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Senior Communications Manager (Full-Time)

About the Position:

Chhaya is currently seeking a full-time Communications Manager who will develop, oversee, and implement a multi-tiered strategic communications plan to ensure effective communications is integrated into every aspect of Chhaya’s direct service, organizing, and advocacy work, and expands Chhaya’s reach and profile as a leading voice in both the South Asian and Indo-Caribbean community and broader movements for social justice. As the primary promoter and protector of the organization’s image, the Communications Manager will lead and oversee Chhaya’s media/press relations strategies, digital (social media/mobile/website) strategies, publications, and campaign communication strategies. As a senior role in the organization, the ideal candidate is a seasoned communications strategist with at least five years of experience in communications, who is committed to Chhaya’s mission, is flexible and effective in a fast-paced and evolving environment.

Chhaya staff are currently working remotely and will continue to do so until the COVID-19 pandemic abates. At that time, applicants must be able to work from our Jackson Heights, Queens office.

The Communications Manager reports to the Executive Director.

About Chhaya:

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 and 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 to better navigate daily life, empowered families with financial management tools 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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Set annual targets and develop plans for expanding organizational reach and visibility among key stakeholders, including the general public, policymakers, elected officials, and donors. 
• Create high-impact, multi-channel communications strategies that elevate our organizing campaigns, educate our audiences, shift narratives, compel giving, and inspire people to take action;
• Develop and execute narrative, digital, and press strategies for our direct services, campaigns, organizing efforts, and efforts to elevate Chhaya and our partners;
• Work with relevant staff and members to ensure consistent media coverage of Chhaya and ensure that Chhaya’s goals are advanced through media outlets;
• Manage and build content for all social media platforms while developing new strategies for list growth and conversion to other forms of participation;
• Develop and manage monthly analytics plan for tracking organizational communications progress against core deliverables;
• Develop organizational messaging, talking points, graphics, videos, photos, publications, and other communications collateral;
• Manage the design and execute/support the development of publications including annual reports, programmatic reports, and newsletters;
• Provide support on donor communications;
• Develop and implement crisis and rapid response communications plans responsive to urgent conditions and news events;
• Ensure that continual development and upkeep of the organizational website, including adding new content, updating design, and increasing traffic, giving, and downloads;
• Train and support other staff, partners, and members to be effective media spokespeople and help amplify our voice; and
• Sit on Chhaya’s leadership team with an eye on constantly improving the way that our communications work supports our programmatic and fundraising goals.

Qualifications:

• At least five years of relevant experience in communications, including experience in earned media, social media, other digital communications, and web development;
• Experience developing and implementing a communications strategy for organizing and legislative campaigns;
• A demonstrated commitment to meeting (and exceeding) high standards and a history of getting things done even in the face of obstacles;
• A demonstrated record of building relationships with media, pitching and securing media placements, including features, op-eds, LTTEs, and/or broadcast and radio appearances.
• Impeccable writing skills and the ability to write sharp and memorable copy under short deadlines and for different audiences;
• An ability to juggle multiple projects at a time and produce consistently high-quality deliverables in a fast-paced environment;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to work well with diverse groups and populations;
• Skillful relationship manager with the ability to navigate sensitive and politicized spaces, relationships, and decision-making. 
• Has the ability to roll with the punches in an ever-shifting political and movement landscape;
• Commitment to, and experience with, collaborative team structure and work environments; and
• Deep knowledge of and commitment to housing justice, economic justice, and overall social justice.
• Thrives on making an impact and is knowledgeable in housing and economic justice issues.
• Excellent communication, public speaking, meeting facilitation, and writing skills.
• A self-starter with an entrepreneurial spirit with a passion for organizational growth and progress.
• Integrity, compassion, and principled leadership.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required. 
• Knowledge of South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities. Fluency in a South Asian language preferred.
• Sense of humor – a plus.

Salary:

Commensurate with experience.

How to Apply:

Please send a cover letter, resume, two references, and three writing samples to careers@chhayacdc.org with the subject line “Communications Manager – Application”. 

Applications will be accepted until February 15, 2020. 

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.