Communications Associate

About Forestdale

Forestdale is a family and children’s services agency serving Queens and Brooklyn since 1854. The agency provides parenting support, family strengthening, trauma‑informed treatment, health services, foster care, and youth development programming.

Job Summary

The Communications Associate is a new role in Forestdale’s Development team. This role supports the department’s fundraising goals through communications initiatives, with a focus on digital outreach and engagement. The Communications Associate will work closely with the Chief Development and Communications Officer (CDCO) and other team members to help tell the story of Forestdale and share it with current and prospective stakeholders.

Major Responsibilities/Activities

Content Development

• Write, edit, and produce content for newsletters, website, social media, annual reports, and marketing materials
• Draft, schedule, and publish e-blasts for fundraising and educational purposes via Constant Contact.
• Draft talking points and executive communicationsfor staff and board advocacy and outreach efforts
• Translate programmatic work into clear, engaging stories that highlightimpact

Communication Strategy Support

• With CDCO, execute the tasks and goals in the annual agency communications calendar.
• Assistin developing and implementing communications plans and campaigns alignedwith organizational goals
• Ensure messaging is consistent across all platforms and materials
• Support brand management and organizational voice

Digital and Social Media Management

• Draft, schedule, and publish engaging content across all current social media channels, as well as make recommendations to join and/orestablishpresence on emerging platforms.
• Update andmaintainForestdale’s website with current event information, sponsorship recognition, and other relevant content.

Media and Public Relations

• Coordinate with program staff to collect outcome data, participant statistics, and impact stories for use in all communications.
• Draft press releases and articles to secure earned media mentions.

Internal Communications

• Ensure style guide edicts are adhered to across the agency.
• Manage agency profiles and activity on external, third-party sites and apps.
• Develop and distribute internal communications templates such as Zoom backgroundsor slide decks.
• Collaborate with other departments to supporttheirprint or digital communication needs.

Events and Campaign Support

• Draft, schedule, plan and execute direct mail campaigns, including Annual Appeal.
• Serve aspointof contact for photographers, designers,and other vendors as needed for eventsand campaigns.
• Coordinate withthe Developmentteam to ensure all Annual Benefit sponsors’ requirements are met.

Analytics & Reporting

• Monitor communication performance (social media, newsletters, campaigns)
• Compile reports and provide insights to improve effectiveness
• Provide backup support to the Development team with regards tomaintainingdatabases and online files.

Other duties as required by the supervisor or needs of the program/agency

Minimum Requirements

• College degree (B.A.) preferred, or equivalent experience in fundraising, marketing, or communications.

• One to two years of relevant office experience preferred.

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite required; experience with donor databases, Squarespace, Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, and social media platforms preferred.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.