Communications VISTA

About the Role:
As the affordable housing crisis worsens across North Carolina, the complexity of housing policy can create barriers to advocacy. Effective communications are critical to engaging, empowering, and mobilizing communities to implement successful affordable housing policies. The VISTA will play a key role in strengthening the Coalition’s communications and events to more effectively engage legislators, community organizers, and impacted individuals on housing issues. 

Learning Objectives:
By the end of their VISTA year, the VISTA will learn: 

• A practical, working knowledge of affordable housing policy and processes
• The history of housing policy and its connections to systemic racism
• The role of policy advocacy as a vital part of equity, social justice, and systems change
• The importance of communications for housing policy and nonprofits generally
• How to build and implement effective communications strategies
• How to plan and manage successful conferences

Responsibilities: 

Digital Marketing and Communications

• Develop weekly social media content in collaboration with the Communications Manager
• Assist in the weekly coordination of the Coalition’s Housing Calls, Housing Matters 2 NC Podcast, and Housing Matters 
• Assist in the development and marketing of special projects including the County Profiles, Annual Report, legislative one-pagers, etc.
• Develop marketing and communications templates based on brand guide
• Assist Communications Manager in researching and developing a plan to increase online and social media engagement
• Assist Communications Manager in developing a plan for updating the Coalition’s website

Events

• Assist Communications Manager with the planning and implementation of the 2023 Housing Works! NC Affordable Housing Conference
  • Develop marketing materials and marketing plan for the Coalition’s Annual Dinner, Annual Breakfast, and conference table
  • Assist with coordinating event logistics for Annual Dinner and Annual Breakfast
  • Assist with set up, check-in, and conference table during event
• Assist Communications Manager with the planning and implementation of the 2024 Bringing It Home: Ending Homelessness in NC Conference.
  • Assist with coordinating event logistics
  • Assist with coordinating speaker outreach and follow up
  • Assist with set up, check-in, and presentation logistics during event

Misc.

• Database management and capacity building for communications work

What You’ll Gain:

• Transferable skills in digital marketing and event planning
• Portfolio of writing and design samples
• A deeper understanding of housing history and policy
• Opportunities to explore different aspects of the affordable housing movement, including policy, advocacy, development, housing counseling, and more
• Opportunities to network with affordable housing professionals

What You’ll Bring: 

• Experience in Canva and/or Adobe Suite
• Experience with various social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.
• Writing and communications skills
• Organizing and planning skills
• Attention to detail
• Proficient in use of databases, Microsoft Office applications, and social media
• Self-direction in a work from home environment
• Deep commitment to equity as a fundamental value of their work

Compensation:

• $22,882 annual living allowance 
• $400 housing stipend
• $6,895 Education Award at the end of the term

APPLY HERE

For questions about the role, contact jobs@nchousing.org.