Welcome to our newest blog series, A Day in the Life of a Nonprofit Communicator. This is the second edition in the series, which we hope will shed more light on what it’s really like to work in nonprofit communications today.In addition to her daily duties as an outreach coordinator at a mid-size nonprofit that fights housing discrimination, Jasmine Spratt is a freelance brand consultant specializing in small businesses and nonprofit organizations. She is a writer and public relations fanatic with proven talents in developing an effective public relations plan for nonprofit organizations. Jasmine is also an avid traveler and food connoisseur. She currently resides in Mobile, Alabama.
Here is her typical day:
Wednesday, August 21st
Before 8:00 am: I am dropping my toddler off at school and heading to grab a quick breakfast at the drive thru, as I’m eating, driving, and listening to my favorite radio station (clearly I’m a multi-tasker). As I’m doing these things, I’m thinking of what my day will consist of when I get to the office.
8:00 am – 10:00 am: About 8:15 I am normally at my desk checking emails and making a to-do list of tasks I need to complete for the day and seeing how close I am to any deadlines I may have. I also check to see if I have any missed calls or voice mails.
10:00 am – 12:00 pm: If I don’t have any meetings scheduled, I begin working on any communications materials that need editing or modifying. Typically, I find myself working and writing down every idea that comes to mind as it relates to marketing for a nonprofit. Tasks range from revamping a company website, internal communications, working on quarterly newsletter, and any other marketing materials. So as I sort through my ideas and begin to work them into my day, I realize it’s lunch time.
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm: When I come back from lunch, I try to organize and sort through any papers that need filing for grant-related tasks. If I don’t have any meetings scheduled or any phone calls to make, I continue working on other projects and marketing ideas. I’ll also find time to check on our social media pages and update them if needed.
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm: I wrap up my day by jotting down any new ideas since in my office, I am the only marketing person. I then think of ways to incorporate these new ideas into our current media, etc. I somewhat relax during these hours because for the most part, I’ve completed the assignments I needed to complete.
After 4:00 pm: At or around 4pm I’m usually catching up on news as it relates to other nonprofits in the same profession. I also read different PR news and articles, and see what skills I can gain by reading and learning something new. The day is complete, so now on to my favorite hobby. A little online shopping never hurt anyone!
