Board Member, Communications

Board Member, Director of Communications, Volunteer

Join us in making a tangible difference in the lives of children and families in Jacmel, Haiti. Your work will directly contribute to increasing access to education and improving community outcomes. You’ll witness and empower the exciting transition from illiteracy to successful high school graduation with job skills.

Organization Overview

Haitian Educational Initiatives (HEI) is a 501c3 tax exempt organization based in Fairfield, CT that was founded in 2010 to partner with Haitian communities in addressing the lack of access to education in Jacmel, Haiti. Jacmel is peaceful, schools are open, and businesses are operating. Our partnership model enables us to provide food, scholarships, academic support and job training to over 200 students per year. 

Scholarships cover tuition fees, uniforms, books, backpacks and school supplies according to need. Academic support includes after school tutoring and communication with schools and families. We provide meals and snacks for our programs, as well as emergency food kits to assist families during periods of acute food shortage. Students receive job training in the areas of computer literacy, crafts, dressmaking and tailoring, cooking and baking. We also fund scholarships to local courses in trade skills such as plumbing and tiling.

General Board Responsibilities

The ideal candidate will bring creativity, strategic thinking, and a passion for education and community development to help HEI expand its impact. General board responsibilities include:

·     Advising the CEO in the development and implementation of the strategic plan.

·     Approving the annual budget and material business decisions; being informed of, and meeting, all legal and fiduciary responsibilities.

·     Reviewing board meeting materials and attending bimonthly meetings via Zoom or in person if applicable.

·     Representing HEI to all stakeholders; acting as an ambassador for the organization.

·     Contribute an annual gift commensurate with your ability.

Board and Communications responsibilities combined average 8 hours per month. Members serve 2-year renewable terms.

Communications Director Responsibilities

HEI is looking for a self-starter with a passion for communications and marketing and who understands the importance of nonprofit storytelling. This leader recognizes the value of utilizing social media to expand HEI’s outreach channels, enhance organizational collaboration, secure potential sponsorships, and most importantly, strengthen donor relations.

·     Planning: Develop a marketing and communications strategy and annual plan to reach mission-compatible organizations and prospective donors, as well as inform current donors. Manage the communications budget.

·     Collaboration: Work with the board, director of fundraising, and interns or volunteers to align the fundraising calendar with social media outreach efforts. Experience with fundraising is a plus.

·     Work with the board, interns or volunteers to produce and manage website, digital media, and social media content and relationships, including monthly e-newsletters.  Organize and maintain photograph and video collection.

·     Brand Identity: Ensure brand identity, messaging, and market communications are infused and in alignment with all organizational efforts.

·     Analytics: Measure, track, and analyze marketing results to make informed effective decisions. Competency in ad and search engine analysis is a plus.

·     Design Work: Design and develop the annual report and social media posts. Ability to produce a brand kit for presentations, website and future social media content a plus.

·     Donor Relations: Experience in nonprofit donor relations is a plus.

Apply for This Position

Please send a cover letter, resume, and 2 writing samples to susan@haitied.org. Promising candidates will be interviewed online.Tips: Provide a summary of the role, what success in the position looks like, and how this role fits into the organization overall.