Forum for Youth Investment
7064 Eastern Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20012
(202) 207-3333
www.forumfyi.org
POSITION DESCRIPTION
TITLE: Connect for Kids Editorial Associate
SUPERVISOR: Connect for Kids Managing Editor
PURPOSE: Handling the day to day responsibilities of maintaining a high-level online communications and advocacy platform for the child and youth field.
The Forum for Youth Investment is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to helping communities and the nation make sure all young people are “ready by 21” — ready for work, college and life. The Forum provides youth and adult leaders with the information, technical assistance, training, network support and partnership opportunities needed to increase the quality and quantity of youth investment and youth involvement.
Connect for Kids, a collaborative effort by leading organizations in the child and youth field, is an online resource and movement which mobilizes a large, active constituency to influence the policies and practices that affect children and youth. Connect for Kids consists of a cutting-edge Web site (www.connectforkids.org) and a set of eNewsletters (CFK Update and CFK Alerts).
PRIMARY DUTIES
A. Write CFK Update and CFK Alerts under the guidance of the Connect for Kids Managing Editor.
B. Work with managing editor to identify, secure the rights to, synthesize, editorialize and post on our Web site (currently using a Drupal Content Management System) the best content —original articles/multimedia and annotated links to news, reports and publications—created by the nation’s child and youth organizations.
C. Post action alerts on Web site (currently using Capital Advantage’s CapWiz XC software), writing compelling, Web-friendly text and drafting talking points for supporters to send to their elected officials.
D. Work with managing editor to monitor and maintain the CFK Web site, correct errors and ensure fresh content on all topic pages, state pages, and youth voices pages.
E. Use eNewsletter technology (currently Constant Contact) to create, test, and send messages, as well as to generate reports on the effectiveness of campaigns, improve future campaigns, and maintain database of subscribers.
F. Maintain positive relationships with CFK subscribers, responding to all email communications received.
G. Moderate all user-generated content (e.g., comments left on the site by visitors, content postings, etc.) ensuring their appropriateness and ensuring they receive responses as needed.
H. Interact with partner organizations, providing communication updates about the access rates of their content on Connect for Kids and encouraging them to continue to post additional content.
I. Other duties as assigned.
PERFORMANCE/CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS
The ideal candidate will be organized, with the ability to work as an integrated part of a team as well as independently. Initiative, commitment, creativity, ability to write, edit and synthesize information, technology skills, attention to detail and the ability to handle multiple roles, responsibilities and projects simultaneously are essential.
SKILLS/EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND REQUIRED
Experience or an academic background in journalism and/or research and experience and interest in using a range of new media and technologies to communicate is desirable. Skills and interest in online technologies a must, working knowledge of HTML preferred. Must be comfortable learning and using Content Management Systems (to post and administer content on a Web site; we currently use Drupal) and eNewsletter systems (to send out mass eNewsletter messages; we currently use Constant Contact). A working knowledge of youth development, domestic child and youth issues and public policy is a plus. Academic credentials include a B.A. related to journalism, communications, children, youth and/or families.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Flexibility is required to adapt to the dynamic work environment. The climate is informal but mission-driven. Excellence is valued in every position.
POSITION & COMPENSATION
Salaries at the Forum are competitive with comparable non-profit organizations in the region and will be based upon experience and expertise. Salary range, duties and responsibilities of this position meets the requirements of Section 13 (a) (1) of the Fair Labor Standards Act and therefore qualifies as an "exempt" position.
Connect for Kids Editorial Associate February 2009