Communications Coordinator chez LEAP for Kids

About LEAP

For over 30 years, LEAP has worked with children, teenagers, and young adults in New Haven, Connecticut in some of the lowest income urban neighborhoods in America. As the largest youth agency in our city, we provide free academic supports, social enrichment, and leadership development, and we do so in a unique way. LEAP gives older students (ages 16-24) the training, education, and resources they need to work as counselors to our younger students (ages 7-15). In doing so, we go beyond impacting individual lives through education and employment. We build a community with power and purpose.

All LEAP employees must adhere to LEAP's Core Values and Community Agreements.

Core Values:

• Social Justice - Advocating for fairness and equality while challenging systemic injustices
• Caring - Demonstrating empathy and concern for individual and community well-being
• Ethical Leadership - Leading with integrity, fairness, and moral courage
• Accountability - Taking responsibility for actions, outcomes, and commitments
• Collaboration - Fostering partnerships to achieve common goals and maximize impact

Community Agreements:

• Growth Mindset - Embracing challenges as learning opportunities
• Recognition & Appreciation - Expressing gratitude and celebrating achievements
• Conflict De-escalation - Resolving conflicts through open dialogue and cooperation
• Mutual Respect - Honoring diverse opinions, experiences, and boundaries
• Continuous Learning - Promoting ongoing personal and professional development

Position Overview

We are seeking a committed, creative, and highly organized Communications Coordinator to join our mission-driven Development and Communications team. This role is essential to sustaining our $7.3M annual operating budget by creating compelling content and managing strategic communications that inspire community members to learn about and support LEAP and the Dixwell Q House. The Communications Coordinator serves as LEAP's consistent voice across digital and print platforms, working with the press to secure substantial media coverage.

This is a full-time, exempt (salaried), 40-hour/week position with a hybrid schedule (two set days in-office plus additional days as needed). The role requires exceptional writing skills, strong aesthetic instincts for design, technological proficiency (including comfort with evolving AI tools), and meticulous attention to detail. The ideal candidate has a passion for storytelling, stays current with trends relevant to LEAP's online presence, is collaborative and deadline-driven, and demonstrates strong commitment to LEAP's mission and addressing racial and socioeconomic inequities. The position provides ample opportunities for professional development, including training, conference attendance, networking, and on-the-job learning experiences.

Reports to: Deputy Director of Development and Communications

Essential Duties

Communications Strategy and Analytics

• Develop, implement, and evaluate strategic communications plans to expand reach and engagement.
• Manage communications calendar including events, appeals, social media, press releases, and development projects.
• Use analytics to inform content creation and track progress toward goals.

Content Creation & Brand Management

• Maintain LEAP's branding while creating innovative materials including information sheets, annual reports, newsletters, event materials, and email blasts to 6,000+ constituents.
• Update and edit LEAP and Q House websites, creating additional pages as needed; monitor Wix inbox and direct messages to appropriate staff.
• Collaborate with programming team and grant writer on content development.

Digital Marketing and Public Relations

• Manage LEAP and Q House social media channels, creating engaging posts that spark curiosity, increase engagement and distribute information about LEAP and Q House events.
• Develop public relations plans aligned with the fundraising calendar.
• Build and manage local media relationships; write and distribute press releases to secure frequent press coverage.
• Take photos and videos at program sites and events; produce or manage video production for marketing, social media and events.

Events, Campaigns & Collaboration

• Manage communications for events and online fundraising campaigns.
• Collaborate with outside communications firm; provide support to other departments as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, or relevant field preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent writing skills for diverse audiences and platforms.
• Strong understanding of social media channels and content strategies.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Cultural competency and commitment to diverse communities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Brand management and nonprofit communications experience.
• Photography and video editing skills (iMovie, Adobe Premiere Pro).

Technical Skills

• Proficiency (or interest in learning) in Microsoft Suite, Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop), Canva, social media platforms, basic HTML and Wix, Constant Contact, AI tools.

Essential Competencies

• Passion for storytelling and visual design.
• Adaptability and willingness to learn new technologies.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Special Requirements

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods.
• Travel to multiple program sites for photography and event coverage.
• Reliable transportation to programming sites is preferred.

Compensation

Salary: $50,000–$55,000- commensurate with experience.

Excellent benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with retirement plan with employer contribution. Generous PTO, holiday leave, and professional development opportunities. 

How to Apply

Send a letter of interest and resume through our online application portal: Recruitment Portal.

Note:

This is currently a hybrid position based out of the LEAP office in New Haven, CT. There is a required minimum of two days a week in person, with additional in person days assigned as needed by the department leadership. LEAP reserves the right to change its hybrid work policy.

Additional information about the organization is available via www.leapforkids.org.

LEAP is an equal opportunity employer.