Communications Coordinator

The Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery (MOAR) (moar-recovery.org) is a fiscally sponsored organization of TSNE (tsne.org), which organizes recovering individuals, families, and friends into a collective voice to educate the public about the value of recovery from alcohol and other addictions.

MOAR Values: Faces and Voices of Recovery – Visible, Vocal, Valuable

The Communications Coordinator will primarily support a statewide marketing, public relations and communications strategy that furthers MOAR’s relevance and impact within the recovery community regions. This position will also support MOAR’s fundraising strategy, participate in analyzing state addiction policy and development of strategic advocacy campaigns and interact with volunteers, community organizations, coalitions, policy makers, and the media to enhance our marketing, public relations and communications strategy. This position reports to the Operations Director.

Essential Job Functions

• Work with MOAR Executive Director to analyze and interpret relevant public policy issues then report on these issues to MOAR Staff and Members;
• Write and distribute fact sheets on relevant state and federal bills, budget measures, and executive orders;
• Help develop strategic advocacy campaigns to catalyze improvements in addiction services including state budget item;
• Work with the recovery community to assess needs, strengths and trends;
• Work with MOAR staff, members, and colleagues to develop novel legislation to address addiction issues;
• Develop relationships and meet regularly with key legislators and their staff on addiction related legislation and budget items;
• Keep track of scheduled state legislative committee hearings.  Write testimony and arrange attendance;
• Represent MOAR in speaking at MOAR events, conferences, rallies, press conferences, and school assemblies;
• In conjunction with the Leadership Team develop relationships with funders, write and submit grant proposals;
• Attend MOAR Leadership Team meetings to participate in strategic planning and organizational development work;
• Draft MOAR’s responses to public Requests for Information from state and local agencies;
• Perform outreach promoting MOAR and Recovery in MA schools and colleges;
• Develop and implement annual marketing, public relations and communications strategy that represents MOAR’s mission and vision;
• Assist on execution of development plan including small events, annual gala, proposal writing, appeals, mailings and acknowledgements;
• Manage online presence including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and MOAR’s website;
• Assist in writing and editing our newsletters, social media, website content and other public communications;
• Develop and implement cultivation and solicitation strategies, tracking progress, and staying abreast of existing, new and developing funding opportunities;
• Coordinate and collaborate with local coalitions and task forces;
• Maintain accurate database records of donor activity to measure progress toward goal;
• Increase our volume of MOAR memberships;
• Obtain flyers from Regional Coordinators for Recovery Action Meetings and post to social media before the 1st of each month;
• Make sure calendars are up to date on website and Facebook;
• Post pictures from all meetings attended to Facebook;
• Send out press releases for all major events;
• Write monthly update letters to US Congress People, State Senate President, State House Speaker, State Chair of Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery Committee;
• Other projects upon request.

We will consider exceptional candidates who demonstrate a strong combination of the specific qualifications and skills described below.

• At least 3-5 years of communications, marketing, public relations, and fund development experience with a nonprofit organization;
• Must have experience with communication with tools such as Demonstrated experience Constant Contact.;
• Experience with grassroots fundraising;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team environment;
• Excellent writing/editing and verbal communication skills;
• Experience with and/or an ability to quickly learn grant research and/or writing;
• Demonstrated knowledge in Microsoft Office and successful use of social media tools, such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and all social media platforms;
• A demonstrated commitment to cultural competency that honors differences of race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, religion, and socio-economic circumstances;
• Experience with or an ability to learn quickly analytic database management;
• Direct knowledge about addiction recovery and/or lived experience;
• Experience with recovery pathways is preferred;
• Ability to: learn new computer systems and programs with minimal direction;
• Work independently in a fast-paced environment;
• Ability to adapt to change and handle multiple tasks/assignments simultaneously;
• Must be very organized;
• Typing skills (min. 60 wpm);
• Bilingual (particularly English/Spanish) a strong plus;
• The organization welcomes applicants from our communities of color.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those for this position. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. Work is performed in an office environment and in close proximity to other workers.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to:

• Handle, or feel objects, tools or controls;
• Reach; traverse; sit (usually for longer periods of time); occasionally ascend/descend; and position self (to) move;
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds;
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate;
• Job is not subject to significant occupational or environmental hazards;
• Likelihood of personal injury would be relatively slight;
• Environmental and work hazards are not present to a measurable degree.

Compensation and Benefits

Location: Work will be primarily performed at the MOAR main office (105 Chauncy Street, Boston, MA 02111). Work is currently remote due to COVID-19, but will be in-person when the office re-opens. This position includes occasional evening or weekend hours for special events, as well as occasional overnight travel.

Hours:  This is a full-time, exempt position. Regular office hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. 

Benefits: This position is eligible for a full benefits package including:

• Generous Paid-Time-Off (PTO): 12 paid holidays, 3 weeks vacation, 1 week personal holiday, and sick time for full-time staff;
• 80% Employer-paid, $0 deductible Health Insurance through Harvard Pilgrim;
• Low-cost Guardian Dental and Vision;
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Health and Dependent Care;
• Employer-paid Life, Long- and Short-Term Disability Insurance;
• Employer-paid Pension through TIAA;
• ...and more!

TSNE/Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery  envisions a society grounded in the principles of social and economic justice. As such, we strive to achieve excellence through a diverse and inclusive workplace that honors the unique talents and lived experiences of each person. Our vision and values are reflected in all our employment-related decisions, including hiring practices. Accordingly, TSNE actively seeks people who bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives to join us in our work.

As an EOE/AA employer, TSNE/Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery  will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin or ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identification, genetic information, veteran or disability status or any other factor prohibited by law.