Program Director, Communications

Description

Job Identification

• Job Title: Program Director, Communications
• Department: Marketing and Communications
• Reports to: Vice President, Marketing and Communications
• Location: Alexandria, VA
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Grade: 20

Statement of Purpose:

The Program Director of Communications is accountable for the development and direction of media strategies and communications plans to ensure all communications are fully aligned with the strategic positioning of the organization. He/She is actively engaged with the vice president, communications in the planning and execution of the organization’s comprehensive communications and marketing strategy.

The Program Director, Communications is the primary communications liaison and point of contact for NIB with the U.S. AbilityOne Commission. In this role, the Program Director, Communications serves as the Marketing and Communications subject matter expert and program manager for the AbilityOne Commission Cooperative Agreement who executes on all related assignments and deliverables. Additionally, the Program Director, Communications provides strategy, management, and coordination for a variety of corporate communications projects in support of NIB and the New York State Preferred Source Program for New Yorkers Who Are Blind (NYSPSP).

Business Communications

Employees in Other Divisions Continually

Supervisory Personnel Continually

Associated Agency Personnel Continually

SourceAmerica Occasionally

U.S. AbilityOne Commission Frequently

Third Party Vendors and Contractors Regularly

NIB Leadership Team Frequently

NYSPSP Leadership Team Regularly

Responsibility for the Work of Others

The Program Director, Communications directs and manages the performance of a Project Manager, Communications and indirectly a part time communications specialist. The position plays a significant role in the oversight of outside public relations firms, video production companies, social media agencies, freelance writers and publishing agencies, and other communications consultants. The Program Director, Communication contributes significantly to the onboarding and management of marketing and advertising agencies as needed.

Education

BA/BS degree in journalism, public relations, communications, marketing or relevant discipline from a regionally accredited university or college or other related field preferred or equivalent experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience is also acceptable.

Training and Specialized Knowledge

• A dynamic leadership style with the ability to motivate internal teams and work with individuals from cross functional groups.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically.
• Strong project management skills including goal setting, milestones, and project tracking.
• Must possess analytical skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple project deadlines effectively.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience in performing in highly visible roles.
• Strong writing, editing, presentation and research skills required, as well as knowledge of AP Style.
• Demonstrated knowledge of media relations, corporate communications, and executive communications.

Core Competencies

• Accountability
• Communication Skills
• Ethics /Integrity
• Customer Care
• Job Knowledge/ Technical Skills
• Decision Making
• Judgment and Problem Solving
• Leadership and People Management

Experience

9+ years of related communications experience; demonstrated ability to manage communications projects. Five plus years of managerial experience directing the work of others or equivalent experience is preferred.

Travel

30%

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for the management of all public and media relations; communications related social media initiatives and video production; internal communications; associated agency relations and editorial oversight for publications and the corporate website.
• Provide oversight, strategic direction, and messaging for corporate communications programs and written communications, including electronic and print communications, company publications, media / press materials, agency and partner communications, and social media / online engagement communications.
• Field inbound media requests and deliver key content, quotes and materials in a timely manner and screen media requests for value to the business and determining company participation.
• Identify, prepare for, and manage issues as needed, including liaising with appropriate departments to secure approval of media statements.
• Works with Vice President of Communications to identify internal and external marketing / communications opportunities and solutions, and to define and execute appropriate strategies to support them.
• Provide strategic communication support for the organization’s meetings and events, including national conferences.
• Collaborate with the marketing/creative team to develop integrated communication campaigns for product and company initiatives that maximize the impact of strategic messages.
• Counsel the organization’s President and other senior management leaders on general public relations, marketing, and communication matters.

• Advise and assist associated agency public relations and marketing staff in the development and execution of local communications and marketing efforts.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with associated agency counterparts and engage as needed in support of national public relations and marketing activities.
• Provide strategic communications support on high-visibility, national issues and initiatives; oversee and integrate communications efforts and messages across organizational departments and external stakeholders as necessary.
• Lead special projects at the direction of the president, executive vice president, and vice president of communications to advance the mission and goals of the organization. Serve as a subject matter expert and program manager for AbilityOne Commission-related communications deliverables and functions pertaining to the Cooperative Agreement between the AbilityOne Commission and NIB.
• Creates and maintains project plans, reports project status, and manages resource requirements and expenditures.
• Maintain synergies and is primary contact between NIB and AbilityOne Commission communications staff; interacts with key stakeholders to ensure consistent, effective, and up-to-date communications.
• Serve as the department’s program manager for all Cooperative Agreement deliverables, including quarterly activities reports, annual reports, and annual communications plans.
• Support NIB executive leadership by developing scripts and presentations for Commission-related events and meetings.
• Effectively interface in highly visible situations with the AbilityOne Commission, NIB leadership, and other stakeholders.
• Provide strategic counsel and serve as the team’s program manager for the NYSPSP marketing and communication activities including annual reports, marketing emails, social media posts, executive updates, event materials, and any additional corporate and marketing collateral.
• Serve as point person for corporate messaging and media initiatives for www.nib.org.
• Researches, develops, and writes across a variety of media, including print, social media, video, internet, and intranet.
• Contributes to writing, editing, and proofing NIB publications, including annual reports, quarterly magazines, weekly newsletters, and NIB’s blog.
• Performs other NIB-related communications activities as assigned.

This job description does not imply that these are the only duties to be performed. The incumbent in this position will perform such other tasks as may be required for the effective operation of the Division/Department upon receipt by his/her supervisor.

NIB IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

NIB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.

Qualifications