Communications Specialist

OUR STORY.

Harmonium was established in 1975 through an enterprising blend of vision and necessity to respond to Mira Mesa's rapidly growing need for juvenile diversion services. We continue to shape our mission, goals and services by listening to the needs of neighborhoods, individuals and families. 

We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that reaches more than 30,000 San Diegans a year and offer a wide array of innovative and customized program services to over 5,000 children, youth, and families each day throughout San Diego County. We believe creative planning, collaboration, and strength-based intervention results in high quality services that promote well-being. 

Interested in joining our team? Take a look at the position we have available below. If this role speaks to you, let us know by applying! We hope to connect with you soon. 

 The Communications Specialist is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining Harmonium’s internal and external communications and marketing systems and activities. The position manages communications across the Agency’s website, social media platforms, email newsletters, annual reports, marketing and branding materials, and other communication channels to ensure information is timely, accurate, consistent, professional, and aligned with Harmonium’s mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities.  

The Communications Specialist will create, implement and maintain the Agency-wide Strategic Communications Plan in collaboration with the CEO, COO, Executive Assistant, and staff. The position provides communications support to the CEO and is expected to independently manage assigned projects, meet established deadlines, maintain high standards of accuracy and quality, and proactively communicate progress, priorities, challenges, and barriers to completion.

Under the overall direction of the CEO and with administrative guidance from the Executive Administrator, the Communications Specialist researches, develops, drafts, edits, and prepares communications and other materials for internal and external audiences. The position also provides support for grant research, grant writing, and related resource development activities as assigned.

The Communications Specialist is entrusted with confidential and sensitive information and is responsible for protecting such information and strictly adhering to HIPAA, confidentiality requirements, Agency policies and procedures, and all applicable laws and regulations. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead Communications and Marketing: Develop and implement communications and marketing activities that support Harmonium’s mission, strategic priorities, brand, programs, and community impact.

• Create and Manage Content: Create, edit, and publish engaging and accurate content for social media, website, email, newsletters, fundraising, events, and other communications.

• Manage Digital Presence: Maintain Harmonium’s website, social media platforms, contact databases, and other digital communications to ensure information is current, professional, and consistent with Agency branding.

• Plan and Evaluate Communications: Maintain a communications/content calendar and use engagement and analytics data to evaluate effectiveness and improve communications strategies.

• Support Community Engagement and Fundraising: Promote Harmonium’s programs, services, accomplishments, fundraising efforts, and events, including gathering content and representing the Agency at community and Agency events as needed.

• Provide Executive Support: Provide communications, project coordination, meeting, calendar, and administrative support to the CEO and COO, including minutes and follow-up activities.

• Manage Projects and Follow-Through: Independently manage assigned projects, meet deadlines, maintain accuracy and quality, and proactively communicate progress, challenges, and needed adjustments.

• Maintain Confidentiality and Compliance: Protect confidential information and ensure communications comply with Agency policies, release requirements, and applicable privacy and confidentiality standards.

JOB COMPLEXITY

• Independently manage multiple communications and marketing priorities that require sound judgment, creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to balance competing deadlines.

• Collaborate across the Agency to gather information, coordinate priorities, and ensure consistent and effective communication across programs and administrative areas.

• Use professional judgment and data to assess communication needs, identify opportunities, and recommend strategies that strengthen Harmonium’s visibility, engagement, and community impact.

• Represent Harmonium professionally with staff, community partners, funders, media, and other external stakeholders.

• Handle sensitive and confidential information and, as directed by the CEO and HR, assist with communications or documentation related to legal, regulatory, or other sensitive matters.

COMMUNICATION 

• Provide responsive, professional, and high-quality service to Harmonium staff, Board members, community partners, and other stakeholders.

• Work closely with the CEO and Executive Administrator to prioritize communications projects, assess organizational needs, establish timelines, and coordinate with program staff to achieve communication goals.

• Develop written, visual, and digital content tailored to Harmonium’s identified audiences, communication objectives, and organizational priorities.

• Collaborate effectively across program and administrative areas to gather information, develop content, and ensure communications are accurate, timely, relevant, and aligned with Agency messaging and brand standards.

AGENCY LEADERSHIP

• Exemplifies and promotes Agency mission, vision and core values

DECISION MAKING 

• Identify and recommend effective communications solutions and strategies based on industry best practices, organizational priorities, audience needs, and available data.

• Exercise sound judgment and independent decision-making within the scope of the position, seeking direction or approval from the CEO when appropriate.

• Take direction and guidance from the Executive Assistant regarding communications priorities, Agency strategy, and assigned projects. Work collaboratively across program and administrative areas and follow the direction of the Executive Assistant on projects for which they have been designated the lead. 

• Establish realistic timelines for assigned projects, communicate priorities and expected completion dates clearly, and maintain consistent follow-through to meet established deadlines.

• Communicate proactively regarding project status, changes in priorities, emerging issues, or barriers that may affect timelines or completion, and recommend appropriate solutions or adjustments.

• Ensure decisions, communications, and completed work are consistent with Harmonium policies, program requirements, contractual obligations, and applicable state and federal laws and guidelines.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

 EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.

• Minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field.

• Experience developing and managing communications across digital platforms, including websites, social media, email, and other communication channels.

• Demonstrated ability to write, edit, proofread, and produce clear, accurate, engaging, and audience-appropriate content.

• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute communications projects from concept through completion, including establishing timelines and meeting deadlines.

• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines while maintaining accuracy and quality.

• Demonstrated ability to use communication metrics and analytics to evaluate effectiveness and make recommendations to improve reach, engagement, and impact.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with staff, leadership, Board members, community partners, and other stakeholders.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, take initiative, and follow assignments through to completion.

• Ability to communicate proactively regarding project status, competing priorities, challenges, and anticipated delays.

• Nonprofit experience preferred, particularly experience working across multiple programs or service areas.

• Experience with website content management systems, social media platforms, email marketing tools, analytics platforms, and basic graphic/content creation tools preferred.

• Knowledge of branding, public relations, fundraising communications, and nonprofit communications practices preferred.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA, privacy requirements, and applicable laws, regulations, and Agency policies.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITY

• Strong knowledge of social media platforms and digital communication channels, with the ability to develop content appropriate to different platforms, audiences, and communication objectives.

• Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, accurate, engaging, and audience-appropriate content consistent with Harmonium’s brand voice and standards.

• Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Proficiency with digital content creation and design tools, such as Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or comparable platforms.

• Ability to analyze website, social media, email, and other communication metrics and translate findings into actionable recommendations to improve communication effectiveness and impact.

• Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities, establish realistic timelines, meet deadlines, and maintain consistent follow-through.

• Ability to work independently, take initiative, exercise sound judgment, and make appropriate decisions within the scope of the position.

• Ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and proactively regarding project status, priorities, challenges, barriers, and anticipated delays.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic, collaborative, and team-oriented environment while maintaining accuracy, quality, and professionalism.

• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain positive, professional, and responsive working relationships with staff, leadership, Board members, community partners, and other stakeholders.

• Commitment to Harmonium’s mission and to supporting the well-being of children, youth, and families.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion in accordance with HIPAA, Agency policies, and applicable confidentiality and privacy requirements.

ADDITIONAL EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Must be 18 years of age

• Valid TB results required

• Must receive Fingerprint Clearance upon hire (paid by Harmonium)

• Valid CA driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle with active insurance

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment 

• High energy needed with the ability to balance multiple high-stress tasks

• No or very limited exposure to physical risk

• Ability to travel throughout the county with the flexibility required to meet job duties

• Frequent repetitive hand use and simple grasping, i.e., desk and computer functions

• Ability to sit for prolonged period

• Ability to lift and carry up to twenty pounds

• Ability to operate a computer

• Occasional standing, walking, kneeling, bending, twisting, pushing, pulling, reaching above and below the shoulder

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

Harmonium is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We seek to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all employees/interns. We are committed to maintaining an atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.

DISCLAIMER NOTICE: This Job Description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. It is not intended to be an all inclusive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position. This job description is subject to change at any time. 

Part Time, 20 hours per week