Director of Communications

Lift To Rise•Palm Desert, CA

5d•$105,000 - $120,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Communications will lead Lift to Rise's unique and innovative communications, stewarding their powerful brand and strengthening organizational storytelling and public engagement strategies. They will translate affordable housing policy work into clear, emotionally compelling narratives that move partners, donors, media, and community members to action. This role combines strategic leadership with proactive content creation across channels. The ideal candidate is a creative leader who works cross-functionally, anticipating opportunities and building innovative approaches to storytelling with a keen eye for design.

Requirements

5-7 years of professional experience in dynamic communications roles, preferably with brand strategy experience
Bachelor’s degree required (related field preferred but not required)
Demonstrated experience in clear, concise and exceptional content writing and storytelling skills
Demonstrated experience creating engaging, brand-driven written, visual, and multimedia content for diverse audiences
Strong portfolio of communications and brand strategy work — positioning, narrative and messaging frameworks
Experience with social media management, analytics, CMS, and digital content creation tools
Experience with photography, videography, graphic design, and/or short-form video production
Able to work in dynamic, fast-paced environments and adjust to shifting priorities or creative direction
Ability to work full-time, including some weekends and evenings as needed
Willingness and ability to travel across Riverside County as needed for communications work; must have transportation resources available, valid state ID, and maintain clean driving record
Adept at maintaining professional boundaries and confidentiality at all times
A passion and authentic commitment to justice and equity for people of all ethnicities, races, ages, gender identities, sexual orientations, economic circumstances, physical and mental abilities and characteristics, and philosophies
Genuine commitment to resident and community issues, as well as Lift to Rise’s vision, mission and values
Excited by new communications opportunities, new partners, and innovative strategies
A bias towards action and a desire for excellence

Nice To Haves

Background in policy or legislative environments and/or conceptual understanding of collective impact or cross-sector collaborative work a plus
Bilingual candidates are especially encouraged to apply

Responsibilities

Steward Lift to Rise's brand and public narrative to drive mission across all communications media platforms
Lead organizational storytelling to communicate Lift to Rise’s mission, impact, and work with clarity and authenticity
Partner with Executive Director and leadership team to lead communications, visibility, reputation, and public engagement
Bridge the gap between complicated affordable housing policy work and stories that move people: create messaging that is accessible, accurate, and emotionally engaging for a variety of audiences
Translate organizational strategy into clear communications priorities, campaigns and impact goals, building on brand foundation and narrative
Establish goals, measures, and feedback loops to evaluate communications effectiveness and impact
Develop communications strategies that combine earned and owned media across digital platforms and other formats
Lead complex media situations with sound judgment, proactive planning, and rapid execution
Identify, monitor and respond to upcoming and ongoing news and events at both local, state and national level related to the work of Lift to Rise
Develop compelling content across digital platforms, email newsletters, video, press materials, and community materials to strengthen understanding of Lift to Rise’s work
Create exceptional copy for Lift to Rise’s website, press releases, and presentation decks as well as print and email materials
Manage Lift to Rise’s digital presence: oversee website; support email newsletter; monitor and engage with digital channel audiences, and report on strategic impact
Set editorial calendars and manage copy and visual assets
Proactively seek out earned media opportunities, both traditional and innovative
Manage consultants and contractors to drive work forward and develop assets as needed
Strengthen public understanding of Lift to Rise mission and work, devising strategies that engage partners, CBOs, residents, donors, media and legislators
Ensure continuity of narrative amongst partner organizations and Lift to Rise platforms through relationship building and collaboration
Partner with grant writing and power building staff to align narratives, storytelling and external communications
All other related duties as assigned