The purpose of the Communications Specialist is to develop and manage the Communities for Youth social media presence, and assist with the creation and dissemination of written and visual communications to various audiences. The Communications Specialist will work with the Communications Director to complete internal and external communications (including website content and social marketing), media relations and events support. The Communications Specialist will also prepares event materials, photographs, one-pagers and tips sheets, and newsletters, as well as press releases and announcements as needed.

This is a part time, non-benefit eligible, temporary position.

Communities for Youth is an Idaho-based organization dedicated to engaging with our communities to create upstream prevention approaches to promote youth well-being. We empower Idaho communities by connecting parents, schools, and kids with the capacity to recognize and address youth health concerns so that all may thrive. We have a particular focus on mental health in Idaho youth at the moment. To learn more check out our website. We are housed in the Boise State University’s School of Public and Population Health (SPPH). The SPPH is a place where respectful, collegial, and authentically connected faculty and staff work together to make a positive difference through our teaching, research, and service. We are committed to advancing the public health mission in Idaho by supporting the health and well-being of all Idahoans wherever they live, work, and play through excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service. We achieve our mission by creating the pathways and conditions necessary for all individuals to achieve health, happiness, and prosperity in Idaho and beyond. The SPPH is guided by the values of dignity and respect, engagement, opportunity, and innovation. Our school is the largest in the College of Health Sciences and is home to more than 1300 undergraduate and graduate students.

Fully competent and productive professional contributor who applies acquired job skills, policies, and procedures to complete substantive assignments/projects/tasks of moderate scope and complexity. Works independently with general supervision; exercises judgment within defined guidelines and practices to determine appropriate action. May provide guidance and assistance to entry level professionals and/or support employees. Typically hold a Bachelor’s Degree and 2 years of professional experience or equivalent relevant experience.

60% of the time the Communications Specialist must:

• Determines news-worthy stories, website and social media content, and which distribution strategies to implement.
• Develops, organizes and executes public relations events for the specified department.
• Leverage analytics and reports to determine effectiveness and seek continual improvements of marketing and communication initiatives.
• Write, edit and coordinate distribution of information to market, promote and increase the visibility of initiatives and accomplishments of the specific department.
• Responsible for training all web content providers and serving as the main point of contact for problems, questions and concerns regarding the website.
• Manage internal and external communications to project a positive image for the specified department.
• May supervise staff or have leadwork responsibilities.

35% of the time the Communications Specialist must:

Develop Communities For Youth Social Media Presence

• Create and manage library of high-quality evergreen social media content and templates for social media in Canva.
• Develop 3-month social media content calendars and set up filing or social media management software for posts at least twice a week.
• Coordinate with Communications Director and Project Operations Manager to ensure incorporation of live events, Regional Initiative content, Communities For Youth Blog promotion and other timely content into social media.
• Assist in development of paid social media strategy.
• Attend Communities For Youth events as able to capture video/photos or coordinate with other staff to ensure coverage.
• Contribute to overall social media strategy in partnership with Communications Director.
• Contribute to improving understanding of Communities For Youth audiences and assessment of communication effectiveness through data analytics.

Assist with the creation and dissemination of high-quality written and visual communications

• Utilize Communities For Youth brand guidelines and brand templates in Canva to produce print and digital materials including event flyers/signage, one-pagers, issue briefs, and tip sheets.
• Coordinate the development and design of new print and digital publications in partnership with Communities For Youth Communication Director.
• Make light updates as needed to the Communities For Youth WIX website and coordinate with the Communities For Youth Communication Director and Web Contractor on larger edits.
• In coordination with other Communities For Youth staff and regional leaders, solicit and produce original content for the Communities For Youth website/blog and online newsletters, including a monthly newsletter for each Communities For Youth Regional Initiative and a bi-annual newsletter for general partners and other stakeholders.
• Implement Brand Guidelines and assist all staff with professional preparation of materials to assure style and quality including public and professional presentations, training materials, and others.

Other duties

• Support creation of media releases for Communities For Youth and Communities For Youth Regional Initiatives.
• Support leadership team in maintaining media lists.
• Monitor and track mentions of youth mental health in the local (Idaho) and regional media, along with news related to Communities For Youth Regional Initiatives.

5% of the time the Communications Specialist must:

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of social media and the best ways to utilize each platform.
• Proficiency with communications and publishing applications including Canva, Wix, Hootsuite or other social media management tool.
• Experience with digital marketing analytics.
• Advanced knowledge of design and publishing concepts.
• Excellent grammar, composition, and proofreading skills.
• Excellent oral/written English language skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and superior attention to detail.
• Ability to take initiative, solve problems, work with minimal guidance, and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to exercise patience and understand others’ viewpoints.

Bachelor's degree or equivalent and 2 years experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least three years of experience in marketing, communications and/or journalism role.
• Experience with non-profit or cause marketing/communications or experience/training in health promotion/health communication.
• Experience with professional photography equipment.
• Experience with video production and editing.
• Knowledge of graphic design and software/applications other than Canva (e.g., Adobe Creative).
• Working knowledge of style guides and experience managing organizational branding requirements.

• Resume with employment history (including dates of employment)
• Cover Letter indicating your interest and qualifications for the position
• 3 Professional References

To apply, please send application materials to communities4youth@gmail.com

Closing Date: Review of applicants will begin on August 27, 2024, but the position will be open until filled. 

Nestled along the Boise River and steps from the state capitol, Boise State University fosters a vibrant and welcoming academic environment that fuels student and employee success. We’re a trailblazing institution, nationally recognized for our innovative spirit and commitment to positive impact on Idaho and beyond.

Boise State is proud to be recognized by Forbes as the only Idaho employer listed in the top 100 of all national midsize and large employers. We’re building a thriving community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, experiences, and perspectives come together to create a rich and rewarding academic experience. Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed.

Learn more about Boise State and living in Idaho’s Treasure Valley at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/