Communications Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY

The Communications Specialist supports the agency's communications and public affairs efforts to enhance its reputation and advance strategic goals. This role is ideal for a self-starter who assists with media relations, develops contacts with media members, influencers, and community leaders, and contributes to creating high-quality content across multiple platforms. Responsibilities include drafting press materials, producing digital, video, audio, social media, and print content, and ensuring consistent messaging across channels. The position requires responsiveness to media and stakeholder inquiries and involves collaborating across departments to support agency-wide communications initiatives.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: Bachelor's Degree (B.A.) from an accredited four-year college or university in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field with high-level knowledge of communications and media relations required.
• Experience: Three (3) to five (5) years of professional experience in public relations, corporate communications, or marketing, with a focus on media relations, content creation, publications, and digital communications. Demonstrated knowledge of communications best practices, media engagement, and multi-platform content development.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Brand & Content Management

• Execute the agency's strategic communications plan to drive awareness of programs, initiatives, and leadership.
• Promote and reinforce SLHA's brand identity and CORE Values in all communications.
• Design and create digital and print content, including social media graphics, videos, infographics, brochures, and marketing collateral.
• Manage website content, ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and alignment with brand priorities.
• Lead storytelling initiatives to showcase the impact of SLHA programs and highlight resident success.

Media Relations & Public Affairs

• Serve as a point of contact for media inquiries and public records requests, ensuring timely and ethical responses.
• Assist in drafting key messaging and press materials to support story placements in local, state, and national media.
• Track media coverage and trends to identify engagement opportunities and manage potential reputational risks.

Community Engagement & Operations

• Assist with the execution of community outreach programs, press conferences, and special events.
• Manage social media strategy, track engagement metrics, and optimize content to expand the Authority's digital footprint.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to ensure all communications align with strategic priorities and professional standards.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Capture and edit photos for design, multimedia, web, print, digital media, and other promotional materials. Organize and maintain agency photo library.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Project and Task Management: Ability to organize, prioritize, and execute communications projects effectively, ensuring deadlines are met and deliverables align with agency goals. Communicates progress clearly to team members and stakeholders.

• Results-Oriented: Demonstrates initiative and persistence to complete assignments successfully. Strives for high-quality outcomes, works efficiently, and follows through despite challenges.

• Customer and Stakeholder Focus: Meets the expectations of internal and external stakeholders by understanding and responding to their communication needs. Maintains a professional and collaborative approach when working with colleagues, residents, media, and community partners.

• Communication Skills: Conveys information clearly and effectively in writing and verbally. Listens actively, responds to feedback, and develops presentations, audiovisual materials, and other content for internal and external audiences.

• Professionalism and Accountability: Demonstrates conscientiousness and personal responsibility for work quality. Follows agency procedures, maintains confidentiality, and ensures accuracy and consistency in all communications.

• Knowledge of print, digital, and social media.

• Knowledge of design and publishing software and website content management systems.

• Operational expertise in Microsoft Office products.

• Knowledge of HUD regulations and the policies and procedures of the St. Louis Housing Authority and the ability to interpret and explain them.

• Must have and maintain a current driver's license and be insurable under the Authority's automobile insurance.

BENEFITS

Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. In addition to a competitive salary, SLHA also offers:

• Medical Plans
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical or dependent care
• Paid CLE and Bar Dues
• Paid Time Off, Vacation, Sick, Personal and Holidays
• 401(a) employer contribution equal 12.7% of annual salary

SLHA is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program