COMPENSATION: Based on Experience (range $90,000 – $120,000)

FLSA: Exempt

LOCATION: NACA Headquarters, Boston, MA

CONTACT: [email protected]

BENEFITS: Comprehensive package: single/family health, vision, dental, 401(k) and more

WEBSITE:  www.naca.com

NACA NEWS DIRECTOR

NACA is a high-profile community advocacy organization with an extremely large membership base that is seeking to continue to raise the profile of NACA’s programs, initiatives and campaigns. NACA’s campaigns and advocacy efforts often involve demonstrations and actions targeted against individuals, corporations, and government entities that are on the wrong side of fair lending and economic justice issues.  The communications and media coverage around these actions must be targeted and clear.

The focus of this position is on media relations and establishing NACA as a high-profile organization.  NACA should be the go-to organization for the media for housing and economic justice issues. This involves working with local and national media to get positive coverage of NACA and its various programs including its massive ‘Achieve the Dream’ events. The News Director would create and edit press releases and reach out directly to journalists, reporters, news producers and editors. S/he would also have a key role in developing exciting new communication initiatives at NACA including radio/TVads, podcasts, website enhancements, and social media content and strategies.  NACA’s communication activities will grow markedly as it launches multi-state initiatives focused on our homeownership programs, events, campaign against corporate landlords, new construction of modular housing, political campaigns and more.   

NACA is looking for a very driven, creative individual with a passion for promoting NACA’s mission and ongoing initiatives and actions to both local and national audiences.  The ideal candidate is an energetic media savvy news professional with a background in TV, print and/or radio with experience as a news director, reporter, editor, EP, and/or producer. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

A successful candidate will be responsible for media relations including but not limited to:

• Establish contacts and solid working relationships with national and local media, with additional involvement as needed with politicians, community leaders, and others.
• Respond to press inquiries, draft press releases and media advisories, and track press coverage. Identify media and public affairs opportunities.
• Engage in the creation and execution of targeted mailings and the distribution of materials and information about NACA programs, events and advocacy campaigns.
• Work with NACA’s staff to identify media opportunities to support NACA’s campaigns and promote community and Member engagement.
• Craft messaging for public and media relations campaigns (including identification and pursuit of media contacts) and marketing efforts to promote NACA’s work and elevate its profile online, on tv/radio, and in print.
• Establish and manage a database of media contacts.
• Enhance and manage NACA’s website content and social media communications.
• Work with NACA staff to effectively promote NACA, its mission, and campaigns.
• Engage in the creation of internal communication to NACA staff and volunteers.
• Provide event assistance.

Other Activities and Requirements

• Assist in outreach activities focused on low- and moderate-income communities, churches, job sites, events, etc.
• Participate in regular trainings.
• Participate in NACA events and campaigns.
• Other duties as assigned.

Advocacy in Support of NACA’s Mission

Participate in advocacy campaigns as needed. NACA continues its aggressive advocacy in fighting for economic justice for low to moderate income and people of color by addressing the racial wealth disparity gap and other issues. Employment with NACA requires ongoing participation in NACA’s advocacy, campaigns, outreach, community organizing, and other activities as determined by NACA. This includes supporting and actively promoting NACA’s tactics and mission of fighting for economic justice.  This is also important for NACA’s continued success and in expanding NACA’s purchase and other programs. NACA staff have a tremendous impact on the Members and communities they serve. For more information about NACA or its history and programs, visit www.naca.com.

TIME DEMANDS

The Communications Specialist must be able to meet the demands of the job that consists of 55+ hours a week. This is a demanding position requiring dedication and the willingness and ability to work long hours including evenings and weekends. Extensive national travel is required.

COMPENSATION

The salary is based on experience and skills directly related to this position such as experience and connections in various media. The candidate’s performance evaluation and future compensation is largely based on meeting and exceeding the Job Responsibilities and other job tasks. 

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

NACA seeks leaders with a positive and open attitude, a strong work ethic and relentless commitment to success with attention to detail and ability to meet aggressive deadlines and ambitious goals. S/he is expected to have a high level of core competencies and skills included in one’s personal characteristics and professional experiences in the following areas: communication, organizational skills, professional skills, professionalism, customer service, time management, positive leadership, computer skills and being mission-driven.  The Core Competencies & Skills are described in detail at www.naca.com.

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree – Required.
• Training and certifications that demonstrate important knowledge and credentials – Preferred. 

EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

• Experience as a news director, reporter, producer, EP or editor.
• Experience in presenting on TV or radio a plus, but not required.
• Experience in navigating various media to get access.
• Experience with political media outreach or representing a politician, government or private section entity.
• Extensive network of media contacts.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to create tailored messaging to different audiences.
• Strong writing, editing, presentation and oral communication skills, as well as an ability to synthesize and translate complicated information into clear, compelling language.
• A credible and engaging personal presence.
• Willingness to think entrepreneurially and creatively.
• Background in mortgage industry and/or non-profit helpful, but not required.
• Ability to write and speak languages other than English, particularly Spanish, is a plus.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants can apply to selecting the Apply Button below.

NACA is an equal opportunity employer. Minority and bilingual individuals, particularly those who speak and write in Spanish, as well as second chance applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. To follow-up and for inquiries regarding this and other positions contact NACA’s HR Department at [email protected].

This job description is solely for descriptive purposes with NACA reserving the right to make unilateral changes to this job description. This does not constitute a contract for employment with employment at NACA on an “at-will” basis.

ABOUT NACA

NACA has more than three million Members and 47 offices. NACA has established an outstanding record of success over four decades for its effective operations and aggressive advocacy against predatory and discriminatory lenders. NACA stands out in the following areas:

1. Provides the best mortgage in America with no down payment, no closing costs, no fees, no mortgage insurance, at a below market fixed rate without consideration of one’s credit score;
2. Is the largest and most effective HUD approved counseling organization;
3. Has been on the forefront of fighting against abusive and discriminatory lending practices; and
4. Saved more than 500,000 homeowners with an unaffordable mortgage from foreclosure during the mortgage crisis.