Communications and Program Specialist

Parkersburg Area Community Foundation

Job Description – Communications and Program Specialist

Communications and Program Specialist

Location: Parkersburg, WV

Status: Regular Full-Time (Approximately 40 hours/week) | Substantially In-Person

Position Summary:

The Communications and Program Specialist is the Foundation’s primary storyteller and content creator, responsible for developing and delivering compelling communications that elevate the Foundation’s impact and visibility in the region. While the position works closely with other Foundation staff to generate ideas and identify opportunities, the Specialist is responsible for independently producing high-quality content. Strong storytelling skills, creativity, and the ability to “find the story” in complex information are essential. In addition, the Specialist will provide support to the Foundation’s Grants Program and Scholarship Program by supporting communication and grantmaking efforts.

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

Marketing and Communications:

• Maintain the Foundation’s marketing, communication, and outreach plan designed to increase the Foundation’s awareness and visibility with multiple audiences.
• Serve as the Foundation’s primary storyteller and content creator, responsible for researching, gathering, analyzing, and translating information into compelling articles, press releases, and feature stories.
• Act as the lead writer and content developer for newsletters, website, donor communications, media outreach, and campaign materials.
• Collaborate with Foundation Board and staff to generate story ideas, while independently developing and producing high-quality final content that highlights donor impact, nonprofit partnerships, and community outcomes.
• Manage and maintain consistent brand standards across all communication platforms.
• Maintain and grow the Foundation’s digital presence, including website, social media, and email communications.
• Create, design, and distribute print and digital materials, including annual reports, brochures, and event materials.
• Capture photos and videos at events and nonprofit site visits for use in communications and storytelling.
• Write press releases and coordinate media outreach in support of Foundation initiatives and events.
• Promote grant opportunities, deadlines, and funding priorities to nonprofit partners.
• Support donor data management, mailing lists, and CRM-based communications.
• Provide graphic design and creative support as needed.
• Identify and pursue outreach opportunities with community organizations and professional groups.
• Assist with events, campaigns, and special projects, and perform other duties as assigned.

Program Support:

• Supports the Senior Program Officer and provides as-needed support for the Foundation’s Grants Program and Scholarships Program.
• Manage special grant programs when appropriate, such as nurturing relationships with donor advised fund contacts to support the Foundation’s grantmaking and individual donor advised fund grantmaking.
• Develop and coordinate public relations and communications materials (such as, but not limited to, the Grants Program e-newsletter, Scholarships Program e-newsletter, and donor communications).
• Regularly review the Foundation’s website content relative to grants and scholarships to ensure all information is current, accurate, and appropriate.
• Assist in the development of tools and resources for Grants Committee and Scholarships Committee volunteers and applicants.
• Actively network, listen, and link community opportunities to individuals and groups with financial resources who can bring about change and advance community goals.
• Build relationships with and between donors, nonprofits, and community partners to drive Foundation impact.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Executive Director.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with demonstrated ability to produce original, engaging content.
• Proven ability to research, analyze, and translate complex information into clear, compelling narratives.
• Strong digital literacy, including experience with websites, social media platforms, and email marketing tools.
• Familiarity with Google Analytics and Google Ads.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in nonprofit, philanthropic, or community-based organizations.
• Graphic design and multimedia experience (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, video editing tools).
• Familiarity with CRM systems and donor management databases.
• Experience with media relations and public affairs.

Working Conditions:

• Full-time, approximately 40 hours per week.
• Primarily in-person with some flexibility.
• Occasional evening and weekend work.

Compensation:

• Salary $52,000-$58,000 per year

About the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation:

• At the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation and Regional Affiliates, our work is guided by a clear purpose: Our mission is to partner with generous people to build permanent philanthropic resources that strengthen our region. The community foundation serves as a connector — bringing people together around shared goals and local needs. We link donors, nonprofits, and community partners, weaving generosity into action and ideas into impact. Through thoughtful stewardship and long-term perspective, we strengthen the relationships that help our region grow, adapt, and care for one another. Guided by learning, collaboration, and integrity, our work ensures that compassion remains at the heart of philanthropy and that the connections we build today create lasting strength for generations to come.

Pay: $52,000.00 - $58,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

• Please help us to understand your interest in this position by sharing with us why this position is of interest to you and why the Foundation should consider you?
• We would appreciate a writing sample to review with your application. Did you enclose a writing sample?

Work Location: In person