A Place Called Home is a dynamic, non-profit youth center in South Central Los Angeles. APCH provides educational programs, counseling, mentoring, music, dance and art classes, and fitness opportunities. As youth participate in our programs, they discover interests and talents and develop a better sense of themselves and their place in the world around them. Our goal is to increase the likelihood that youth will stay in school, pursue higher education, attain viable jobs, and become active community members capable of making positive change in the world in which they live. (www.apch.org)

SUMMARY

Reporting to the Director of Development and the Associate Director of Corporate and Community Engagement, the Communications & Events Manager will be responsible for the development and oversight of APCH's Communications strategy as well as execution of all APCH special events, including community events and fundraising events. The Communications and Events Manager will be responsible for the development, integration, and implementation of a broad range of public relations activities relative to the image, messaging and promotion of the organization and will be primarily responsible for APCH's varied and integrated communications including: newsletters and other print; Website, eBlasts, social media, and other online communications; media and public relations; and marketing. Working with key Development Department staff members, the Communications & Events Manager will also be responsible for the direct execution, including all logistics for APCH's special events.

Communications

Reports directly to Director of Development;

Develop and implement an integrated strategic communications plan to advance APCH's brand identity; broaden awareness of its programs and priorities; and increase the visibility of the organization and its programs across key stakeholder audiences;

Create marketing/public relations strategies and plans that will allow APCH leadership to cultivate and enhance meaningful relationships with targeted external audiences, including the media and key influencers;

Serve as communications counselor to APCH leadership;

Oversee development of all print communications including marketing collateral materials and; manage relationships with associated vendors;

Oversee agency website and social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.;

Actively engage, cultivate and manage press relationships to ensure coverage surrounding APCH programs, special events, public announcements, and other projects;

Oversee the day-to-day activities of the communications function;

Develop, maintain and update master communications calendar including all electronic communications, social media planning, print collateral, etc.;

Oversee the creation and execution of printed and electronic fundraising appeals; and

Recruit and manage communications interns and volunteers

Special Events

Report directly to Director of Development for fundraisers and Associate Director of Corporate and Community Engagement for all other events.

Coordinate all external and internal logistics related to APCH events including but not limited to fundraisers, Home for the Holidays, APCH Thanksgiving, Back to School, Cinderella/Prince Charming Project, etc.;

Coordinate and manage all event-related communications and marketing materials including but not limited to Save the Dates, invitations, flyers, electronic presence, etc.;

Manage box office function of each ticketed event;

Work with APCH facilities and operations staff to ensure that events are executed with as little interruption to Agency operations as possible;

For all community events, interface directly with community groups and businesses to maintain cooperation and support;

Work closely with volunteer manager in creating job descriptions for volunteers for all community events and job function;

Assist with creation of events manual for each Agency event that includes event timeline, task descriptions, debrief notes, equipment rental needs, contact information for vendors and partners, etc.;

Interface with APCH's vendors who together support event management, production and other core aspects of APCH's fundraisers

Qualifications

To perform this important job successfully, the Communications & Events Manager must be able to fulfill all of the elements of the Job Description to the highest standard, and be able to work well with colleagues in a high energy, collaborative environment with open communications. All employees are expected to contribute to ongoing growth and improvement in their departments via excellent job performance. Additionally, you are expected to speak up if you become aware of deficiencies and needs; and to offer solutions and make suggestions for improvements in your purview areas. Likewise, because each employee and each department is integral to the entire APCH community, we expect that as you focus on your area, you will also consider the big picture and the overall mission of the agency, and communicate with the appropriate individuals if/when you become aware of problems and/or have suggestions for ways and opportunities to make APCH stronger and better. Together, we can continue to take APCH to even higher levels of excellence and service to the community.

The ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic and self-motivation. Must be able to multi-task and possess excellent organizational, verbal and written skills. The ideal candidate will embrace the APCH culture of a learning organization and strive to constantly improve upon systems and services for the benefit of the agency; and will take ownership of the responsibilities under their purview. He/She must be committed to his/her ongoing personal and professional development.

Must have a valid Driver's License and a clean DMV record

Technical and Performance Skills

Oral and Written Communication Skills Time Management

Professionalism Detail Oriented

Organizational Skills Dedicated to excellence

Self-starter as well as team player Excellent public relations skills

Public speaking

Computer Skills (Microsoft Office, Adobe, Typing, etc.) Mac & PC

Strong customer service skills – ability to respond quickly to individual needs

Education and Experience Requirements

2-3 years of PR, Marketing and/or Event-Related experience;

B.A. in Communications or related field; and

Demonstrated strong writing and copywriting

Physical and Mental Demands

Able to work in chaotic and high noise level environment typical of a youth center

Long periods of sitting required on daily basis

Walking and standing daily - Extended periods of standing during special events

Lift up to 20 pounds occasionally

Travel (local meetings, conferences, speaking engagements)

Speech and hearing within normal ranges; speech clarity sufficient for standard face to face and telephone communications

Continual use of hands for typing

EEO

Background screening required/Relevant skills assessment required during initial screening