Communications Specialist

Optimist Youth Homes and Family Services; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 41,328 - 57,211; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in youth support is seeking a Communications Specialist to enhance its mission through effective communications strategies. The role involves creating content, managing public relations, and coordinating graphic design projects. Ideal candidates will possess strong communication skills, a creative mindset, and experience in the nonprofit sector.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of relevant experience in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization.
• Passion for the nonprofit sector and alignment with the mission.

Responsibilities

• Develop, write, and edit content for print and digital platforms.
• Coordinate design and production of marketing and promotional materials.
• Manage website features, ensuring high performance and compliance.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Proficiency with social media platforms

Strong organizational and project management skills

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Canva

WordPress

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: OYHFS Youth Learning Center (Highland Park) - Los Angeles, CA

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: Undisclosed

Description

To Apply:Submit resume, cover letter, two writing samples, and two design samples.

Overall Function:

The Communications Specialist supports the mission of Optimist Youth Homes and Family Services by implementing effective communications strategies that promote our programs, enhance public awareness, and engage key stakeholders across multiple platforms. This position is ideal for a creative, motivated communicator who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Include:

Communications

• Develop, write, and edit content for print and digital platforms including newsletters, press releases, blog posts, donor communications, and website content.
• Create grammatically correct and compelling copy tailored to target audiences.
• Support internal and external communication efforts, including media engagement, public relations, employee newsletters, etc.
• Maintain brand consistency across all materials.
• Collaborate with staff to identify stories, milestones, and events to highlight in communications.
• Create engaging, audience-focused content that is informative and visually appealing.
• Ensure the online content adheres to the industry guidelines and organization standards.
• Create and maintain editorial calendars.
• Bring a creative approach and original ideas to all communications work.
• Must be self-motivated.
• Work in collaboration with a social media contractor to provide content, media assets, and event information.
• Stay informed of trends and best practices in communications, social media, and digital design.

Graphic Design

• Coordinate design and production of marketing and promotional materials, including brochures, flyers, signage, annual reports, etc.
• Design communication assets including newsletters, department brochures, fundraising materials, and special event collateral.
• Provide design and logistical support for events (e.g., invitations, programs, PowerPoints, e-blasts).
• Attend team and staff meetings and assist with various efforts relating to these meetings.
• Design holiday and other appeals throughout the year.
• Ensure all departments within the organization are adhering to the organization's branding guidelines as needed.
• Lead projects involving branding updates or refresh initiatives.
• Serve as the liaison to off-site printers and continuously seek competitive pricing.
• Attend and participate in mandatory training and in-services as required

Website & Intranet

• Designing and implementing new features and functionality on the website.
• Guide site architecture to ensure intuitive navigation and usability.
• Ensure high performance, accessibility, and responsiveness across platforms.
• Helping formulate fast, effective, responsive design while working with themes and plugins.
• Analyzing website performance and troubleshooting errors.
• Handling the backend of the website, including database and server integration.
• Ensuring the website is current on ADA and other required compliances.
• Keep the site visually current and aligned with best practices.

Other Duties.

• Other reasonable activities and duties as assigned

To Apply:Submit resume, cover letter, two writing samples, and two design samples.

Qualifications

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
• 2–4 years of relevant experience, preferably in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with social media platforms, email marketing tools, and website CMS (e.g., WordPress).
• Familiarity with graphic design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or similar.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Passion for the nonprofit sector and alignment with our mission.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a deadline driven environment.
• All employees, regardless of position, serve as role models for children and adolescents who are served by our agency. Therefore, each employee must at all times be emotionally stable and able to function effectively with children, adolescents and adults who may have mental or behavioral health problems. The staff must be able to demonstrate appropriate daily behavior, appropriate expression of emotions as well as appropriate role modeling. Hostility, aggression, and unnecessary or inappropriate physical actions as well as inappropriate emotional expression are not acceptable.
• Must be able to pass criminal/fingerprinting background check, TB Test, Physical Exam and Drug Testing.
• Must have a valid California Driver's License and a clear DMV record.
• Must have the visual, audio, physical and technical ability to independently operate a variety of office equipment and communication equipment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with media relations and storytelling.
• Basic photography and video editing skills.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills are a plus.

Other Required Certifications, Licenses or Documents

• Valid California driver’s license; current automobile insurance; have and maintain a clean driving record acceptable to the organization’s insurance company
• Must be able to be pass a fingerprint background investigation.
• Must be able to pass a TB test, Physical Exam, and Drug Screening.

In accordance with CA law, the expected pay range for this CA position is posted with this position. The actual compensation may be determined based on bona fide factors such as education, experience, and other factors permitted by law.

Salary range for this position: $ 30.00 - $41.53 / hour

Hiring Range for this position: $ 30.00 - $ 30.00 / hour (Starting Pay Level)