CloseKnit Communications Consultant Minneapolis, MN · Remote · Part time

Apply for Communications Consultant

THE CLOSEKNIT VISION We see all youth facing homelessness as already loved, especially youth from underestimated and under-resourced communities. THE CLOSEKNIT MISSION CloseKnit catalyzes system change, building a holistic response that overcomes racism to honor and invest in existing “chosen family” arrangements that prevent youth homelessness.

CloseKnit is an emerging thought leader in the youth homelessness field, shifting the dominant narrative away from White Savior assumptions that a youth facing homelessness has no one. Instead, we embrace honoring, removing barriers, and resourcing the people, often BIPOC, already in the youth’s lives. We are presenting our groundbreaking research and chosen family hosting model at national and international conferences. We seek a dynamic communications consultant to further raise the profile of our approach and drive anti-racist system change.  

 

In 2022, CloseKnit will: 

• Debut legal guides to resource chosen family hosting,  
• Co-publish a white paper outlining the research basis for investing in the existing supportive adult relationships for youth facing homelessness, plus 
• A peer-reviewed journal will publish our newest research paper, “The Cost of Caring: Navigating Material Challenges When Adults Informally Host Youth Facing Homelessness.”  

 

We need to do all we can to maximize the opportunities for our groundbreaking work to influence public opinion and policy beyond academia.  

 

CloseKnit seeks a seasoned Communications Consultant to develop and execute a communications plan, including:  

• Identify potential channels and targeted partners for print, television, podcasts, blogs, social media, in-person and online speaking engagements 
• Identify journalists, especially BIPOC journalists, who have previously written or reported on youth homelessness 
• Develop key messages  
• Create and distribute marketing materials, including a case statement, press release, and ongoing social media posts  
• Identify, train, and arrange media appearances for appropriate spokespeople 
• Evaluate the success of our public relations campaign by measuring engagement, impressions, and reach  
• Create a plan for ongoing media engagement 

 

People who are BIPOC, who have lived experience of youth homelessness, and/or have served as a host, either in a formal program or informally, are especially invited to apply. 

 

We are seeking a consultant for a $20,000 contract. However, we do have ongoing communication needs and may also be open to discussing an ongoing part-time position.  

 

Interested? Email work samples, a cover letter, your resume or link to your LinkedIn profile to CloseKnit executive director Jacqueline White ([email protected]). 

 

Applications accepted until April 15, 2022 or until contract is awarded. 

 

About CloseKnit 

CloseKnit conducts research, pilots new programming, develops policies, and advocates for investment in an upstream service-delivery model that stabilizes informal chosen family hosting arrangements between youth and their natural supports.  

 

Our Vision 

We see all youth facing homelessness as already loved, 

especially youth from underestimated and under-resourced communities. 

 

Our Mission 

CloseKnit catalyzes system change, building a holistic response that overcomes racism 

to honor and invest in existing "chosen family” arrangements 

that prevent youth homelessness.