Communications Specialist

Sweetser; Saco (ME); On-site; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision insurance

403(b) retirement plan

Paid time off and holidays

Tuition reimbursement and education

Job summary

Sweetser, a Maine behavioral health leader, seeks a Communications Specialist in Saco. You will tell stories of impact, craft social media campaigns, and manage external and internal communications to engage donors, staff, and partners.

You will create graphics, videos, newsletters, and blog content, while maintaining the public website and coordinating events. A degree and 2+ years in communications are preferred; strong writing and design skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor's degree required.
• At least two years of communications or marketing experience preferred.
• Familiarity with WordPress and Adobe Creative Suite is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Capture stories of impact through photography and short-form video.
• Create social media graphics, reels and email newsletters.
• Design and distribute print collateral and annual publications.
• Coordinate fundraising appeals, event promotions, and social posts.
• Draft press releases and assist with media appearances as needed.
• Manage internal communications and intranet content.

Skills

Storytelling

Public relations

Photography

Video editing

Social media management

Communication skills

Education

Associate/Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

WordPress

Adobe Creative Suite

InDesign

Photoshop

Illustrator

DSLR photography

Job description

Becoming part of the Sweetser family means you can make a difference in the lives of Maine children, adults, and families every day. As a nationally recognized and accredited leader, we offer competitive salaries, a wide range of benefits and the opportunity to join a passionate team of more than 700 employees.

Communications Specialist

Job Code: 13499

Location: Saco 04072

Department: Other

FT/PT Status: Full Time

Summary:

Salary: $50,000-$60,000 dependent upon experience

Schedule: Monday-Friday

As the Communications Specialist, you will join a Public Relations & Advancement team at one of the largest providers of behavioral health services in Maine. We are looking for an individual who brings a passion for storytelling, unique creativity, and expertise in best-practice communication strategies to help amplify our mission to various target audiences. You will be responsible for assisting with external and internal communications functions, including graphic design, social media planning, photography, multimedia production, email marketing, website maintenance, blogging, public relations preparation, community event coordination, and more. You will help make a difference in the lives of Mainers most in need by sharing stories of impact with the public, donors, stakeholders, and staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Storytelling & Content Creation

• Capture stories of impact through photography and short-form video at programs and events, then edit and size them for each platform.
• Create social media graphics, reels and email newsletters that bring our mission to life for donors, partners and the public.
• Design and distribute print collateral, from flyers, posters and brochures to special annual publications.
• Partner with the team on creating fundraising appeals, event promotion, email campaigns and social posts.

Digital & Social Media

• Own the social media content calendar, design, schedule, post, and monitor campaigns across multiple channels.
• Keep the WordPress blog current with timely news, events and announcements.
• Work with communications teammates to keep program pages on the public website up to date and relevant.
• Review digital analytics to spot trends, issues, and opportunities, and present findings to the team.
• Support Google Ads campaigns as needed.

Media & Thought Leadership

• Research story ideas and help prepare for media appearances and segments.
• Support members of leadership with media appearances when the Chief Communications Officer is unavailable.
• Draft press releases and op-eds for the latest initiatives and topics.
• Apply for awards that are relevant to Sweetser leaders and programs.
• Identify and coordinate speaking engagements and panel discussions for Sweetser executive and leadership team members.

Internal Communication's

• Manage SweetserNet, our staff intranet, posting a daily flow of news and announcements that keeps employees connected.
• Work with department contacts to keep every intranet page current and obtain blog content for postings.
• Draft the weekly organizational email update.
• Serve as the first point of contact for the communications inbox, routing requests to the right teammate and making sure each is handled promptly.
• Review and approve business card and print collateral requests.
• Travel periodically between Sweetser offices to capture organizational happenings and keep each location stocked with print and promotional materials.

Community Outreach & Events

• Build and manage an annual statewide outreach calendar for tabling. Events may include community festivals, corporate gatherings, tabling, recovery events, and wellness fairs.
• Coordinate with interns and program staff to make sure Sweetser is well represented at community events.
• Help brainstorm and organize events that raise awareness of Sweetser programs.
• Work with program staff to identify key community partners to receive print collateral that supports business development.
• Assemble promotional bags and informational folders for presentations, speaking engagements, stakeholder meetings, and community functions.

Brand & Team Operations

• Manage the online promotional store for staff and the public. This includes gathering product feedback, identifying new products, and working with the vendor to improve the experience.
• Track inventory of print collateral and branded merchandise, and recommend and place orders when supplies run low.
• Keep the shared Comms Drive and office storage area organized, and archive multimedia projects and documents so the team can find what they need quickly.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS:

• Be committed to the mission, vision and values of the organization.
• Work collaboratively as a member of a team with various groups of staff, depending on the issue addressed.
• Assure quality in work performed to facilitate the delivery of quality services.
• Fulfill job functions by participating as an active member in all training as assigned, and participating on organization task forces.
• Report accidents and injuries in a timely fashion, demonstrate safe housekeeping practices, notify supervisor of potential health and safety concerns immediately, participates in health and safety training as required, understands and follows all Sweetser health and safety policies.
• Ability to support and recognize the important role volunteers play. Sweetser employees work with, support, collaborate with volunteers, and promote opportunities for volunteer engagement.
• Follow Suicide safer care practices.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

ORGANIZATIONAL EXPECTATIONS:

Customer Focus Competency

Team Orientation Competency

Quality Competency

Safety Competency

5 Basic Principles Standard

• Focus on the situation, issue or behavior, not on the person.
• Maintain the self-confidence and self-esteem of others.
• Maintain constructive relationships.
• Take Initiative to make things better.
• Lead by example.

EDUCATION:

• Associate/Bachelor’s Degree required

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

• Valid state driver’s license.

EXPERIENCE:

• At least two years of communications or marketing experience preferred or equivalent experience
• Familiarity with website management platforms including Wordpress preferred
• Familiarity with the Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Express or similar platform preferred
• Familiarity with photo and video editing platforms preferred
• Familiarity with DSLR cameras and phone multimedia shooting preferred
• Familiarity with proper A.I. usage for communications projects preferred
• Strong verbal and written communications skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, articulate organizational objectives and development goals, and work collaboratively
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, database/CRM

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Excellent organizational and time management skills, including the ability to handle and prioritize projects in a fast-paced environment with a high degree of accuracy.
• Confident public speaking skills and ability to develop presentations.
• Ability to set priorities, develop routines and effectively organize various tasks, projects, and responsibilities.
• Ability to work independently and with others in various circumstances and with a diverse group.
• Strong communication skills and an ability to communicate politely and professionally.
• Excellent customer service, listening, and decision-making skills.
• Possess a clean driving record and a valid State of Maine driver’s license.
• Occasional evenings and weekend flexibility are required to accommodate the organization’s needs and engagement events.

Comprehensive Benefits Package Includes:

• Medical/dental/vision insurance and HSA/FSA options with generous employer contributions
• Employer-paid life insurance and disability coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and household members
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match
• Generous paid time off, paid holidays, and float day
• Paid Family and Medical Leave
• Employee discount program
• Milage reimbursement, applicable incentive and differential pay programs
• Eligibility for annual increases and referral bonuses
• Tuition reimbursement and educational partnership discounts
• 30% tuition discount for UNE's Online Graduate Programs
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program
• Free professional development and training opportunities through the Sweetser Training Institute