Communications Specialist

Reporting to the communications director and serving as an integral member of NICWA’s executive team, the communications specialist will be responsible for supporting the development and implementation of strategic communications efforts to amplify NICWA’s mission of promoting the well-being of Native children and families. This position works closely with staff across the organization to assist with developing messages for a range of written products, social media, website content, and earned media efforts. We are a culturally based organization with a focus on leading our work with Indigenous values. We are a well-regarded national organization with strong leadership, deep roots locally in the Pacific Northwest, and strong relationships with local Tribal communities as well as Tribes nationwide. We have a highly collaborative workplace. The way we do our work is just as important to us as the quality and outcomes of our work, and we invest in our employees and our organizational culture. This hybrid role will work remotely on Monday, Thursday, and Friday, and will report to our Portland, Oregon, office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in communications, Native American studies, or other related field, or have an equivalent combination of education and experience • Four to six years of related experience which includes writing and editing projects • Strong knowledge of Native culture and experience working with Tribal organizations or government structures preferred • Proficiency in using social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) for professional purposes required • Proficiency with content management systems (e.g., WordPress) and email marketing tools (e.g., Constant Contact preferred) required; experience with Adobe Creative Cloud preferred • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software • Excellent organizational skills and high attention to detail • Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, demonstrating peer engagement and motivation • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

NICWA seeks a highly motivated individual who is passionate about the well-being of Native children and families. We are seeking candidates with communications experience, exceptional written and verbal communication skills, and a demonstrated ability to support communications initiatives while incorporating input from across our team. The ideal candidate will excel in creating culturally relevant and engaging content, contributing to social media strategies and campaigns, and ensuring high editorial standards across platforms. They will join efforts in partnership with a highly collaborative team, including work on the Protect ICWA campaign, and will work independently to implement social and communications plans, gain new skills, and provide guidance and support to other staff members. This is a full-time position with an excellent cafeteria-style benefits package. Key Skills, Attributes, and Areas of Expertise • Strategic Communicator – The communications specialist will be heavily involved in the development, writing, editing, and creative repurposing of organizational products for distribution across a variety of mediums in plain language. They will implement social media strategies, ensure culturally relevant messaging, and act as a backup contact for reporters and media requests. • Collaborative Team Member – The communications specialist will work collaboratively cross-departmentally to develop and implement communications strategies that align with organizational priorities. • Detail-Oriented – The communications specialist will help ensure quality control of all NICWA communications, including policies, procedures, and products, ensuring adherence to high editorial standards such as the Chicago Manual of Style and NICWA conventions.

$59,000-74,000 annually