Position Opportunity--Community Relations Coordinator (approximately 20 hours/week)

Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA) is a leader in the Special Recreation field providing programs and services to children and adults with special needs in association with nine park districts in DuPage County. We are seeking a Community Relations Coordinator to join our team for the daily coordination and management of all aspects of our public image, communications, and relationships primarily in the Naperville area.

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the WDSRA team and our member park districts in meeting the agency mission and vision
• Coordinate and implement the day to day activities promoting WDSRA in Naperville and establishing WDSRA as a major presence in the community
• Coordinate story generation and media coverage in Naperville including print, cable, online, etc.
• Develop local contacts through participation in local clubs such as Chamber of Commerce, etc.
• Assist in the development of the Marketing/PR plan for Naperville
• Assist in the coordination of Foundation events overall
• Assist in the photo coverage of Foundation events and program activities throughout the year
• Assist in general story generation in all member communities
• Responsible for sponsorship/donations/ad sales across all lines as determined by Superintendent
• Assist in the coordination of parade efforts including booking parades, designing the float, etc.
• Coordinate and design community displays is all member communities
• Perform other duties as required

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field
• Excellent public speaking and writing skills
• Demonstrate a working understanding of the development of printed promotional materials, brochures, publications, news releases, annual reports, newsletters, and publicity efforts
• Previous experience with publication layout, design, TV/Video production, web page management, sales and journalism experience a plus.
• Knowledge of the basic philosophy underlying a sound community special recreation program and the ability to interpret that philosophy to staff and the public
• Strong knowledge of media relations, publication development and lay out, corporate identity, and technology
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers internal and external
• Ability to solve problems comprehensively and efficiently, establish priorities, plan, and make decisions to take appropriate actions
• Ability to generate new ideas and future directions for the agency
• Must be energetic, outgoing, creative, idea oriented, and demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills

Salary and Benefits:
WDSRA provides a unique opportunity to work in a professional, yet fun and caring environment making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. We offer excellent benefits and training. Salary is $20,000.

Resumes can be submitted to Sherry Manschot, Marketing /PR Manager, sherrym@wdsra.com by August 31, 2010.