Communications Director
Equality North Carolina (ENC) seeks experienced, articulate, mission-driven applicants for the position of Communications Director to work full-time in our office in Raleigh. Equality NC is a 501(c)(4) advocacy organization working to secure equal rights and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender North Carolinians, and provides staff support to Equality NC Foundation, a 501(c)(3) educational organization and Equality NC PAC, a state political committee.
Position Overview
The Communications Director is a member of the organization’s senior staff, reporting to the Executive Director. Working closely with the organization’s program and development staff, the Communications Director plays a leadership role in communications strategy and media relations, utilizing both traditional and new media to promote LGBT equality throughout North Carolina.
Responsibilities
Strategic planning for communications: Develop and execute a communications and messaging strategy that supports the organization’s strategic plan.
Public education and media relations: Spearhead multi-media public education campaigns to extend the impact of our advocacy; Work with local, regional and national press to pitch stories, maximize media coverage, and ENC’s visibility in communities statewide; Assist in the organization’s educational programs by writing letters to the editor and guest opinion editorials; Draft and edit all press materials, including press releases, media advisories, and memos; Conduct press outreach in collaboration with the organization’s local chapters.
Online communications: Develop and manage dynamic content for the organization’s website, blog, e-newsletter, and social media; Develop online e-activism campaigns and other web organizing campaigns with the Director of Community Organizing & Outreach.
Publications: Produce and edit reports, publications, and marketing materials.
Internal communications: Keep supporters and donors apprised of the work of ENC; Oversee production of our annual report.
Community outreach: Identify and coach spokespeople on ENC’s issue priorities.
General staff leadership responsibilities: Attend ENC functions, including ENCF’s Equality Conference & Gala, quarterly Board meetings, and other ENC events. Assist the Executive Director in maintaining a strong team spirit within the office.
These are not all-inclusive, but these are the priorities set by the Board of Directors and the Executive Director.
Qualifications of the Ideal Candidate
* Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or related field is required.
* Substantial experience (minimum of five years) in strategic communications and media relations, ideally in an “in-house” role within a nonprofit organization.
* A profound, sincere, and well-articulated commitment to LGBT equality; Understanding of core LGBT policy issues.
* Extensive writing and editing experience with a variety of print and online communications media, as well as experience working with media outlets.
* Demonstrated skill and comfort in proactively building relationships with diverse audiences, including reporters and editors, elected officials, community leaders, coalition partners and the public.
* Experience creating advocacy and membership materials including newsletters and content for member/activist email alerts, blog, and website.
* A keen eye for design, page layout, font, and general presentation.
* Excellent communications skills, both written and oral.
* Superb organization skills; detail-oriented with strong follow-through and the ability to meet tight deadlines.
* Computer proficiency, including content management systems, web development, and graphic design programs.
* Creative, result-oriented, self-starting, willing to learn, and able to manage an aggressive schedule; willingness to work beyond the 9 to 5 hours of the normal workday, including evening and weekend meetings and events.
* Some travel required, both in-state and out-of-state.
Compensation
Commensurate with experience and qualifications. Excellent benefits including: paid time off, health and dental insurance, life insurance.
How to apply
Applications should include a cover letter, resume, two writing samples (one informal, such as an email alert or a sampling of social media posts, and one formal, such as a press release or issue brief), and list of at least three professional references, including contact information for each. Submit applications to Ian Palmquist, Executive Director by email to: hr@equalitync.org.
Beginning December 15, 2010, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
More information here.
This blog is no longer updated. Please instead visit Writers For Diversity for new opportunities for women/ LGBT writers and writers of color. Thank you.
