Communications Coordinator

DETAILS

POSITION OVERVIEW

Reality Changers prepares youth to become first-generation college graduates and agents of change in their communities. Serving more than 800 students and 4,000+ program graduates annually throughout San Diego County, the organization relies on the generosity of donors, corporate partners, foundations, volunteers, and community supporters to advance its mission and expand opportunities for students.

The Communications Coordinator supports Reality Changers outreach and engagement efforts by assisting with content creation and digital communications support. The ideal candidate must have graphic design skills, writing skills, video editing experience, and strong digital literacy. This role also requires excellent communication skills and must have the ability to maintain professionalism. Some projects may be conducted off-site and may include client interviews and filming, so experience working with youth is a plus. The candidate must demonstrate friendly demeanor, have the desire to serve others, and enjoy working as part of a team and interacting with the community.
This is ideal for candidates interested in marketing, communications, and social media who want hands-on experience in a mission-driven organization.

This position reports to the Director, Marketing & Communications

BENCHMARKS /GOALS / MEASURES OF SUCCESS:

• Grow social media engagement quarter-over-quarter, especially on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok.
• Increase the number of short videos posted to Reality Changers channels.
• Increase the amount of participant stories in Reality Changers’ story bank.
• Adhere to social media and email schedules.
• Meet all deadlines for content creation.
• Support supervisor to meet metrics established in the annual communications plan.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

An incumbent may perform any combination of the essential functions shown below. This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge, or abilities associated with this classification, but is intended accurately reflect the principal job elements.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Content Creation (85%):

• Edit photos and design graphics for use on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Optimize designs according to best practices for each unique platform & audience.
• Write engaging, audience-appropriate captions for social media content.
• Plan, coordinate, film, and edit short videos for TikTok and Instagram reels.
• Write & design mass emails, including monthly newsletters for general and alumni audiences.
• Schedule email and social posts in advance using digital scheduling tools.
• Stream live content and post regular ‘stories’ updates during Reality Changers events.
• Update Reality Changers website; including text, photos, and links. Add events to the calendar and upload resources.
• Write 500 – 1000 word blog posts profiling students and alumni.
• Create designs for printed collateral; including flyers, signage, event materials, and more.
• Collaborate with Programs Team members to identify and coordinate with students & alumni. Schedule and conduct interviews, photo shoots, filming sessions, etc.
• Attend Reality Changers programs and meet with stakeholders to collect photos, videos, and quotes for social media. Upload collected content to a shared database

2. Digital Communications Support (15%):

• Work with Director, Marketing & Communications to create and follow a monthly calendar for social media and mass emails. Ensure that calendar is consistent with Annual Communications Plan and organization-wide editorial calendar.
• Track and report on communications metrics, such as engagement rates, click through rates, website visitors, and more. Make recommendations for future content based on collected data.
• Maintain a database of client stories; including photos, quotes, permissions, etc.
• Respond to incoming Marketing & Communications requests from other departments. Coordinate with the Director, Marketing & Communications, to address needs.
• Monitor social media channels. Respond to comments and messages. Reshare and comment on content about Reality Changers.

Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• An associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, in communications, journalism, graphic design, film, PR, advertising, English, marketing or a closely related field; AND,
• One (1) year of full-time experience working in the field of communications, including creating content for social media, email campaigns, websites, video, etc.
• One (1) year project management experience
• Nonprofit experience with communications and fundraising preferred

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES

• Excellent writing skills. Writing must be clear, compelling, and grammatically sound; with little or no need for edits. Writing should sound natural and human-created.
• Keen eye for graphic design and photography. Able to consistently produce high-quality, professional looking content that grabs attention and communicates ideas clearly.
• Experience planning, editing, and posting short-form videos (You Tube Shorts, TikTok, Instagram Reels, etc.).
• Ability to produce efficient, compelling content with a strong message.
• Understanding of strengths-based storytelling. Interest in producing content that feels empowering to story subjects.
• Knowledge and proficiency in Canva, Google Suite, and social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok)
• Ability to adhere to established branding guidelines; including colors, font, logo, etc.
• Ability to adhere to established messaging guidelines; including style, tone, voice, preferred terms, etc.
• Experience with Word Press, email service providers (ex: MailChimp, Klaviyo), social media scheduling tools (ex: Hootsuite, Rallio), project management software (ex: ClickUp, Asana, Monday), and/or Adobe suite (especially InDesign, Premiere, Illustrator) preferred.
• Familiarity with HTML coding is a plus.
• Ability to write in a second language – especially Spanish, Arabic, Somali, or Amharic – is a plus
• Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people
• Integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed with demonstrated passion for the mission and commitment to working collaboratively with a management team of senior professionals
• Demonstrated ability to set and manage priorities under tight deadlines with an outcomes-oriented approach.
• Must be highly adaptive, versatile, and responsible, even when confronted with ambiguity and priority.
• Ability to maintain an organized schedule. The Communications Coordinator must plan ahead and communicate regularly to adhere to all Reality Changers’ policies regarding daily hours; and punch-in/punch-out times.
• Strong attention to detail and good follow through.
• Strong analytical skills
• Strong business acumen
• Strong work ethic

ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS

• Represent Reality Changers positively in all internal, public, and private settings.
• Provide positive encouragement to staff, students, and instructors in all public and private settings.
• Exemplify commitment to Reality Changers’ mission and values.

TRAVEL / HOURS

• Occasional weekend and evening work will be expected.
• Ability to travel to local off-site venues for meetings and events is required.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• A valid driver’s license or reliable transportation to and from site location(s), Reality Changers’ headquarters, and related events.
• Clear Tuberculosis Test (TB) or the ability to obtain medical clearance.
• A job offer of employment is contingent upon completion of our pre-employment screening process.

SALARY / BENEFITS

As a candidate for this position, starting salary and related elements of compensation will be contingent upon work experience, education, job-related skills, and any other factors Reality Changers considers relevant factors to the hiring decisions for this position. This position is eligible to receive three (3) floating holidays, 15 days Paid Time Off, and 5 days sick leave per calendar year on a pro-rata basis. This position is not eligible for medical, dental, vision, or retirement benefits.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as
computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This job requires the ability to sit and to use hands and arms to perform repetitive motions. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. It requires moderate dexterity, basic skills (calculator, keyboard, hand-eye coordination, etc.), and the ability to bend or stand as needed.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION

At Reality Changers, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) are connected to our mission and critical to the well-being of our staff and our community. In 2021, we were recognized as an “Outstanding Organization for Diversity & Inclusion” by the Association of Fundraising Professionals San Diego Chapter.

Reality Changers serves first-generation youth from low-income backgrounds and from groups who are traditionally underrepresented on college campuses—such as Black, Latinx, Indigenous, LGBT+, Immigrant and/or Undocumented communities. Because we believe that these communities must be centered in the work we do, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities and/or backgrounds.

TO APPLY

To apply, please submit the following to jobs@realitychangers.org by February 25, 2026:

• A thoughtful cover letter outlining your interest in the position and how your qualifications align with the above requirements and Reality Changers’ focus and mission.
• Current resume

This non-exempt position is eligible for appointment at $25.96.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible as interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis. The anticipated start date is as soon as possible.

Applicants who identify as first-generation college students/graduates are especially encouraged to apply.

Please note:

• No phone calls.
• Relocation is not available.
• All prospective staff will be fingerprinted and must pass a TB and criminal background check