Communications Specialist

The primary mission of the Communications Specialist is to support the Communications team in ensuring Merit America’s external and internal communications are consistently excellent and a strong mirror of our current work and aspirational vision for our internal and external stakeholders. The Communications Specialist will report directly to Brittany Davis-Green, Director of Communications. Responsibilities The responsibilities of the Communications Specialist will include, but are not limited to, the following: Project Management-40% Drive logistics and execution for communications projects, including video and podcast projects, press releases Coordinate timelines, resources, and deliverables across various departments Monitor & track expenses for communication initiatives Build and optimize efficient workflows for project execution Proactively identify and address logistical challenges, ensuring on-time delivery of projects Liaise with internal teams and external partners to facilitate project requirements Manage freelancers & contractors Content Creation and Management-30% Develop and maintain a system for organizing and categorizing marketing and communications assets. Implement version control protocols to ensure material consistency and traceability Ensure consistency in brand guidelines and materials Assist with drafting and revising a range of communication materials, including website content, learner stories and presentations Awards & Recognition Coordination-15% Scout and manage award submissions for the organization & its leadership team Coordinate internal efforts to gather necessary information for submissions Draft compelling award submissions and manage the application process Manage and maintain the team's communications calendar Oversee the management of Merit America’s online store Internal Communications Support—15% Partner with Communications Director to implement internal communication strategies Contribute to the creation and distribution of the organizational newsletter Edit and proofread internal communication materials for clarity, consistency, and alignment with organizational voice Help maintain a regular cadence of internal communications to keep staff informed and engaged Skills and Competencies We recognize that individuals from marginalized backgrounds, including women, people of color, and those with disabilities, are often less likely to apply when they don’t meet 100% of the job qualifications. Don’t let that be the reason you miss out on this opportunity! We want to emphasize that your unique skills, experiences, and perspectives are valuable, and we encourage you to apply if you can demonstrate many of the skills and competencies. Below are the skills that are relevant for thriving in this role: Must Haves: Exceptional writing and editing skills: Ability to craft clear, concise, and engaging content for a variety of audiences and channels. Strong verbal communication skills: Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with internal and external stakeholders. Excellent organizational and project management skills: Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines. Meticulous attention to detail: Highly organized and detail-oriented, with a commitment to accuracy and consistency. Proficiency in content management: Experience with creating and maintaining systems for organizing and categorizing communication materials. Proficient in relevant software and digital tools for content management and communication Committed to Merit America’s mission to pave pathways to family-sustaining careers, break the poverty cycle, and create upward mobility for low-wage workers Demonstrated history of embodying our values, which inform our work and drive our organization's culture Shared sense of responsibility and ownership for our collective work in making a positive impact on the community we support, true to our value of Win & Lose Together Committed to continuous learning and growth in understanding and addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion Passionate about fostering a workplace culture that embraces and values individual differences, aligned with our core value of inclusivity Nice to Have: Experience successfully managing internal stakeholders across teams and across lines of difference Familiarity with award submission processes and event management Experience with internal communications and newsletter creation Basic understanding of budgeting and expense tracking Ability to adapt quickly in a fast-paced, growing organization Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools (Notion is a plus)

Merit America is a national nonprofit that creates pathways to family-sustaining careers for Americans stuck in low-wage work. Our fast, flexible solutions are built for working adults: We start by analyzing tens of millions of job postings to identify in-demand, high-paying tech careers and then work with industry-recognized partners to train for these roles with part-time programs that combine flexible online learning with best-in-class coaching. Finally, we support our learners in their job search, helping them connect with a broad constellation of local and national employers such as JPMorgan Chase and Infosys to land higher-earning, family-sustaining jobs, driving an average wage gain of $24k three months or more after completing the program.