Fight for Solutions to Homelessness: Communications Director

COALITION ON HOMELESSNESS, SAN FRANCISCO

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Communications Director

Reports to: Executive Director

Annual Salary: Full time: 40 hours per week ($60,320 - $62,816 Annually) Full health and dental benefits, and a generous vacation package.

About Us:

The Coalition on Homelessness (CoH) is a dedicated, grassroots-driven organization committed to addressing the root causes of homelessness in San Francisco through advocacy, policy change, and community organizing. Since 1987, the Coalition has been at the forefront of systemic change, empowering those directly impacted by homelessness to lead the fight for their rights, solutions, and dignity. Our office is a welcoming space for activists, community members, and volunteers united in the mission to create lasting change.

About the Role:

The Communications Director is a key role at CoH, responsible for shaping and delivering our messaging, media relations, and public communications. As the issue of homelessness gains visibility and urgency, the Communications Director will be instrumental in amplifying the voices of unhoused individuals and driving the conversation on solutions. The ideal candidate is a skilled communicator with experience in media relations, social media strategy, and crafting compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.

Key Responsibilities:

Social Media and Communications (70%)

- Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy that aligns with CoH’s mission and goals.

Draft and produce a wide range of media content, including articles, press releases, opinion pieces, newsletters, social media posts, and toolkits that support our campaigns and advocacy work.

- Manage and grow CoH’s social media presence, ensuring consistent, impactful messaging across all platforms.

- Develop, train speakers bureau made up of formerly homeless and unhoused leaders, and set up speaking gigs.

- Work with the development director to coordinate the promotion of fundraising platforms and events.

- Work with the Street Sheet editor to develop messaging around vendor recruitment and expand distribution of our in-house street paper.

- Coordinate with various teams to ensure unified messaging, and oversee the production and dissemination of content.

- Lead organizational communications efforts during monthly meetings, collaborating with staff to refine and enhance our communication strategies.

- Foster relationships with media professionals, including journalists, editors, and broadcasters, to ensure coverage of our work and issues related to homelessness.

- Respond to media inquiries and coordinate interviews and public statements with the appropriate staff and community members.

Public Relations and Advocacy (30%)

- Develop and articulate clear, accessible statements reflecting our public stances on key policy issues, translating complex topics into compelling narratives.

- Create talking points, scripts, and other tools for public hearings and press conferences

- Draft fact sheets to support our advocacy efforts, ensuring they reflect the input and voices of those directly impacted by homelessness.

- Organize press conferences, public forums, and other events that elevate the voices of unhoused individuals and bring attention to critical issues.

Minimum Qualifications:

- Deep familiarity with homelessness and a commitment to engaging with diverse communities.

- Excellent writing and communication skills, with experience in media relations and public communications.

- Strong proficiency in social media management and communications strategy.

- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with strong initiative and organizational skills.

- Experience with social justice communications work, grassroots organizing, and advocacy is a plus.

- Proficiency in using Macintosh computers and word processing software.

Preference will be given to candidates who have personally experienced homelessness or social oppression. People of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with lived experiences of poverty are strongly encouraged to apply.