Director of Communications & Public Affairs

Inquilinos Boricuas En Accion•Boston, MA

About The Position

The Director of Communications & Public Affairs develops and executes a comprehensive communications, public relations, marketing, and public affairs strategy to advance IBA's mission, strengthen its brand, and expand its visibility and impact throughout the community. The Director serves as a strategic advisor to the Chief Executive Officer and works closely with the leadership team to promote IBA's programs, services, advocacy priorities, and organizational achievements. Areas of oversight include media relations, public engagement, stakeholder communications, government and community relations, crisis communications, strategic messaging, marketing initiatives, and communications team management. The position reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer. The Director provides strategic direction for social media, website content, digital communications, marketing initiatives, and organizational publications. The role also measures and evaluates communications effectiveness, reports on performance, supports advocacy and outreach, represents IBA publicly, supervises the Marketing and Content Manager, and manages the communications budget and external partners. The Director participates in IBA signature events and carries out additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Requirements

Six to eight years of experience in strategic communications, public relations, marketing, public affairs, or a related field; nonprofit-sector experience is preferred.
Demonstrated experience managing media relations and working with print, digital, broadcast, and online media outlets.
Strong written, verbal, presentation, public speaking, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to develop compelling content and messaging tailored to diverse audiences and stakeholders.
Demonstrated leadership experience managing staff, consultants, vendors, and external partners.
Ability to prioritize, organize, and manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
Strong strategic thinking and ability to align communications initiatives with organizational goals and objectives.
Professionalism, sound judgment, attention to detail, and commitment to IBA's mission and values.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field preferred; a master's degree is a plus.
Experience in public affairs, government relations, or advocacy initiatives preferred.
Experience in housing, education, community development, public policy, arts, or related fields preferred.
Bilingual English and Spanish preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a comprehensive communications and public affairs strategy to strengthen IBA's public image, expand organizational reach, and raise awareness of its impact and mission.
Manage media relations by pitching stories, coordinating press opportunities, responding to media inquiries, and building relationships with journalists, reporters, and content creators.
Develop and maintain strategic relationships with elected officials, government agencies, community leaders, corporate partners, coalition members, and other stakeholders.
Collaborate with the CEO and leadership team on public statements, opinion editorials, testimony, talking points, advocacy materials, and organizational messaging.
Represent IBA at public meetings, legislative briefings, community forums, stakeholder convenings, and advocacy events.
Oversee and support crisis communications to protect and strengthen the organization's reputation and public trust.
Keep the CEO and leadership team informed about communications activities, outcomes, emerging issues, opportunities, and recommended action plans.
Provide oversight and strategic direction for social media, website content, digital communications, and marketing initiatives in collaboration with the Marketing and Content Manager.
Develop and review publications, including newsletters, impact reports, annual reports, program materials, policy documents, and promotional content.
Ensure communications accurately reflect IBA's mission, values, programs, and community impact, and create strategies to engage residents, funders, policymakers, community stakeholders, corporate partners, and supporters.
Develop, track, monitor, and analyze communications, marketing, media coverage, stakeholder engagement, and public affairs metrics; evaluate effectiveness and identify improvements.
Prepare reports, presentations, and performance summaries for the Board of Directors, leadership team, funders, and key stakeholders.
Support advocacy initiatives and public engagement efforts that advance IBA's mission and strategic priorities.
Coordinate communications and public affairs strategies to maximize attendance, participation, stakeholder engagement, and media coverage for organizational events and initiatives.
Coordinate the participation of elected officials, civic leaders, sponsors, community partners, and other stakeholders in organizational events and activities.
Serve as an IBA spokesperson and community ambassador, fostering relationships that strengthen the organization's visibility, credibility, influence, and impact.
Supervise and provide leadership, guidance, accountability, and professional development to the Marketing and Content Manager.
Collaborate with organizational leadership on strategic initiatives, special projects, and agency-wide priorities.
Manage the communications budget and oversee consultants, vendors, creative agencies, contractors, and external communications partners.
Establish annual goals, objectives, timelines, and performance measures for communications and public affairs activities.
Participate fully in signature events, including Three Kings Day, Festival Betances, and other community celebrations.
Support organizational initiatives that strengthen community engagement, advocacy, fundraising, visibility, and mission impact; carry out additional duties and special projects as assigned.