Director of Strategic Communications
West Central Initiative is now accepting applications!
Position Summary: The Director of Strategic Communications is responsible for the quality and breadth of all corporate communications at West Central Initiative. This position will remain open until filled.
General Purpose: Public relations and marketing.
Position responsibilities:
· Design and carry out annual communications plan aligned with WCI’s strategic goals.
· Steward the WCI brand to maintain and elevate its vibrancy, meaning, and message.
· Maintain and regularly update the editorial calendar, style guides, crisis communications manual and existing repository of resources to guide all WCI staff in their communications.
· Determine the appropriate tactics, including websites, newsletters, specialty materials, media and social media, for successful implementation of communications strategies.
· Make full use of current social media platforms including video.
· Create original content to increase awareness of WCI’s brand.
· Design or oversee the design of non-textual content such as infographics.
· Assist staff and board to communicate the mission, vision and strategic goals of WCI and to understand how WCI is relevant in the region.
· Act as a resource for information about regional economic development, community development, philanthropy, and the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
· Provide communications technical assistance to WCI programs, partners, and component funds.
· Manage other employees, freelancers, and the department budget.
· Oversee the sponsorship budget.
· Manage specific projects as assigned, e.g. strategic plan tracking system, some special events in partnership with other staff.
· Participate as a contributing member of the management team.
Results required of this position:
· WCI constituents are aware of WCI programs and information.
· WCI Communication Plan is implemented.
· WCI staff have the tools necessary to communicate about WCI programs.
Essential skills and experience:
· Baccalaureate degree in marketing, communications, journalism, or a related field.
· Five to seven years of professional communications experience, preferably in a nonprofit setting.
· Excellent writing/editing and verbal communications skills, including a deep appreciation for the importance of the proper use of English, the multiple meanings and correct spelling of words, rules of composition, rhetorical nuance, and grammar.
· Strong creative and visual aptitude and the ability to keep current with layout and design trends.
· Must be detail-oriented and a curious, incessant learner.
· In-depth, hand-on experience with media, digital and print production, communications and dissemination, using a variety of written, oral, and visual media including a thorough knowledge and of popular communications, visual and video software platforms.
· Experience applying marketing principles and methods for showing and promoting organizational programs.
· Experienced at planning within a communications department and across an organization.
· Demonstrated managerial success, over projects and timelines and with subordinates and consultants.
· Strong skills in speaking, active listening, critical thinking, reading comprehension, writing, and coordination.
· Significant experience working with diverse populations, demonstrated sensitivity to differences that make a difference, equity, and inclusion.
· Requires valid driver’s license and carry and maintain private automobile insurance
Valued but not required skills and experience:
· A graduate degree with a focus on communications, public policy, rural economic development, sustainable development or related fields.
Physical demands and work environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
TO APPLY: Applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and two (2) examples of their best work to info@wcif.org.
West Central Initiative provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
