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About the Housing Network of Rhode Island (HNRI)

HNRI is the State’s membership organization for non-profit agencies that are committed to the development of affordable housing and vital communities across Rhode Island. HNRI is committed to strengthening its affordable housing member organizations and the larger affordable housing and community development sectors. 

Homes RI

Homes RI is a united effort of multiple organizations including nonprofits and housing organizations. The goal of Homes RI is to shine a spotlight on the need for increased investments in the production, preservation and maintenance of affordable homes across Rhode Island and the ways we can accomplish this as a state. Homes RI is the external communications platform for the Housing Opportunities Initiative (HOI) and serves the housing sector and the public. HOI is a cross-sector coalition of participants who, using a collective impact approach, are working to increase the supply of safe, healthy and affordable  housing throughout Rhode Island over the next decade.

Position Description Overview

HNRI is seeking a passionate individual to execute key communications activities for Homes RI and to support a resident-centered community engagement strategy for the initiative. This position will build on key recommendations from stakeholders including: 1) educate the public and policymakers related to the benefits of community development and 2) support the communications infrastructure of the Initiative through the Homes RI platform.

Responsibilities:

• With support from HNRI staff, consultants, and current partners, provide capacity and help build the infrastructure for coordinated messaging among homeless service providers, CDCs and nonprofit developers, housing advocates, and others.
• Support opportunities for partnership and collaboration among homeless service providers, housing development organizations, and other institutions, groups, and organizations across a variety of sectors.
• Explore ways to outreach to engage and orient residents, organizations, and other stakeholders to Homes RI.
• Utilize data from local polls, surveys and focus groups and incorporate resident and stakeholder feedback to appropriately tailor messaging, information sessions and other modes of outreach to specific communities/constituents.
• Support engagement in Homes RI through variety of communications tools with attention to accessibility, including social media, newsletters, written materials, and face-to-face opportunities for interaction.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Qualities:

• Excellent written and oral communications skills
• Interpersonal skills including active listening and reflecting, ability to connect and collaborate with others
• Culturally sensitive and committed to principles of equity and inclusion
• Interest in community development and housing justice
• Openness to receiving feedback from variety of stakeholders and to incorporate emergent findings into work
• Some experience in communications, journalism, or public relations work, including marketing and messaging strategy development, working with various forms of print and social media, and/or event planning support

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Marketing, Community Development, Political Science or a related field
• Familiarity with Rhode Island and its distinct and diverse communities
• Background knowledge in community development, housing, homelessness and/or community organizing
• Bilingual / bi-literate in English and Spanish

Salary: This is a part-time hourly position of 24-30 hours per week, at rate of $22 per hour. Benefits are not included.

To Apply:

Please e-mail a letter of interest and your resume by 5pm on Friday January 18, 2019 to Ms. Katherine West at HR@housingnetworkri.org. Please include the position title in the subject heading of your e-mail.

HNRI is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate against employees or applicants on the basis of an individual’s race, color, country of ancestral origin, religion, disability, familial status, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, or status as a victim of domestic violence. Whenever practicable, HNRI will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities to the extent required by law.