Job Description

Free Wheelchair Mission (FWM) is a faith-based, non-profit organization based in Irvine, California.  Our mission is to “Transform lives through the gift of mobility to the physically disabled poor in developing countries as motivated by Jesus Christ”.   Our vision is to “To creatively partner with like-minded international humanitarian and indigenous organizations to place 20 million wheelchairs”. 

Free Wheelchair Mission has grown rapidly over the last six years and has delivered over 280,000 wheelchairs since being founded in 2001.  In order to manage this growth, the organization needs to recruit and develop excellent staff members, who can grow with the organization and fill new positions of responsibility as the organization grows. 

Job Summary:  Responsible for writing all Free Wheelchair Mission communications printed materials including brochures, newsletters, cultivation letters, annual report, special event pieces, some web site content, fundraising materials, fact sheet, flyers, banners and all other agency-related communications. Coordinate production of materials from conception, design, print and distribution.   

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work closely with contracted design firm, marketing agency and pr company in producing communication materials
• Organize guest speakers from Free Wheelchair Mission to present at local businesses and community groups
• Work with Board members on communications projects
• Provide writing and editing support to staff in the development of documents, speeches, presentations, interviews, talking points, etc
• Support Development team in fundraising events
• Account for all communication invoicing and processing payment
• Send out e-mail announcements to staff, board members and database for communication purposes
• Represent Free Wheelchair Mission at events as assigned

Experience Required:

• At minimum of 3 to 5 years in communications or related field
• Superior written, oral, interpersonal and email communication skills
• Demonstrated success in producing successful communication projects
• Ability to prioritize multiple jobs at once
• Familiarity with missionary organizations or disabilities a plus
• Experience in the non-profit sector highly desirable
• Bachelor’s degree (B.S./ B.A.)

Knowledge and Critical Skills:

• Ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to interact diplomatically with diverse donors and groups
• Detail-oriented and able to forecast communication needs
• Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel and experience with Raiser’s Edge database a plus
• Good sense of humor!

Additional Qualifications:

• Highly productive worker who motivate others
• Enthusiastic, self-motivated and committed to excellence
• Excellent time management skills
• Must meet agency conditions for employment

FREE WHEELCHAIR MISSION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The Communications Specialist is employed “at will” by Free Wheelchair Mission.
Compensation: salary dependent upon qualifications and experience,
comprehensive benefits package included.

How to Apply:
Please send cover letter addressing your experience with regard to the responsibilities and qualifications listed above, and resume with work and volunteer experience to portega@freewheelchairmission.org with “Communications Specialist” in the subject line. No phone calls please. For more information, please visit www.freewheelchairmission.org

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