Rural Advocacy Specialist

Essential Responsibilities

1. Develop Content for Digital and Social Media Platforms

• Assist in managing the Foundation's digital platforms. Includes content planning, content development and implementation for website and social channels.

• Assure digital content aligns with Foundation brand standards and spokesperson policies.

• Maintain content planning calendar.

• Maintain and ensure integrity of departmental file management and retrieval systems.

2. Support Media Relations

• Develop and maintain internal structures needed to fuel a robust and valued relationship with key media:

  • Manage media lists.

  • Research emerging media sources and opportunities

• Assist with Media Relations

  • Respond to media inquiries and provide follow-up.

  • Assist with preparation of news releases.

  • Assist with planning and implementing media events.

  • Support and prepare Foundation spokespeople for interviews.

3.Support Rural Advocacy Priorities

• Assist with research of advocacy priority topics, including opportunities to raise Foundation or stakeholder voices on these issues.

• Assist in developing materials that communicate about priority topics: reports, briefs, op-eds, backgrounders, talking points, etc.

• Assist in building department and Foundations knowledge of advocacy processes pertinent to priority topics.

4. Provide Organizational and Programmatic Communications Support

• Participate in communications planning and assist in development of program-related communications plans.

• Write, edit, and monitor production of communications materials for administrative and program areas.

• Maintain online library of project files.

Education and Experience

• 3-5 years related experience.

• 4-year degree preferred but not required.

• Experience in organizational storytelling.

• Training and or experience with digital content development software, content management platforms, and digital asset management systems preferred.

• Experience in the philanthropic or non-profit sector a plus.

Skills & Abilities

• Proven written and visual communication skills.

• Ability to exercise independent judgment, initiative, and commitment.

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills.

• Detail oriented.

• Be a leader in your role and a contributor in a team-driven environment.

• Demonstrate Blandin Foundations values.

• Commitment to Equity.

• Act with integrity, accountability, confidentiality, and transparency.

• Flexible and adaptable to change in the workplace.

• Practice continuous learning to grow knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• Excellent time management, prioritization, and organizational skills.

• Ability to work with others from a wide range of cultural backgrounds.

• Ability to communicate effectively with a focus towards a culture of service.

Typical Physical Requirements for the Position

• Sitting at desk/computer, up to 8 hours per day.

• Repetitive motions of hand, fingers and wrists needed 3-5 hours per day (keyboarding usage).