Communications Manager

Pine Tree Legal Assistance

Communications Manager

Location:
Portland; Hybrid remote

Pine Tree Legal Assistance seeks a creative and enthusiastic individual to join our development team as the Communications Manager. The Communications Manager should be a storyteller who can elevate Pine Tree Legal Assistance’s visibility while deepening our relationships with donors and key stakeholders.

Pine Tree Legal Assistance is Maine’s oldest and largest civil legal aid provider. Our mission is to ensure that state and federal laws affecting poor people are upheld, while also addressing the systemic barriers to justice faced by Mainers with low incomes. To achieve our mission, we provide free civil legal assistance to fellow Mainers; to make a difference in one’s ability to meet one’s basic human needs, or in enforcing one’s basic human rights.

The Communications Manager is responsible for creating, implementing, and assessing the effectiveness of an annual communications plan to increase public awareness of and support for our mission. The Communications Manager is responsible for all donor-focused and public awareness communications, including our annual reports, the writing of our fundraising appeals, our donor newsletters & email updates, and media relations. This position will not be responsible for our client-focused communications.

The Communications Manager works in collaboration with staff around the programs to identify and implement opportunities for media and communications support and works closely with leadership in developing external communications that are compelling, useful, and targeted to our key stakeholders. Part of the work of the Communications Manager is to translate complex issues into compelling content. The Communications Manager aligns messaging across platforms to strengthen our brand.

SPECIFIC WORK EXPECTATIONS:

• Work collaboratively with the Development Director and the Development team to create an annual communications plan with specific goals, targets, and strategies;


• Implement the annual communications plan;


• Maintain and update a communications calendar integrating the strategies identified in the annual communications plan;


• Oversee design and production of all print and digital materials identified in the annual communications plan, including an annual report, newsletters, fundraising appeals, social media posts, case for support, etc.;


• Ability to compose compelling and ethically thoughtful content for tailored audiences;


• Identify, establish and maintain collaborative and mutually beneficial relationships with key media outlets, beats and reporters/producers with the goal of expanding awareness of Pine Tree Legal Assistance’s mission and services;


• Oversee public relations efforts, including media outreach and press releases.


• As needed, lead crisis communication strategies;


• Work collaboratively with staff around the program to identify opportunities to effectively communicate about our mission and services;


• Analyze the effectiveness of our communications efforts and adjust strategies accordingly.


• Manage time and priorities in an effective manner; and


• Share responsibility for general office needs including mail, answering the door, facilities issues, and other needs that may arise.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

The Communications Manager is expected to be a valued contributor and supportive colleague to other office members and the program. The ideal candidate will be creative and hardworking, enjoy writing and collaborating with others, be detail-oriented, and motivated by the organization’s mission.  A bachelor’s degree is preferred; related education and experience will be considered in lieu of degree. This is a non-exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Candidate must be living in Maine, or willing to relocate to Maine for the position. 

In addition, the ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Positive outlook and approach to the work;


• Strong attention to detail and accuracy;


• Excellent communication skills (oral and written) with particular attention to clarity, tone, and audience;


• High level of organization with excellent time management skills;


• Skilled at prioritizing work effectively and able to handle multiple competing responsibilities;


• Familiarity with Microsoft Office products, Constant Contact, Canva (or other design software), and popular social media platforms;


• Exemplary interpersonal skills;


• High level of diplomacy, professionalism, and sound judgment;


• Desire to contribute to and maintain Pine Tree’s high standards for excellence;

• Ability to work cooperatively and establish positive working relationships with community partners and agencies; and


• Ability to work independently and as a team.

Compensation and Benefits 

The salary range for non-exempt staff At Pine Tree Legal Assistance (PTLA) is currently $52,090 - $74,090, depending on experience.

In addition, PTLA is proud to offer the following:

Employer-paid health insurance with a generous HRA contribution, generous health insurance opt-out benefit, employer-paid dental insurance, employer-paid life and disability insurance, and an annual contribution to a 403(b)-retirement plan. Other voluntary options include vision and expanded life insurance. Staff enjoy 12 paid holidays, paid parental leave, and generous vacation, floating holidays, and sick leave.

Pine Tree Legal Assistance is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to employing and supporting individuals who are passionate about social justice and have relevant work experience, regardless of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, physical or mental disability, religion, familial status or experience with poverty, receipt of public assistance, or homelessness.