Works with staff and VOCAL members to identify potential media opportunities and stories. Tracks and archives media hits and our press list.
Support Other VOCAL Campaigns: The position will be expected to periodically provide support for any and all community organizing and campaign work within VOCAL-NY. We have a highly collaborative office environment where staff members provide regular support for each other’s campaigns as needed.
Requirements / Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will be an energetic, self-motivated individual who has strong inter-personal, writing, and problem solving skills, with a keen attention to detail. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to ending AIDS, the war on drugs, and mass incarceration and a willingness to approach these issues through a racial justice analysis and using approaches that elevate the involvement of directly affected people and communities. A deep commitment to social justice is required.
The ideal candidate will have:
- A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Excellent verbal, written, research and interpersonal skills.
- Willingness to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Attention to detail and strong proofreading skills is a must.
- A strong commitment to teamwork and to working with and promoting the leadership of people directly affected by the issues we work on.
- Excellent organizational skills.
- Proficiency with common business software (e.g. MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email clients). Adobe graphics programs and fundraising database programs is a plus.
- Spanish language proficiency is desirable but not required.
- Understanding of and passion for VOCAL-NY’s mission.
This is a full-time position. The position will report to the Co-Executive Director and will work collaboratively with other members of the policy and community organizing staff.
How to Apply:
Please send a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to jobs@vocal-ny.org. In the subject line, please write “Communications and Development Coordinator [Your Name]”. No phone calls, please.
VOCAL-NY is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, people who are formerly incarcerated, people living with HIV or Hepatitis C, women, LGBT people, and those who have been adversely affected by the criminal justice system and the war on drugs are strongly encouraged to apply.
The position will remain open until filled.
