Director of Communications - Grounded Solutions Network

Grounded Solutions Network is pleased to work with DRG to conduct this search.

Read the full job description HERE.

The Position

We are seeking a dynamic, mission-aligned individual with a passion for nonprofit communications. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Director will plan and execute communication strategies that drive support for our vision to scale housing solutions with lasting affordability, elevate our position as a national community development leader, and support the expanded use of inclusive housing policies and innovative community-led nonprofit programs to rapidly advance equity, inclusion, and racial justice. This position offers a tremendous opportunity to lead the development and implementation of high-quality external messaging and thought leadership content that elevates our brand, facilitates and achieves prominent national media coverage, and highlights our central role in various national strategic partnerships such as the CEO Circle of Color. The position also leads professional media engagement and promotion of our high-profile national conference.

The Director works collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to set and guide the strategy for all communications and public relations. This individual will also develop, manage, and oversee the annual communications department budget, provide leadership, guidance, and direction to a staff of two communication professionals, and manage a team of consultants. The communications team works closely with the technical assistance, policy, and training and events teams to engage Grounded Solutions Network’s membership. The team supports office staff located in Washington, D.C., and remote staff across the country.

ROLE OVERVIEW

Strategy/Management (50%)

• Provide strategic communications counsel to the CEO, CPO, staff, and occasionally to external partners
• Identify priority target audiences and develop key messaging frameworks based on organizational prioritized themes
• Develop and implement marketing plans to promote awareness of services, trainings, events, and policy priorities, build membership, and promote adoption of tools and resources
• In collaboration with appropriate staff, manage the production and dissemination of electronic and print materials such as e-newsletters, promotional materials for events, fundraising materials, membership campaigns, annual reports, and policy alerts
• Develop and manage the communications budget and work plan in alignment with organization’s strategic goals
• Manage relationships with multiple external consultants, such as PR consultants, marketing consultants, copywriters, copy editors, web developers, graphic designers, photographers, and videographers
• Manage and mentor communications staff to help them achieve success in their roles and support their professional development
• Support communication activities for our national conference and other key organizational events
• Oversee a revamp and ongoing strategic management of Grounded Solutions Network’s website to enhance the brand and tell our story

Branding/Messaging (30%)

• Refine the organization’s brand guidelines and craft standard language to message the connections between race, housing inequalities, and the critical need for resources to expand our lasting affordability focused solutions
• Maintain and strengthen the organization’s “voice” through message development, issue framing, and overseeing (with support of consultants as needed) exceptional, detail-oriented writing and/or editing of the organization’s external communications with an eye toward style, substance, and political or other sensitivities
• Develop comprehensive communications campaigns for new programs, major publications, and other major initiatives
• Oversee and maintain the integrity of the organization’s visual brand
• Oversee all marketing, communications, and messaging for the national conference to ensure high attendance and high-quality content
• Participate, as appropriate, in conferences and other events by providing communication support and possibly developing and presenting panels or training

Media Relations/Digital Communications (20%)

• Manage media relations, including fielding press inquiries, building relationships with reporters, and identifying media hooks for proactive press outreach based on current housing program and policy developments, and growing the organization’s media contact list
• Identify and cultivate relationships with key media and national partners and respond to media inquiries to advance brand and thought leadership
• Generate and proactively engage senior program staff in creating ideas for press outreach and contributed press pieces (op-eds, blogs, articles)
• Oversee organization’s social media accounts, direct social media presence, and set communication guidelines for social media activities
• Oversee digital communication campaigns and content across email, web, and social media platforms

Additional Qualifications

• At least eight years of experience, ideally in an “in-house” leadership role within a mission-focused nonprofit organization, creating and managing strategic communications implementation, media relations and various outreach tactics
• A strategic thinker who is able to connect communications strategies to programmatic objectives and identify synergies across technical program areas
• Experience in successfully managing staff, budgets, and external consultants
• Experience in using key performance indicators to evaluate communications campaigns and overall impact
• Demonstrated commitment to public service and racial equity, with enthusiasm for Grounded Solutions’ mission
• A highly effective project manager who enjoys creating and implementing new initiatives, with the ability to successfully oversee multiple simultaneous projects with competing deadlines and experience managing large, complex projects with multiple stakeholders
• Demonstrated track record of transforming technical information into powerful messages
• Highly collaborative work style, with experience developing and implementing communications strategies with associated timelines and deliverables clearly established
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite and social media tools and experience with or willingness to learn the tools we rely on, such as Campaign Monitor, Muck Rack, Salesforce, Dropbox, Zoom, and Asana
• High energy, maturity, and leadership with the ability to serve as a unifying force and to position communications discussions at both the strategic and tactical levels

Additional Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, Communications, Business, or a related field

WHO WE ARE

Work Environment

• Supportive, stimulating, and collaborative environment with passionate colleagues dedicated to building community, equity, and justice
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, matching 401k, and paid time off

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Grounded Solutions believes that our team should reflect, respect, and understand the diversity of backgrounds, identities, and experiences of the communities that we serve. We strongly encourage people of color, people of all gender identities, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ candidates to apply. Studies have shown that men apply for jobs when they meet only 60% of the qualifications, but women only apply if they meet 100% of them. If you are unsure that you qualify for the position but think you’d be great at the role, we encourage you to apply anyway. If you don’t have the minimum qualifications, you may be offered a different position and title, and we would partner with you to help you gain the skills necessary for the position as posted.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Salary: $100,000 - $130,000

• Generous low-cost medical, dental, and vision for employees and their families
• Employer-sponsored health spending account with eligible plans
• 20 days paid time off in Year 1 (increases to 25 days in Year 2 and more over time)
• 12 weeks of parental leave following the birth or adoption of a child
• Short & long-term disability
• Generous annual holiday schedule, with 12 paid holidays annually
• Up to 4% company 401k contribution based on your salary

TRAVEL

Approximately 4 to 6 trips per year of domestic out-of-state, as needed to attend conferences and company meetings.

LOCATION

Washington (DC) Metro Region preferred. Grounded Solutions Network has a physical office located in Washington, DC, with additional staff working from home or co-working spaces throughout the contiguous 48 states. Other locations with direct local access to a major airport will also be considered. All staff are expected to demonstrate the ability to work remotely while maintaining high levels of efficiency and productivity and communicate effectively with their supervisor and colleagues.