Communications and Outreach Officer

Position Description: Reporting to and working with the Executive Director, the Communications and Outreach Officer will be a key member of RAIN’s team, designing and implementing RAIN’s communications plan in support of community engagement, donor stewardship, and building brand/name awareness for RAIN, all with an eye toward ensuring RAIN has the resources (financial, networks, etc.) to carry out quality programs in pursuit of its mission. The Communications and Outreach Officer will be responsible for key aspects of communications for a small international nonprofit, including traditional mail and email campaigns and newsletters, social media, tracking analytics, and maintaining relevant information in RAIN’s Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system (Little Green Light). Given the intimate size of the US staff, this position also includes shared support of general office functions.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Overall: 

• Under the guidance of the Executive Director, crafting and leading the implementation of RAIN’s communications and outreach plan in support of RAIN’s programmatic, fundraising, and organizational goals.
• Supporting the Executive Director, Board of Directors, Niger staff, and other stakeholders in communications and guiding their participation where appropriate.

Strengthen RAIN’s existing community:

• Develop regular donor and funder communications including email (6-12x/year), social media posts (2-4x/month), and mail (2x/year) (ex. reports, thank-you notes, newsletters, etc.).
• Coordinate writing, design, printing and distribution of annual appeal, annual report, and other communication instruments as needed.
• Responsible for quarterly newsletter and program specific reports.
• Responsible for RAIN’s CRM (currently Little Green Light).
  • This includes data entry, tracking donor interactions, running reports, and overseeing timely follow up re pledges, thank you notes, etc.
• Partner with ED and board for other targeted communications including phone trees.

Support RAIN to reach a broader audience through:

• Systematizing communications workflow to maximize use of written/graphic content.
• Managing social media (currently Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn).
• Cultivating advocates/ambassadors who can engage with RAIN on social media, share and draw attention to our work.
• Seeking out and facilitating news coverage as well as opportunities for article placements or speaking engagements.

Support Brand/Name recognition through:

• Regular, quality content across platforms and mediums.
• Creation of professional, effective communication instruments.
• Support of externally facing events including annual “RAIN DANCE” fundraiser.
  • This includes supporting corporate giving/sponsorships.

Other Duties: Given the small size of RAIN’s US office, administrative and office management duties are shared. Relevant tasks may include but are not limited to:

• Basic office operations (answering phones, ordering supplies, mail retrieval, etc.).
• Providing organizational and administrative support to Board and Board committees including notetaking, coordinating and disseminating relevant materials and following up on materials owed or outstanding tasks.
• Representing RAIN in a positive manner and communicating efficiently and professionally in all circumstances.
• And other relevant tasks as may from time to time be necessary or assigned.

Qualifications:

• Dedication to RAIN’s mission and vision and the communities it serves.
• Highly organized yet flexible – strong time management and planning skills, ability to reprioritize when needed.
• Strong written communication skills.
• Proficiency with office software including MSOffice Suite, database management, & mail merges – comfortable learning new computer programs.
• Ability to collaborate well and to work independently.
• Ability to develop trusted, effective and multi-directional working relationships with diverse multicultural constituencies, including Executive Director, board of directors, staff, volunteers and other stakeholders.
• Familiarity with ethical and effective nonprofit messaging and communications.
• Experience with/interest in building social media brands, including back-end analytics.
• Written and reading proficiency in French a plus but not required.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion. 

Other

Reference checks will be required prior to any job offer being extended. Education and employment records may also be confirmed.

Work Hours and Conditions

This position will be based at Rain for the Sahel and Sahara’s headquarters in Portsmouth, NH. Regular hours are 9:00am-5:00 pm, Monday-Friday. Some weekend and evening work will be required – with advance notice. All necessary office equipment, furnishings, and supplies will be provided. Employees typically work 3 days/week on-site and 2 days/week remote. Additional flexibility in working remotely/work hours can be discussed.

Benefits

Vacation accrues at a rate of .83 days/month (2 weeks/year). Additionally, there are 10 paid holidays annually. 

After 60 days, the Employee is eligible for a monthly Health Care contribution of up to $300 for a health plan of the Employee’s choice. To receive this benefit, employees must submit their health insurance bill. Employee will pay the deductible and any other fees, such as co-pays and office visits. Premium payments for each Employee will not exceed $3,600 yearly. 

Organization: Rain for the Sahel and Sahara (RAIN) works in partnership with underserved rural and nomadic peoples of Niger to increase educational opportunities and improve livelihoods for more resilient communities. RAIN is a 501(c)3 organization. 

RAIN is an equal opportunity employer. RAIN will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, gender identity, gender experience, gender expression, whistleblower activity, or any other classification protected by law in all personnel actions including, without limitation, hiring, training, compensation benefits, promotion, leave and termination.