Director of Communications and Special Events

Lazarus House Inc., a Ministry serving the poor and homeless in the greater Merrimack Valley, is looking for a Director of Communications and Special Events

 

The Director of Communications and Special Events is responsible for developing, executing and managing the communications plan to increase and maximize institutional visibility within the local and broader communities and plan, execute and manage special events to help ensure fiscal viability of Lazarus House.

 

General Responsibilities:

Work with the Executive Director to develop and advance a strategy for improving and maximizing institutional visibility and name recognition; Develop, execute and manage communications and special events plans and budgets; Generate publicity, media interest in and media coverage of Lazarus House programs, events, and new initiatives; Generate and sustain press contacts, acting as primary media liaison, strategize and conduct press/media visits and newsworthy events; Work with program management/staff to develop community contacts and produce guest “success stories�; Manage the design and production of all publications including Annual Report, Newsletters, program brochures and materials; Photograph programs, events, volunteers as appropriate; Maintain press archives, including photography and press articles; Act as primary liaison to various contractors and vendors involved with print design/production and special events; Work with Executive Director and Director of Operations in evaluating and further developing web site and updating content; Work with the Director of Development to plan and execute Special Events to maximize stewardship and cultivation opportunities as well as income-producing opportunities; Assist volunteer special events committees with developing marketing strategies and promotional materials for each event; Oversee pre-event, event, on-site and post-event logistics for all Special Events, including Hike for Hope, Sharing Our Bounty Dinner, Annual Golf Tournament, Rainbow Festival, and other events as appropriate; Work with the Director of Development as appropriate with donor stewardship, solicitations and cultivation events.

 

Qualifications:

Bachelor Degree and 3-5 years of experience in journalism, communications, marketing/public relations, or special events in a non profit setting.  Ability to think creatively and strategically while managing a number of projects simultaneously; Exceptional writing, editing and oral communication skills; Strong public presence; Experience writing in a variety of formats – for example web, print publications, briefing papers, press releases – and demonstrated ability to produce high quality materials on short deadlines; Experience with publication production; Excellent project management skills, priorities and deadlines as they relate to executing fundraising and cultivation events; Excellent organizational, planning and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work both independently, within a team, and well as with volunteers; Excellent computer skills; proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, desktop publishing (Quark, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator), and web publishing software; Commitment to the mission of Lazarus House.