National Council on Severe Autism Is Seeking a Communications Director

[This listing is no longer active]

NCSA is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on the needs of the population of people with autism with limited functional and daily life skills, who cannot meaningfully self-advocate and who require continuous supervision and/or care. The organization is based in San Jose, California, but nearly all operations are conducted virtually, guided by a board of directors from across the country. 

NCSA now seeks a Communications Director to produce content on either an employee basis or a project-based contractor basis, depending on final scope of work determined by mutual agreement. Our priority is to find a highly qualified individual, and build around their strengths. Initially this will be a part-time role, estimated to take 20 hours per week, but one that could grow into a full-time position, depending on organizational needs. Almost all work is conducted remotely at the location determined by the individual, during hours determined by the individual, except for certain mandatory meetings. 

We are seeking a professional who has the following qualifications:

  • Strong professional communication skills, including ability to draft sophisticated advocacy statements and letters

  • Ability to produce content across a wide range of media, including blogs, newsletters, webinars, podcast, social media and basic video

  • Basic design ability, for example using Canva

  • A passion about issues facing the severe/profound autism community, including strong interest in policy objectives

  • Strong personal skills, good sense of humor, curiosity, patience, responsive

Projects:

(1) NCSA Advocacy Project

• Assisting with letter and position paper writing, at federal and state levels
• Assisting with op-eds and other writings to reach the lay audience
• Assisting with policy material development

(2) NCSA Core Communications (a selection of the following, TBD by mutual agreement)

• Assisting with the production of NCSA newsletters, blogposts, webinars, social media, podcasts, videos, YouTube channel

(3) NCSA 2024 conference

• Assisting with creation of an online conference in the fall of 2024

Proficiency with the following is desirable, or a willingness to learn:

  • Excel, PowerPoint, Word

  • Mailchimp (newsletter)

  • Canva (design)

  • Squarespace (website)

  • Zoom (webinars and meetings)

  • Social media, especially Facebook

Terms:

  • Part-time—Remote, with potential occasional on-site meetings (reasonable travel expenses covered by NCSA)

  • Begins in first quarter of 2024

  • Confidentiality, work product, other basic requirements

  • Pay is negotiable and will depend on the qualifications and experience of the candidate, and final scope of work determined by mutual agreement

  • Monthly invoicing, based on hours devoted to each project

To apply:

Please email a cover letter and resume to info@ncsautism.org with the subject line: Communications Director Application. Please include a link or attachment with examples of your professional communications work. We appreciate your interest!

NCSA reserves the right to amend this job description at any time at NCSAutism.org. Posted 1-23-24

ARCHIVES (not active)

Contractor Position: Policy Coordinator

National Council on Severe Autism (NCSA) seeks a Policy Coordinator (PC), beginning summer of 2022. This is a remote contractor position and can be performed from any state, from your own office.

Approximately 6-12 hours per week, the PC will perform administrative tasks related to advocacy and public policy, particularly in growing and managing the new NCSA “National Grassroots Network” (NGN), working closely with and reporting to the Chair of the NCSA Policy Committee.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Management of NGN database and related records
• Utilizing legislative tracking system (can be trained by Chair)
• Setting up meetings and communicating with members of the NGN
• Drafting and distributing media releases and social media content related to developing the NGN and communicating content
• Researching public policy issues as directed by the Chair
• Setting up meetings with agencies and policy makers, as may be needed

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Skills and experience in nonprofit management, project management and/or government relations 
• Enthusiasm for improving autism-related policy
• Strong organizational skills, follow-up, and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently as well as collaborate with a team
• Good communication skills, both oral and written
• Demonstrates initiative, resourcefulness, and problem-solving skills
• Proficient in Word, Excel, Google Sheets, Google Drive, YouTube, Mailchimp (newsletter, direct marketing), Zoom event management, Facebook, other social media platforms, Squarespace (website platform) -Training is available for quick learners

DETAILS:
• Must agree to protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of all NCSA data and information
• Approximately 6–12 hours per week, contractor position. Payment made on an hourly basis each month, commensurate with skills and experience. 

TO APPLY:
Please send a cover letter, including two references, and resume to NCSA at info@ncsautism.org no later than July 29, 2022. If you have any questions, please contact us at info@ncsautism.org.