Marketing & Communications Specialist

About the Organization

Appalachia Service Project, Inc. (ASP) is a Christian ministry, open to all people, that that inspires hope and service through volunteer home repair and replacement in Central Appalachia. ASP is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Using the skills and efforts of thousands of volunteers, ASP provides home repair and replacement to low-income households in Central Appalachia.

ASP is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. No one will be denied employment on the grounds of age, race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family status or differing physical or mental ability. Employment decisions will be based on merit, qualifications, and ability to perform the duties of the position for which employment is sought.

About the Position

Appalachia Service Project (ASP) is seeking a dynamic and creative Marketing & Communications Specialist - Ministry Connector to enhance brand awareness and engagement across various platforms. Thanks to the Lilly Foundation's National Youth and Youth Adult Initiative on Faith and Service, ASP has the opportunity to grow our Marketing staff for a new full-time role. This will be a grant-funded, temporary position until 2030 that is focused on enhancing volunteer involvement through brand awareness and attracting new audiences to partner with ASP. The role of the ministry connectors is to engage in effective story telling from and between ASP volunteers as a way to engage more folks in the ministry and present materials that encourage spiritual growth.

Reporting to the Marketing and Communications Manager, this role is essential in shaping ASP's public presence by developing compelling marketing materials, managing social media content, and leading promotional efforts. The ideal candidate will have a background in marketing, communications, or a related field, along with a passion for nonprofit work. This position provides a unique opportunity to tell ASP's story, highlight the impact of faith and service, and strengthen community connections to support our mission of home repair home replacement and disaster recovery replacement in Central Appalachia.

Job Responsibilities

With a strategic goal to reach over 17,000 annual volunteers in all ASP programs, the Marketing & Communications Specialist - Ministry Connector will help connect to new audiences and increase brand awareness of ASP. Their primary role will be to effectively market ASP's programs to potential new volunteers and how service can connect to their faith with a primary goal of increasing volunteer participation. Specific job duties include:

• Social media - manage all social media pages by creating content, developing and executing new campaigns, engaging with users, and tracking performance.
• Work with the Marketing and Communications Manager to take a lead role in ASP's brand awareness to the external community. This includes but is not limited to:
  • exploring radio PSAs, billboards, TV show interviews and other new mechanisms to expand awareness of ASP in the local community
  • making PowerPoint presentations for staff to use in outside presentations
  • taking point on facilitating ASP's public presence at events needing handouts, table displays, PowerPoint presentations, etc.
  • devising a standard display protocol for ASP information tables at events
  • connecting participating churches with ASP logos and content as needed, to add to their websites and outreach
• Graphic design - reviewing all current brochures, banners, website content and publications to stay up to date and make updates when needed.
• Responsible for ordering and maintaining inventory of PR materials to distribute at special events (pens, bookmarks, keychains, journals, hats, etc.)
• Gather stories from past volunteers and staff to include in annual reports, e-newsletters, and the ASP blog on the website to illustrate the impact of ASP's programs.
• Share ASP's Faith and Service curriculum and leadership training opportunities for youth and young adults as part of marketing our Fellowship Program and Youth Leadership Summit.
• Utilize effective marketing strategies to connect our various constituencies to ASP's Faith and Service Curriculum and opportunities to help test and use these training resources.
• Organizing current photo, video, and content file inventory and utilize them in compelling marketing strategies.
• Provide oversight and analysis of the return on investment of marketing efforts to supervisor. Suggest improvements as needed.
• Assist with ASP's merchandising effort, helping to facilitate product selection, design, and advertising
• Serve as a training resource to trip coordinators as needed, helping them connect ASP stories to their local media outlets.
• Devise creative ways to educate volunteer groups and partner organization's leadership about ASP's future goals and plans to involve more youth volunteers in meaning service opportunities that increase growth in faith.
• Assisting Marketing and Communications Manager with other duties as assigned, including video production, e-newsletters, press releases, media pitches, strategizing, department meetings, etc.

Qualifications

Candidate Description

• Bachelor's Degree, preferably in Marketing, Communications or related field.
• Photography and videography skills.
• Experience posting, managing and engaging on social media platforms.
• Nonprofit work experience is preferred.
• Willingness to work in a Christian environment and talk openly about the connection between service and faith.
• Excellent social skills including the ability to relate in a positive manner with all cultures and socio-economic audiences.
• Adheres to the highest ethical standards, reflects an optimistic and positive attitude, and conveys sensitivity to the needs of donors, staff, partners, and volunteers.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences through written and verbal communication.
• Organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficiency in use of Microsoft Office suite
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends as need for special events and to travel up to 20% of the time across the Central Appalachia region, with some overnights necessary.
• Valid driver's license and driving record that is acceptable to ASP's insurer.
• Satisfactory results on a background check.

Salary and Benefits

ASP provides a market-based salary and generous employee benefits program including:

• Salary based on education and experience.
• Medical, dental insurance are provided by ASP. Details of coverage to be provided prior to employment.
• Enrollment in ASP retirement plan per plan requirements. Details to be provided prior to employment.
• Phone and laptop provided for work use (if required for job performance)
• ASP vehicle available for local and regional business travel
• Personal leave:
  • 15 days paid annually for the first two years
  • 20 days paid annually after two years
  • 25 days paid annually after eight years
• Holidays:
  • 10 paid holidays
  • Christmas break, which is counted as 1 holiday, begins December 26 and ends January 2
• Sick leave:
  • 12 days paid annually
• Weather days:
  • CEO has the authority to close the office at any time due to inclement weather