Communications Specialist

About San Diego Habitat for Humanity

San Diego Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to uniting people to build homes, foster communities, and inspire hope. Founded on the principle that everyone deserves a decent, affordable home ensuring dignity and safety, the organization is committed to serving the diverse San Diego community. It offers a supportive work environment with meaningful opportunities.

Job Summary

The Communications Specialist role involves crafting and disseminating impactful branded graphic and digital materials across print, email, and online platforms. The goal is to boost awareness, engagement, and participation from all stakeholders connected with San Diego Habitat for Humanity.

Key Responsibilities

• Gain a deep understanding of SD Habitat’s mission, goals, philosophy, and policies to consistently reflect these in communications.
• Develop storytelling content that supports fundraising campaigns, sponsorships, and community collaborations.
• Maintain segmented electronic mailing lists to send targeted messaging to various audiences.
• Assist in marketing initiatives, including implementing communication campaigns for events such as Women Build, Veterans Build, and home dedications.
• Manage a digital archive of photos, multimedia, stories, and quotes to support marketing and development, ensuring organized accessibility.
• Create and update organizational collateral like one-pagers, event materials, impact reports, and annual reports with print-ready assets.
• Design visually appealing branded content for social media, newsletters, events, ads, and reports using tools like Canva and Adobe Creative Suite, aligned with brand standards.
• Oversee social media accounts by crafting, scheduling, and publishing engaging posts to increase donations, event participation, and volunteer sign-ups.
• Track and analyze marketing performance metrics including email open rates, social media engagement, follower growth, and campaign reach, and produce monthly reports with actionable insights.
• Maintain and update the organization's website to ensure accurate, timely, and SEO-friendly content.
• Assist with logistics and attend key fundraising and stewardship events while collaborating cross-departmentally to align communication efforts.

Qualifications and Skills

• Minimum of 2 years experience designing marketing and communications materials for print, digital email, social media, and website management within a nonprofit or related business environment.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat) for content production.
• Experience managing websites and mass email platforms such as WordPress, MailChimp, Canva, and Buffer.
• Exceptional storytelling and writing abilities paired with a strong visual design sense.
• Bonus: skills in video editing and photography.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and CRM software (Raiser’s Edge preferred).
• Excellent organizational skills, detail oriented, self-driven and able to manage multiple projects under deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with professionalism toward diverse audiences.
• Ability to perform under pressure while maintaining a collaborative team approach and commitment to nonprofit values.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, advertising, marketing, communications, public relations or related fields, or equivalent work experience with proven successful results.

Languages

• Fluent English reading, writing, and speaking required.
• Spanish language proficiency is an advantage.

Physical and Work Environment

• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally and stand or sit for extended periods.
• Clear verbal communication in person and via phone.
• Hybrid work scheduling involving office, remote, and fieldwork settings.
• Typical 40-hour workweek from Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, with occasional early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
• Fast-paced, open office environment with multitasking demands.

Additional Conditions

• Passing a background check per local law (examining last 7 years; convictions considered case-by-case).
• Valid California driver’s license and clean driving record required for regional travel.

Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage between $30 - $34 based on qualifications.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Life insurance and flexible spending accounts.
• Employee assistance programs and supplemental insurance options.
• 15 annual paid days off plus 13 paid holidays.
• Supportive leadership fostering an inclusive workplace culture.