Director of Communications
2 days ago
Portland
Job DescriptionSalary: $120,000 to $130,000 Company Overview At Childrens Institute, we work to improve the lives of children from prenatal to grade 5 who experience institutional or systemic barriers to opportunity in Oregon: children from low-income families, children of color, disabled children, dual language learners, and children in rural areas.Our research, policy and advocacy, learning initiatives, and community partnerships all aim to keep kids healthy and safe and prepare them to be active, engaged learners. ChildrensInstitute has always worked passionately to improve outcomes for Oregons kids.Through our work, wehave tograpple with a difficult truth: many policies and practices designed to address economic inequity do not meet the needs of children of color and children living in rural communities.Werecommitted to shifting these systemsand center justice in our pursuit ofanequitableOregon where all children have the love, care, and education theyneed..And we invite you to join us. About the Position The Director of Communications supervises the Communications team, serves as a member of the Leadership team, and reports directly to theCEO. The Director of Communications main priorities are related to ensuring message alignment across organizational initiatives and bridges the work of advocacy, policy, research, and Early School Success to align under the broader organizational vision. They will lead creative storytelling, internal communications, production, executive communications support, brand stewardship, social media strategy, and oversight of external vendors. Job Duties: Strategic Communication • Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with organizational goals and priorities., • Manage and lead all internal and external communications channel., • Ensure all teams are aligned behind cohesive, values-centered messaging that is consistent across various channels., • Understand key stakeholders and specific audiences (K12 educators, legislators, funders, etc.) for tailored messaging., • Create organization-branded material and organizational messaging., • Prepare (and lead when necessary) a crisis communications strategy in response to real-time, urgent developments that impact organizational work. Creative Storytelling, Branding, and Content Production • Identify and elevate compelling stories that illustrate CIs impact and amplify community voice., • Ensure brand consistency across all materials and platforms., • Translate research, policy analysis, and advocacy work into accessible and engaging content., • Partner with development for donor stewardship and events., • Support all teams in formatting and designing presentations, reports, and visual content., • Develop templates and brand standards to increase organizational efficiency., • Develop and maintain a strategic social media plan aligned with advocacy campaigns and policy priorities., • Lead internal content production which could include social media posts, event photography, video production efforts, podcast, newsletter, and website updates. Leadership Team Support • Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO and leadership team on messaging., • Facilitate regular check-ins with the Leadership Team to ensure Communications strategy is reflecting organizational priorities., • Draft talking points and briefing materials for high-stakes meetings (including legislators, funders, and coalition partners)., • Support presentation development for speaking engagements., • Prepare and format compelling slide decks and visual materials for executive presentations., • Advise the CEO on written communications, including op-eds, statements, newsletters, and major announcements. Assist the CEO in drawing connections between approved organizational messaging and personal messages drafted by the CEO. Internal Communications • Lead internal communications strategy to ensure staff alignment, clarity, and engagement., • Create clear messaging for organizational updates, strategic shifts, and celebrating wins. Project & Team Management • Develop, oversee, and reconcile Communications department budget, including staffing, vendors, technology., • Manage multiple communications projects simultaneously with strong attention to detail., • Establish timelines, workflows, and systems to increase communications capacity across a small team to support:, • Communications team presence at key stakeholder gatherings, coalition meetings, Early School Success trainings, research presentations, bill hearings, etc., • Update web content in WordPress to ensure timely and accurate information about organizational initiatives is presented, • Development of one-pagers, policy briefs, action alerts, etc., • Delegate effectively while maintaining accountability for quality and deadlines., • Manage relationships and contracts with vendors such as outsourced PR, media relations, and website design consultants. Other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications: Preferred Skills and Experience • 5-7 years of progressive communications experience, preferably in nonprofit, policy, or advocacy settings, • Experience supporting executive leaders with public-facing messaging and presentations, • Social media strategy and analytics experience, • Experience navigating narrative change and responding to funding and legislative shifts, • Experience managing external vendors (i.e. PR, web design, video, branding), • Knowledgeable in systems that impact children, early childhood policy and advocacy, • Bilingual abilities (speaking, reading, writing) or translation skills are a plus, • Video production experience (filming, editing, scripting), • Proficiency with tools and technology including:, • Design and presentation tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe, Microsoft, Google), • CRM platforms (such as EveryAction), • Video and podcast editing software Key Competencies • Strategic thinker with strong execution skills, • Strong Communications subject-matter-expert with the ability to operate as a trusted cross-functional partner, • Skilled storyteller with multimedia experience, • Strong visual design sensibility and brand stewardship, • Executive presence and discretion, • Ability to project manage complex assignments, • Exceptional writer and editor, • Ability to coach and develop staff, • Ability to thrive in a small, collaborative, mission-driven organization, • Deep commitment to values of honor, equity, learning, connectedness, and innovation.\ *A note on qualifications:Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills,educationand experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role. Physical and Sensory Requirements • Mostly sedentarywork;using standard office equipment including: a computer, keyboard, and telephone., • Hybrid expectations: 3 days onsite at our downtown Portland office., • Occasional travel to partner sites, coalition gatherings, or conferences. Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation please email . Salary & Benefits • Starting salary range: $120,000 - $130,000, • Employer fully paid medical/dental coverage, • Employer fully paid long-term disability coverage, • Employer fully paid life insurance, accidental death, and employee assistance plan, • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with qualified match and contribution, • 125 Flexible Benefits Plan, • Commuter stipend, • Cell phone stipend, • Professional Development Stipend, • 25 days of PTO annually, • 12 paid holidays, • Annual office closures the week of July 4th and last week of the year, • Employee Assistance Program