[Hiring] PR & Digital Marketing Specialist @Native Forward Scholars Fund

Role Description

Under the direct supervision of the Marketing Manager, the Public Relations (PR) & Digital Marketing Specialist serves as a strategic communications and digital marketing professional responsible for strengthening Native Forward Scholars Fund’s visibility, reputation, thought leadership, and engagement with key audiences. The Specialist develops, executes, and evaluates public relations, executive communications, digital marketing, social media, and storytelling strategies in alignment with Native Forward’s Comprehensive Marketing Plan, Strategic Plan, Development Plan, and organizational priorities.

The position serves as the primary communications resource supporting the external presence and thought leadership of Native Forward’s CEO and exercises professional judgment in identifying communications opportunities, developing messaging, managing media relations, recommending strategies, and determining effective approaches for diverse audiences and platforms.

The Specialist leads assigned communications initiatives across earned, owned, social, and digital channels; develops executive and organizational messaging; cultivates media relationships; creates compelling public-facing content; and conducts research and analysis to inform communications strategies and recommendations.

Working collaboratively with the Marketing Manager, Creative Marketing Specialist, organizational leadership, internal departments, external agencies, and partners, the Specialist ensures communications are strategic, accurate, timely, and consistent with Native Forward’s voice and brand while advancing fundraising, scholarship programs, partnerships, organizational visibility, and Native Forward’s position as a leading voice in Native higher education.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public relations, journalism, marketing or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Familiarity with Raiser's Edge database is a plus.
• Valid Driver’s License is required.

Requirements

• Knowledge of American Indian History, culture, and tribes.
• Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, and equipment.
• Knowledge of public relations best practices, brand management, and media strategies.
• Excellent knowledge of web and related technologies, including relevant analytic tools.
• Skill in preparing, reviewing, and analyzing operational reports.
• Knowledge of business English, proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and basic arithmetic.
• Ability to communicate effectively in the English language, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to multitask, organize and prioritize while maintaining high standards of accuracy and quality under deadline pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet prescribed deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.
• Expertise with a generally recognized design/publishing software (In Design, Adobe Publisher).
• Experience using various social media platforms and web integration tools, familiarity with LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and WordPress.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to work independently and meet strict timelines.
• Ability to make solid decisions and exercise independent judgment.
• Ability to manage several priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to analyze situations and adopt appropriate courses of action.
• Ability to demonstrate excellence in everything and continually seek improvement in results.
• Skills in operating business computers and office machines, including Word, Excel, Access, and presentation software (such as PowerPoint).
• Skills in analyzing problems, projecting consequences, identifying solutions, and implementing recommendations.

Benefits

• Maintains strict student confidentiality and compliance with the Family Education Right to Privacy Act.
• Embodies Native Forward Core Values and promotes the Native Forward organization, staff, and programs, in a positive and professional manner.
• Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results.
• Perform other duties as required.

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• The employee frequently is required to walk.
• The employee occasionally is required to stand; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.

Work Environment

• Work is generally performed in an office setting with a moderate noise level.
• Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required.
• Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common.
• Travel will be required for events, meetings, conferences, presentations, and training.