Director of Communications

The Ford Family Foundation • Roseburg, OR

296d • $140,000 - $150,000

About The Position

The Ford Family Foundation is seeking a dynamic and experienced Strategic Communications Director to lead all internal and external communications efforts. Reporting to the Chief Policy and Public Affairs Officer, the Communications Director will play a pivotal role in advancing the Foundation's mission to relentlessly pursue happy, healthy lives for rural kids. The Communications Director will be responsible for developing and implementing a robust and multi-faceted strategic communications program. This program will effectively position the Foundation as a leading rural voice, enhancing its digital presence and engaging stakeholders through various channels. The Director will oversee the creation of compelling content that resonates with diverse audiences, including rural residents, policymakers, and community partners. The Director will work with partner organizations to advance the Foundation's mission. This is an exciting opportunity to join The Ford Family Foundation at a transformative moment, contributing to its mission of improving the future for rural kids.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in communications with progressive leadership and management responsibilities.
• Current understanding of rural contexts, issues, and challenges.
• Proven ability to work effectively in dynamic and growing organizations.
• Demonstrated excellence in both verbal and written communication.
• Experience working in highly collaborative organizations, both with staff and Board.
• Advanced proficiency with state-of-the-art communications technologies and practices.
• Interpersonal skills: Collaborative and positive approach.
• Bachelor's degree is required; an advanced degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• Must have, or be able to attain before starting the job, a valid Oregon driver's license.

Nice To Haves

• Experience managing philanthropic or non-profit communications.
• Experience with strategic issue-based and advocacy-oriented communications.

Responsibilities

• Lead Communications Vision and Strategy
• Serve as key partner with the Chief Policy and Public Affairs Officer to develop a powerful and shared vision for the Foundation's communications function as a strategic asset.
• Provide communications support to key internal partners, including the executive office and Board of Directors.
• Design and actively manage an integrated, organization-wide communications strategy including messaging that complements and supports each program area and directed at segmented audiences.
• Develop and refine systems to deliver information in a variety of digital and analog forms.
• Partner with Learning and Impact team to support program staff with their communication needs.
• Advance Foundation strategies to use communications as a tool to promote policy change that affects rural communities.
• Assist grantee and community partner communications to develop informative stories.
• Evolve the Foundation's unique brand, positioning and voice.
• Co-create organizational practices to ensure the Foundation's brand, identity, and values are consistently reflected in all communications.
• Build out the effective voice of the executive leadership and program teams through strategic counsel and support.
• Manage internal communications activities that facilitate the Foundation's ongoing engagement of employees.
• Build and manage relationships with influential media outlets and reporters.
• Manage crisis communications and oversee the Foundation's crisis communications policy and procedures.
• Manage and oversee external vendor relations for PR, videography, infographics and graphic design.
• Represent the Foundation externally with media, policy makers, in rural communities, at conferences and other venues.

Benefits

• Paid time off and holidays
• Health and dental insurance
• Health savings account
• Generous retirement plan
• Matching gifts program
• Access to an employee assistance program
• Professional development opportunities
• Rejuvenation leave

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree