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Communications Associate (Full-Time)

Overview of the Organization:

Chhaya is the only South Asian and Indo-Caribbean Community Development Corporation (CDC) in the nation. Our mission is to build community power, housing stability, and economic well-being of the South Asian, Indo-Caribbean communities in New York. Since our founding in 2000, Chhaya has helped prevent hundreds of foreclosures; assisted first-time homebuyers in obtaining thousands of dollars in down-payment assistance, led the basement legalization campaign in New York City, provided individuals with key immigration services, empowered families with financial management tools in and skills, and fostered the civic engagement of thousands of South Asian and Indo-Caribbean New Yorkers. As a leader in New York City’s housing and economic justice sector, Chhaya is poised for significant organizational growth and development. Our main office is in Jackson Heights and we have a second location in Richmond Hill – two neighborhoods with vibrant South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities. 

Summary of the Position:

The Communications Associate is a new full-time role at Chhaya that will have overall operational responsibility for Chhaya’s communications.  This is an exciting opportunity to help shape and execute the messaging and branding of Chhaya’s work, as well as implement communications strategies across various platforms for different target audiences.  The ideal candidate for this position will be an exceptional writer and an expert in external communications, storytelling and utilization of social media platforms.

Key Responsibilities:

Communications Strategy

• Support the development and execution of a comprehensive communications strategy and plan to build and promote Chhaya’s brand
• Oversee brand standards and messaging guidelines across the organization
• Increase Chhaya’s visibility as a leader on key strategic programmatic issues and initiatives 

Media Relations

• Cultivate and manage press relationships, in addition to monitoring relevant news and activity and keep Chhaya’s leadership informed
• Ideate, draft, and edit press releases, media statements, website blog updates, op-eds, etc. 
• Support staff and board with talking points for interviews, press conferences, and presentations

Content Creation and Management

• Manage website, develop new content for blog,  and track, report, and analyze data and website performance
• Draft and publish monthly organizational newsletter providing updates to supporters on Chhaya’s work
• Collaborate with development team to develop and disseminate collateral for key fundraising campaigns 
• Own and execute social media strategy for Chhaya across various channels and support the day to day management of the social media calendar
• Perform monthly/quarterly audits of social media channels and website and email statistics and continuous adjust action plan to drive  visibility
• Create a system to retrieve content from various programs and events to support the publishing of multimedia content that is engaging and effective
• Collect and analyze metrics from website, social media, and email tools to inform the communications strategy
• Collaborate closely with program leads on communication strategy and goals for each program
• Support the creation of collateral for program and fundraising needs

As a member of the Chhaya staff, additional responsibilities may be added related to special events, critical initiatives, and other special cases that require full staff participation (some evenings and weekends). Further, as a Chhaya team-member, it is every employee’s responsibility to help further the organization’s mission by building a work-culture centered around ownership, accountability, fairness, inclusiveness, and fun.  

Qualifications:

• At least one year of experience in communications and public relations, preferably in the nonprofit sector
• Strong communicator with excellent writing, speaking, copy-editing, project management, and interpersonal skills
• Experienced manager of social media and/or media relations
• Knowledge of best practices and experience with SEO, digital analytics, and social media/digital communications
• Experience in Microsoft Office Suite, GSuite, Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, email tools (mailchimp, etc.), social media management tools, and other communication tools
• Must be a creative and strategic thinker with good judgment, problem-solving skills and ability to make independent decisions in a quickly changing environment

• Skillful relationship manager with the ability to navigate sensitive and politicized spaces, relationships, and decision-making

• Ability to work independently, while collaborating cross-functionally across the organization
• Ability to work in an organized, efficient manner with a high level of accuracy, attention to detail, and follow-through
• Strong personal commitment and passion for Housing, Economic, and Social Justice
• Flexible schedule with the ability to work some weekends and evenings
• Familiarity with Jackson Heights, Richmond Hill, and the South Asian and immigrant communities of New York City
• Sense of humor – a plus

Annual Salary Range: $45,000 to $55,000 

To Apply: Please send a cover letter, resume, portfolio of communications content, two professional references (in PDF format) to careers@chhayacdc.org with the subject line “Communications Associate – Application”. 

Applications will be accepted until May 15, 2022.  Only applicants under consideration will be contacted. No phone calls please.

This is a bargaining unit position with the Transport Workers Union, TWU. 

Chhaya CDC is an equal opportunity organization that celebrates and embraces diversity. Chhaya does not discriminate on the basis of caste, race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or any other identities covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and organizational need.