Communications Specialist

BNI Talent Acquisition Team•Erie, PA

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

As the Communications Specialist at Barber National Institute, you will play a key role in advancing the organization's mission through storytelling, donor engagement, media relations, and strategic communications. This position supports BNI's Advancement team by developing compelling content that highlights the impact of our programs, strengthens relationships with donors and community partners, and enhances internal and external awareness of the organization's work. The Communications Specialist will collaborate with staff across the organization to identify and share meaningful stories through a variety of channels, including newsletters, magazines, donor communications, press releases, social media campaigns, podcasts, website content, and fundraising initiatives. This role is ideal for an energetic, relationship-focused communicator who is passionate about mission-driven work and enjoys connecting people to a purpose through authentic storytelling. This is a full-time, salaried exempt hybrid position. Erie, PA is preferred, though candidates in the Pittsburgh or Philadelphia areas will be considered. The ideal candidate will have strong writing skills, nonprofit or community-based organization experience, and a genuine passion for helping others understand the impact of Barber National Institute's programs and services.

Requirements

Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to tailor messages for different audiences
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the confidence to interview staff, donors, families, and community members
An engaging, energetic, and collaborative approach to communications and stakeholder engagement
Creativity and curiosity in identifying stories that showcase mission impact
Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality communications materials
Initiative and self-direction with the ability to work independently and proactively identify opportunities
Strong communication skills with the ability to build relationships across all levels of the organization
Passion for community-based organizations and mission-driven work
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, English, or a related field
1–5 years of professional communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, or related experience
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
Demonstrated ability to interview stakeholders and translate conversations into compelling written content

Nice To Haves

Experience working for a nonprofit, fundraising organization, educational institution, healthcare organization, or other mission-driven organization strongly preferred
Experience supporting donor stewardship, advancement, fundraising, or community engagement initiatives preferred
Experience writing across multiple formats including newsletters, magazine articles, donor communications, press releases, website content, and digital communications
Familiarity with Canva, Adobe InDesign, or similar design tools preferred
Experience with social media platforms, content management systems, and email marketing tools preferred
Interest in podcast production, multimedia storytelling, and digital communications preferred

Responsibilities

Writing and editing press releases, newsletters, magazine articles, donor communications, website content, annual reports, impact reports, and internal communications
Interviewing staff, donors, families, program participants, and community members to gather stories that highlight mission impact
Developing compelling content for fundraising campaigns, donor stewardship efforts, annual giving initiatives, and community outreach programs
Supporting donor acknowledgement efforts, monthly impact updates, and stewardship communications
Collaborating with advancement leadership to support annual giving, endowment, and capital campaign communications
Coordinating and pitching stories to media outlets while maintaining media contact lists and relationships
Assisting with podcast planning, content development, guest coordination, and promotional efforts
Supporting social media campaigns and digital storytelling initiatives that elevate awareness of BNI's mission and impact
Collaborating with program teams and organizational leaders to identify communications opportunities and gather content
Assisting with the development and execution of communication plans for key organizational initiatives and campaigns
Producing staff communications, recognition stories, mission moments, and internal engagement content
Supporting publications such as newsletters, magazines, and employee communications that strengthen organizational culture and connectivity
Tracking communication performance metrics and assisting with reporting and continuous improvement efforts
Supporting public awareness campaigns, multimedia projects, community events, and brand-building initiatives
Attending donor events, community functions, organizational activities, and program events to capture stories and content
Building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders while serving as a positive ambassador for Barber National Institute's mission