Sr Strategic Communications Associate

About Urban Movement Labs

Urban Movement Labs (UML) is a nonprofit 501(c)3 mobility-innovation organization that facilitates collaboration between public agencies, mobility technology companies, and community members to pilot mobility solutions. Spun out from Mayor Eric Garcetti’s office, UML facilitates transportation innovation by augmenting City authority to make deployment of new tech in cities more capital efficient, sustainable, and equitable. We are a trusted third space to rapidly deploy and scale data-informed, community-driven and tech-enabled mobility solutions. The communities we work in enjoy a more livable, inclusive, and resilient future.

About the Position

Urban Movement Labs internal marketing team acts as the external force for communications to build awareness for community engagement, strategic partnerships, and various mobility programs. The Senior Strategic Communications Associate will join our growing team, tasked with building awareness around our impact and project outcomes, establishing relationships with community based organizations, and ensuring Urban Movement Labs is part of the local and national conversation about transportation technology and public private partnerships.

Under the direction of the Office of the Executive Director, the Senior Strategic Communications Associate will be responsible for developing and managing UML communication channels including, and not limited to: impact and program reports, press releases, executive bylined articles, thought leadership, events, social media, newsletter, and other communication and press initiatives. 

Responsibilities and duties to be led by the Senior Strategic Communications Associate include, and are not limited to:

  • Manage both external partnership communications and internal corporate comms
  • Oversee our brand message, community outreach, and communications calendar
  • Lead  unique and impactful PR strategies to facilitate program  engagement; 
  • Write and distribute organization  strategic communications plans to share program updates, upcoming events (digital or in person), and other news;
  • Create an overall marketing strategy to establish UML’s brand and messaging;
  • Oversee online events our online event series, including securing speakers, managing logistics and registrations, and developing ideas for new events topics;
  • Manage, monitor, and update UML’s website and refine editorial content;
  • Draft and edit a regular newsletter on our issues and send them out using Substack
  • Execute social media strategy and manage social media content day-to-day. This includes posting and scheduling content while engaging users, and evaluating analytics to inform future strategy;
  • Develop, write, edit, and assist  design or lay out award submissions, impact reports, white papers, or grant applications;
  • Conceive and help produce visualizations that tell compelling stories;
  • Pitch leadership speaking opportunities to leverage participation for press or social
  • Develop & maintain relationships with media, other organizations, and stakeholders.
  • Develop press releases, talking points, and organize with local, State, and National press

About You

  • You’re passionate about effective and creative ways of communicating with stakeholders and community members.
  • You’re curious about mobility, technology, and tackling the challenges faced by local communities.
  • You’re resourceful, curious, and excited to help shape a growing organization.
  • You’re community minded and think creatively about how to engage local stakeholders effectively, and how to support private companies in optimizing services to address existing challenges.
  • You’re interested in learning about how innovation and change can happen within the context of cities and public agencies. 
  • You’re a dependable team player who can stay on top of their regular duties, but also enterprising and creative who can offer up new ideas or content strategy.
  • You’re communicative and are not shy about asking questions.

Qualifications and Requirements

Candidates must have the following:

  • A Bachelor’s degree in a pertinent field or a prospective master’s degree in a pertinent field, including and not limited to: marketing, communications, or another related field. 
  • Minimum 5+ years in communications role at an agency, brand, or public company.
  • Strong existing relationships with top tier editors and reporters 
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English with professional proficiency 
  • Ability to proactively develop corporate communications plans and generate quality earned media strategies
  • Preferred experience working with departmental teams, executives, industry professionals and thought leaders
  • Experience in building creative communications initiatives that drive brand awareness 
  • Extensive experience managing media coverage grids and working knowledge of monitoring and reporting platforms including Muck Rack, Meltwater, Cision, etc.
  • Experience collaborating with multiple stakeholders and integrated teams
  • Flexibility and adaptability to a fast-paced work environment and ability to work under tight deadlines with occasional extended hour days
  • Understands and is fascinated by social impact, climate tech, equity and access.
  • Is an eternal optimist -we need a positive thinker whose optimism is contagious

The ideal candidate will demonstrate skills in some of the following areas:

  • Excellent oral and written skills in communicating complex concepts in a clear and compelling manner and producing different communications products ranging from formal press releases, to op-eds, to social media posts and explanatory blogs
  • Proficiency in managing communications with subscribers, developing and implementing engagement strategies, and with issue-based, digital advocacy.
  • Experience with tools including Adobe Creative Suite, and Canva to create template designs. 
  • Awareness of latest trends and topics in transportation technology while identifying  unique ideas for UML engagement  on our website, newsletter, and through events
  • Experience producing, posting, and evaluating social media content and engaging with a digital community
  • Ability to manage multiple deadlines and communicate effectively with colleagues. 
  • Proficiency in Spanish and/or other languages.

Position Details

Location
UML is located at 515 Flower Street in Downtown Los Angeles, and supports a hybrid work schedule. The expectations for this role  is for 50% of work to be conducted in-person to foster collaboration.

Term
40-hours per week beginning on a mutually agreed-upon start date.

Compensation
$55,000 to $85,000 annually plus benefits commensurate on experience.

To Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter articulating why you are interested in this position to info@urbanmovementlabs.com. Rolling applications accepted as of October 13, 2022 through November 30, 2022.