Posted on February 18, 2013

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Senior Communications Writer Representative

The Communications Writer/Representative will formulate the majority of the core messaging, as directed, to convey LAUP’s mission and goals and to promote sustainability as well as the importance and value of early care and education. The individual will be responsible for the creation of content used for pitching articles on a local, state and national level, creation of press release copy, maintain and build upon existing written / electronic communication mediums such as blog and newsletters, and other special writing projects as they pertain to internal, public and LAUP stakeholder audiences.

The position will have responsibilities in communications strategy implementation, researching field trends, news and publicity writing, newsletter production, electronic communication, web editorial support, collateral support, speech writing and other forms of communication support for LAUP executives, exceptional verbal and written communication skills, and deadline adherence.

Essential Functions:

LAUP Mission/Credo:

Supports LAUP mission of providing high-quality preschool education to the children of Los Angeles County. Dedicated to the preschool cause (DREAM BIG), and along with the LAUP team, upholds the organization to the highest standards.

Daily Tasks:

• Manage and execute strategic LAUP communication plans and projects, customizing messaging for key audiences including media stakeholders, parents and families, lawmakers, business community, education sector and the early childhood care arena.
• Independently and proactively pitch newsworthy story ideas that resonate in a timely manner with reporters and editors.
• Write original articles for submission to Communications team and Director that resonate with stakeholders to relay LAUP’s mission and credo to inspire audiences to become engaged in the preschool cause.
• Draft language on behalf of the CEO for the monthly LAUP Board Report, CEO Report, E-Newsletter, Tuesday Talk internal newsletter, web blog and other LAUP correspondence.
• Strategize, focus, and revise messaging on the LAUP.net website to resonate as from one voice.
• Research, write, and manage LAUP communication projects for a broad range of external audiences.
• Identify and highlight major research findings, news, and trends within early education for both internal and external audiences.
• Plan and direct development, informational, and visibility programs to maintain favorable public perceptions of our company’s accomplishments and agenda.
• Communicate and monitor communications policies to ensure alignment with branding strategies.
• Seek and build strategic partnerships with like-minded organizations to help cross promote LAUP’s mission and external communications efforts.
• Assist with department’s social media outreach functions by contributing to the LAUP website content, twitter feed and promotion of LAUP and events on Facebook.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Physical Duties

Work is primarily sedentary in nature, no special demands are required. May be expected to lift boxes up to 20 lbs.

Safety Practices

Adheres to LAUP general safety practices and any unique safety practices for the department and/or building.

Knowledge and Skills Requirements:

• 5-7 years experience as a writer in a communications and/or marketing roll.
• Ability to synthesize, customize and communicate complex information for a broad range of internal and external stakeholders with an awareness of the demographical interests of targeted audiences.
• Experience in cause-related/social or consumer marketing and executing mass- market campaigns.
• Ability to proactively champion and build commitment to aggressively moving communication programs forward.
• Exceptional, effective written and verbal communication skills, including working knowledge of correct English grammar, spelling, punctuation, use of business vocabulary in composition of documents, and messaging for public speaking.
  
• Proven ability to independently meet multiple deadlines, balance numerous projects, and adapt to rapidly changing priorities while maintaining a perspective on long-term goals.
  
• Strong interpersonal skills for collaborating with and understanding needs of a diverse and decentralized staff, media, vendors, providers, volunteer leaders, stakeholders and others at all levels.
• Strong grasp of and interest in online media.
• Comfort in serving as spokesperson when necessary.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook.
  
• Ability to learn and apply routine office policies and procedures.
• Market research experience is a plus.

Formal Education: Undergraduate (B.A. or B.S.-level) degree in Journalism, English, Marketing, Business Administration, Public Relations or other related fields.

Application Instructions

Apply through the website http://www.laup.net