Communications Specialist

National Legal Aid & Defender Association; Toledo (OH); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid parental leave

Loan repayment assistance

Job summary

Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE) in Toledo, OH seeks a Communications Specialist to lead internal and external communications. You will develop and implement a strategy to elevate the mission, tell client stories, and engage audiences including the public and funders.

You will collaborate across departments to manage media relations, digital platforms, branding, and storytelling efforts. A background in nonprofit advocacy and strong writing are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field.
• 3-5 years of experience managing social media, digital content, or communication campaigns
• Strong writing and editing skills with the ability to adapt messaging for different audiences
• Ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate across teams

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with organizational goals.
• Write and produce content for websites, social media, annual reports, fundraising materials, and client communications.
• Translate complex legal and advocacy work into clear, compelling messaging.
• Manage websites, social media platforms, and email communications.
• Lead communications projects from concept through execution.

Skills

Writing & editing

Social media management

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field

Tools

Email marketing tools

Website management tools

Job description

Position Description

Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE) is a regional non-profit law firm. Our mission is to pursue justice and equity, facilitate access to opportunities for people with low incomes through passionate legal representation, and provide steadfast advocacy for systemic reform. ABLE is affiliated with Legal Aid of Western Ohio (LAWO), also a regional non-profit law firm that provides legal assistance.

Position Description

Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE) is a regional non-profit law firm. Our mission is to pursue justice and equity, facilitate access to opportunities for people with low incomes through passionate legal representation, and provide steadfast advocacy for systemic reform. ABLE is affiliated with Legal Aid of Western Ohio (LAWO), also a regional non-profit law firm that provides legal assistance.

Job Summary

The Communications Specialist leads internal and external communications for Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE) and Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc. (LAWO). This role is responsible for developing and executing strategic communications that elevate our mission, amplify client stories, and engage key audiences, including the public, funders, and community partners. This position collaborates across departments to manage media relations, digital platforms, branding, and storytelling efforts that strengthen visibility and impact.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (other Duties As Assigned)

• Strategy & Planning
• Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with organizational goals
• Create and manage content calendars, campaigns, and communications plans
• Track and analyze engagement metrics to improve reach and effectiveness
• Content Development & Storytelling
• Write and produce content for websites, social media, annual reports, fundraising materials, and client communications
• Translate complex legal and advocacy work into clear, compelling messaging
• Maintain consistent brand voice and organizational identity
• Digital & Media Relations
• Manage websites, social media platforms, and email communications
• Build and maintain relationships with media and support proactive media outreach
• Advise leadership on media strategy and public relations matters
• Collaboration & Support
• Partner with internal teams to highlight programs, cases, and impact
• Support development and grant efforts through strategic communications
• Coach staff on messaging and media engagement best practices
• Operations & Projects
• Lead communications projects from concept through execution
• Establish and maintain communications policies, processes, and tools
• Ensure consistency and compliance with organizational standards

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field.
• 3-5 years of experience managing social media, digital content, or communication campaigns
• Strong writing and editing skills with the ability to adapt messaging for different audiences
• Ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate across teams

Preferred Requirements

• Experience in nonprofit, advocacy, or legal services environments
• Familiarity with media relations and public relations strategy
• Experience with design, branding, or multimedia content (photo/video)
• Knowledge of email marketing and website management tools

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• Work is performed in a normal office environment.
• Requires frequent sitting, keyboarding, and face-to-face or phone communication.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and be insurable.
• May require walking several blocks or overnight travel.
• New staff are required to work in the office full-time during their first 90 days of employment. Following this onboarding period, a hybrid work schedule is available with a minimum of two in-office days per week.

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND WORK LOCATION:

ABLE is committed to providing an equitable work environment, including a commitment to pay equity. The starting salary for this position is $60,000.00 and increases depending on experience. ABLE offers comprehensive fringe benefits, including health insurance, annual leave, sick leave, supplemental language compensation, loan repayment assistance for attorneys through the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation and paid parental leave. This position is based out of our Toledo office.

OTHER DUTIES:

Please note this job posting is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the incumbent for this job. ABLE can revise or eliminate the requirements and responsibilities of this position at any time to reflect its needs and objectives. ABLE will notify affected employees of any changes and the effective date of such changes.

ABLE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to create an environment welcoming to all individuals. Applicants requiring accommodation for the interview/application process should contact the recruitment coordinator at [e-mail].