📌 Core Information
Job Title: Communications Coordinator
Company: Black Cultural Zone CDC
Location: Oakland, California
Job Type: Full Time
Category: Nonprofit, Community Development
Date Posted: April 8, 2025
Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years of experience)
Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Supporting the Black Cultural Zone CDC's communications efforts
- Focusing on content creation, media relations, and social media management
- Ensuring effective communication and brand consistency across all platforms
- Contributing to the organization's public presence and fundraising initiatives
- Collaborating with various teams, including the Media and Communications team and the Director of Development and Communications
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong commitment to the mission of the Black Cultural Zone CDC and a passion for serving the Black community. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, strong organizational skills, and proficiency in relevant software tools.
📋 Key Responsibilities
Strategic Media Outreach and Earned Media Support:
- Assist in drafting press releases, media advisories, and story pitches
- Maintain and update media contact lists and databases
- Monitor media coverage and track media mentions
- Support the coordination of media inquiries
- Assist in compiling media kits and other communication materials
- Support the creation and distribution of newsletters
- Update organizational websites
Social Media Management and Community Engagement:
- Schedule and publish social media content across various platforms
- Monitor social media channels for comments, messages, and mentions, and respond appropriately
- Assist in the creation and maintenance of social media content calendars
- Track and analyze social media metrics and generate reports
- Assist in managing social media advertising campaigns
- Organize and maintain a library of social media assets
- Assist in community engagement efforts on social media platforms
- Ensure brand consistency across all social media channels
- Assist in the creation and distribution of social media analytics reports
- Support active social listening efforts
- Assist in the identification of brand advocates & influencers
Content Creation and Creative Support:
- Assist in the development of compelling narratives and content for various communication channels
- Create visual content using tools such as Canva and other graphic design software
- Support the development of multimedia content, including reels and podcasts
- Assist in optimizing content for searchability
Administrative and Project Support:
- Provide general administrative support to the communications team, including scheduling meetings, managing calendars, and handling correspondence
- Organize and maintain digital and physical files, ensuring easy access to communication materials
- Assist in the preparation of presentations, reports, and other documents
- Process invoices and manage communication-related expenses
- Coordinate logistics for communication-related events and meetings
- Respond to general inquiries and requests for information
- Assist in the project management of team initiatives
Hype Team and Vibe Council Support:
- Assist in the coordination and communication for Hype Team and Vibe Council activities
- Support the logistical aspects of events and initiatives related to these teams
- Assist in the documentation and distribution of information related to these teams
Development and Fundraising Support (Direct Support to DDC):
- Assist in the creation of communication materials for fundraising campaigns
- Support the creation of content for donor cultivation
- Assist in the creation of donor reports
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong attention to detail, the ability to work independently, and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
💰 Required Qualifications
Education: An associate degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field is preferred.
Experience: Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in a communications or administrative role.
Required Skills:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Google Suite
- Experience with social media management platforms and analytics tools
- Familiarity with graphic design tools
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Passion for serving the Black community and commitment to the mission of BCZ CDC
- Knowledge of the East Oakland community and culture is a plus
- Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality
Preferred Skills:
- Proficiency in Google Suite
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to the mission of the Black Cultural Zone CDC and a passion for serving the Black community. They will have excellent communication skills, strong organizational skills, and proficiency in relevant software tools.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $49,393 - $66,000 per year
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement plan with employer contribution
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Employee assistance program
- Professional development opportunities
Working Hours: Full-time position with standard work hours Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility for external meetings and events as required.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels. The actual salary may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and the organization's internal policies.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Nonprofit, Community Development
Company Size: Small (11-50 employees)
Founded: 2019
Company Description:
- Since 2014, the East Oakland Black Cultural Zone Collaborative Partners has worked with a coalition of residents, government agencies, churches, and grassroots organizing and community groups to help keep Black folks in East Oakland.
- Through their strategy of building power, securing land, and directing more dollars to community-driven projects, they aim to secure a foothold in East Oakland that finally allows their neighborhoods to thrive.
Company Specialties:
- Community Development
- Community Engagement
- Fundraising
Company Website: www.blackculturalzone.org
ASSUMPTION: The Black Cultural Zone CDC is a small nonprofit organization focused on community development and engagement in the East Oakland area. They prioritize building power, securing land, and directing resources to community-driven projects to support the Black community.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Entry Level (0-2 years of experience)
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Associate Director of Media and Communications and works closely with the Director of Development and Communications.
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position with standard work hours Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility for external meetings and events as required.
Growth Opportunities:
- This role offers opportunities to gain experience in communications, media relations, and social media management in a nonprofit setting.
- With strong performance, there may be opportunities for advancement within the organization or to take on additional responsibilities.
ASSUMPTION: This role is ideal for an entry-level candidate seeking to gain experience in communications and community engagement in a nonprofit setting. With strong performance, there may be opportunities for advancement within the organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, with a casual and collaborative work environment.
Office Location(s): 8321 International Blvd, Oakland, California 94621
Geographic Context:
- The organization is located in the East Oakland neighborhood of Oakland, California.
- The area is known for its diverse community, rich history, and ongoing revitalization efforts.
Work Schedule: Standard work hours Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility for external meetings and events as required.
ASSUMPTION: The work environment is casual and collaborative, with a strong emphasis on community engagement and teamwork. The organization is located in the East Oakland neighborhood of Oakland, California, which is known for its diverse community and ongoing revitalization efforts.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening interview
- In-person or virtual interview with hiring manager and/or team members
- Background check and reference check
- Job offer and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills, both written and verbal
- Organizational skills and attention to detail
- Cultural competency and commitment to the mission of the organization
- Technical proficiency in relevant software tools
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Demonstrate your passion for serving the Black community and commitment to the mission of the organization
- Prepare examples of your communication skills, including writing samples and social media analytics reports
- Be ready to discuss your experience with relevant software tools and your ability to work independently and as part of a team
ATS Keywords: Communications, Social Media, Media Relations, Community Engagement, Nonprofit, Community Development, Graphic Design, Administrative Support, Project Management, Fundraising
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may include an online application, phone or video screening interview, in-person or virtual interview with hiring manager and/or team members, background check, and reference check. Applicants should tailor their resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role and be prepared to discuss their communication skills, organizational skills, and commitment to the mission of the organization.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Google Suite (Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Gmail)
- Social media management platforms (Hootsuite, Buffer, Sprout Social)
- Graphic design tools (Canva, Adobe Creative Suite)
- Project management tools (Asana, Trello)
- Customer relationship management (CRM) software (Salesforce, HubSpot)
ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies listed are not exhaustive and may be updated based on the organization's needs and the candidate's skills.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Community-driven
- Collaborative
- Inclusive
- Innovative
- Committed to the mission of supporting the Black community
Work Style:
- Casual and collaborative
- Community-focused
- Flexible and adaptable
- Strong teamwork and communication
- Results-driven
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with the company's commitment to supporting the Black community?
- How do you approach working in a casual and collaborative work environment?
- How do you handle working with diverse communities and stakeholders?
- How do you ensure that your communication is inclusive and accessible to all community members?
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be committed to the mission of supporting the Black community, comfortable working in a casual and collaborative work environment, and skilled in communicating with diverse communities and stakeholders.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working with diverse communities and stakeholders may require additional effort to ensure inclusive communication and engagement
- The organization's focus on community development and engagement may require working evenings and weekends for events and initiatives
- The role may require managing multiple projects and deadlines, which can be challenging for an entry-level candidate
- The organization's small size may limit resources and opportunities for advancement compared to larger organizations
ASSUMPTION: The potential challenges listed are not exhaustive and may vary based on the candidate's individual experiences and the organization's specific needs.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Communications Coordinator or Community Engagement Coordinator in a nonprofit organization, with a focus on community development and engagement
- Compared to similar roles in for-profit organizations, this role may have less focus on revenue generation and more emphasis on community impact and mission-driven work
- Compared to similar roles in larger organizations, this role may have more opportunities for direct impact and decision-making, but fewer resources and opportunities for advancement
ASSUMPTION: This role is similar to a Communications Coordinator or Community Engagement Coordinator in a nonprofit organization, with a focus on community development and engagement. Compared to similar roles in for-profit organizations, this role may have less focus on revenue generation and more emphasis on community impact and mission-driven work. Compared to similar roles in larger organizations, this role may have more opportunities for direct impact and decision-making, but fewer resources and opportunities for advancement.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a social media campaign to raise awareness about an upcoming community event
- Creating a press release to announce a new community initiative or partnership
- Designing graphics and other visual content for promotional materials and events
- Managing a project to update the organization's website with new content and features
- Assisting in the planning and execution of a fundraising event or campaign
ASSUMPTION: The sample projects listed are not exhaustive and may vary based on the organization's specific needs and the candidate's skills and experiences.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe a time when you had to communicate complex information to a diverse audience? How did you ensure that your message was inclusive and accessible?
- How do you approach working with multiple projects and deadlines? Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously?
- How do you handle working with a small team or organization? What strategies do you use to ensure effective communication and collaboration?
- How do you approach working with community members and stakeholders who may have differing opinions or priorities? Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully navigated a challenging community engagement situation?
- How do you ensure that your work aligns with the organization's mission and values? Can you provide an example of a time when you went above and beyond to support an organization's mission?
ASSUMPTION: The key questions to ask during the interview are designed to assess the candidate's communication skills, organizational skills, cultural competency, and commitment to the mission of the organization.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the provided link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare examples of your communication skills, including writing samples and social media analytics reports
- Be ready to discuss your experience with relevant software tools and your ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
