Communications Manager

Description

The Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) serves Native Americans, infant to Elder, in the Portland, Oregon area. NAYA was founded by parent and Elder volunteers in 1974 who created a place for youth to engage in sports and recreation. Over the last 50 years, NAYA has become a gathering center for Native Americans to practice tradition, teach culture, and build community. Today we employ more than 170 staff who provide a continuum of self sufficiency and educational programs. We are also a powerful advocacy organization, giving a strong voice to the priorities of our people.

We seek a capable and creative writer to manage our communications strategy, uplifting our mission and advancing our programs. You will use a wide range of media to grow NAYA’s base of supporters, inviting interest in our region’s Native American culture and participation in our culturally centered programs. This role reports to the Director of Development and Communications.

NAYA offers an exceptional benefits package, including free medical, dental and vision insurance for you (and affordable plans for your family), 401(k) retirement plan with 6% match, paid vacation and paid holidays. This is a full time, exempt role with a starting salary is $68,000 to $75,000 per year.

Who You Are

• You are a communications professional with at least three years of experience in communications roles.
• Ideally, you have experience writing fundraising communications.
• You have work or lived experience in the Native community, or you have a commitment to learn Native history and the unique strengths and challenges of Urban Natives.
• You are an exceptional writer who conveys meaning in a concise and compelling manner. You are an exceptional copyeditor, too. You know AP style backwards and forwards.
• You are a champion of equity and inclusion. This comes through in your writing.
• You are a highly organized person and can handle a long and interesting To Do list.
• You are used to working on deadline. It’s a point of pride with you that you always meet your deadlines and commitments.
• You love communications technology. You regularly use MailChimp, Canva, Wordpress or another CMS to manage websites. Ideally you know a little HTML, too.
• If you have graphic design skills and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, it’s a plus.You are an absolute pro with social media. You use social media in your personal and professional life.You understand that in your profession, crisis communication is inevitable. When this happens, you prioritize this work, even if it is after hours.You are self aware. 
• You are able to listen well and center others. You tend not to be defensive. You are generally OK making mistakes and taking responsibility for them.
• You prefer a team environment at work, rather than working alone. You don’t hesitate to roll up your sleeves and pitch in, even when it’s not your job.
• You truly enjoy attending all the events, such as Powwows and other community gatherings. You go to take photos and get stories, sure, but you enjoy yourself and talk to as many people as you can. You don’t like to miss events.
  

What You’ll Do

• In collaboration with the Director of Development and Communications, develop an annual communications plan.
• Develop and maintain organizational voice, key messages, brand strategy, and the NAYA style guide. Ensure consistent use throughout the organization.
• Create fundraising and outreach communications including donor solicitation letters, fundraising brochures and event communications.
• Write content and use our CMS to update webpages, including our landing page .
• Write and release NAYA eNews on the first of each month.
• Lead NAYA’s social media strategy across Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.
• Develop NAYA’s protocols for gathering stories, photos and other content from across the organization.
• Attend NAYA events. Represent NAYA at public relations opportunities out in the community.
• Establish relationships with media outlets and write press releases.
• Take an active role in occasional crisis communications.

Application Instructions 

Upload your resume, cover letter and a writing sample. The writing sample needs to demonstrate your ability to write compelling copy for your organization. 

Questions? Want to chat about this role before you decide to apply? 

Contact Ann Takamoto, Director of Development and Communications, at AnnT@nayapdx.org  or Michelle Valintis, NAYA Recruiter, at NAYA@ArrowTalentGroup.com.

NAYA is committed to building a work environment that respects and inspires every community member. Our mission is to serve Urban Native youth and families, so we strongly encourage Native people to apply. We encourage applications from members of other historically marginalized groups, as well, including women, people of color, those with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ community, and those who have served in the military.