Communications Director

Overview

Are you a seasoned communications professional concerned about the state of our democracy? Do you believe in the power of nonprofits and nonpartisan voter engagement? If so, we have an opportunity to put your skills to work in a mission-driven environment to foster a more engaged and inclusive democracy.

Working within a small, collaborative, and flexible team, your role as Communications Director will be to lead the communications of both Nonprofit VOTE and National Voter Registration Day. Our communications seek to weave a narrative around successful voter engagement efforts, highlighting key partners and traditionally underrepresented communities, while distributing practical advice and tools on how nonprofits can more effectively engage their communities. Responsibilities include:

Lead communications planning, strategy, and implementation

• Manage the Nonprofit VOTE content calendar, including writing and coordinating emails, blog posts, press releases, and editorials, leveraging other communications and program staff expertise.
• Develop key messaging and coordinate media strategies with partners in the lead up to, and on, National Voter Registration Day in collaboration with the NVRD Program Director and Communications Specialist.
• Manage report production schedules, deadlines, and workflows involving multiple staff and external contractors.
• Produce compelling calls to action that are inclusive of the needs of traditionally under-represented populations.
• Supervise and lead team, including other communications staff and outside consultants, to advance organizational objectives.

Amplify content to reach new audiences

• Cultivate relations with communications staff of key partners and national networks (Independent Sector, PACE, etc.) who help amplify our resources.
• Collaborate with national partners to promote webinars, resources, & publications to their affiliates and respective networks.
• Identify potential partners who can expand the online and media reach of National Voter Registration Day and work with existing media partners.
• Pitch and secure free and paid placements in sector press (Nonprofit Quarterly, Chronicle of Philanthropy, Nonprofit Times, etc.)
• Manage paid ads on social media and LinkedIn.

Maintain healthy communications infrastructure

• Oversee quality control for external communications, including factual accuracy, appropriate tone, cultural inclusiveness, and ADA accessibility.
• Steward the website, hosting systems, CRMs, social scheduling systems, etc., and serve as a knowledgeable point of contact for vendors and consultants.
• Work with staff to ensure proper website hygiene, overall functionality, and tool operations to enhance our web presence.
• Monitor and interpret social and web analytics, tracking year-over-year growth (goal of 30% over next 2 years), and adjust SEO and communications strategies accordingly.
• Work with the Executive Director to implement crisis management plans.

Desired Skills and Qualifications

• Understand and be able to convey the role of nonpartisan voter registration and get-out-the-vote work in strengthening democracy and closing participation gaps.
• Experience working with diverse communities and developing messaging that considers cultural, historical, and language differences.
• Knowledge of communications best practices, technologies, and accessibility considerations. Able to design and execute communications plans to engage partners and supporters.
• Strong project management skills and ability to manage production schedules, deadlines, and workflows involving multiple staff and outside contractors. Ability to use technologies and tools that facilitate greater collaboration.
• Strong writing and editing skills, along with a good eye for presentation and design.
• Experience working with video editing and production is a plus.
• Ability to thrive under rigorous deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Willing to wear many hats in a small organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required – in communications a plus
• At least 5 years as a communication professional, preferably with significant experience at or working with a mission-oriented or advocacy nonprofit.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule according to the needs of the organization, particularly in the lead up to key events.

This position will pay between $75,000 and $90,000 depending on experience. Health, dental, retirement, and other benefits are provided.

This position is fully remote except for occasional travel to Boston, MA, and Washington, DC.

Nonprofit VOTE is committed to values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. These values are reflected in our external work to engage marginalized communities in voting and elections. Internally, we seek to build and empower a diverse staff and leadership team. People of color, people with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Nonprofit VOTE is an Equal Opportunity Employer.