Regional Communications Director

American Red Cross • Detroit, MI

8d • Onsite

About The Position

Serve as a key member of the American Red Cross regional leadership team by driving powerful, mission‑centered communications that connect people to purpose through compelling storytelling. Shape and deliver integrated communications and marketing strategies that advance regional priorities, inspire community engagement, elevate the Red Cross mission, support revenue generation, and ensure the public understands how to access Red Cross programs and services. Work collaboratively across the region with Disaster Cycle Services, Development, Biomedical Services, Service to the Armed Forces, Health and Safety, Volunteer Services, Field Marketing, and other partners to amplify impact through coordinated, authentic, and timely messaging. Maintain close alignment with the division communications director to ensure regional strategies support broader divisional and organizational goals while remaining responsive to local needs. Provide guidance, development, and support to volunteers and staff to strengthen communication consistency, storytelling skills, and brand stewardship across the region. Perform all responsibilities in compliance with Red Cross policies, standard operating procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations. This role is not eligible for relocation assistance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Public Affairs or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and related experience required in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Public Affairs or related field required.
• 3 years of supervisory or management experience.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills required, with proven knowledge of AP Style.
• Manage experienced professionals.
• Fully proficient in work and industry.
• Strong organizational, multi-tasking skills with ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite.
• Familiarity with Cision/TrendKite or other media monitoring software.
• Experience managing professional social media accounts.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration required.
• Willingness to serve as a media spokesperson required, experience as a spokesperson preferred.
• Ability to work on a team.
• Combination of candidate’s education and general experience satisfies requirements so long as the total years equate to description’s minimum education and general experience years combined (Management experience cannot be substituted).

Nice To Haves

• Proven experience working in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments; background in nonprofit, disaster response, or volunteer-based organizations is highly preferred.
• Prior experience serving as a spokesperson or managing crisis communications.
• Established relationships with local and regional media outlets are strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of a regional communications strategy grounded in storytelling and community impact, aligned with enterprise‑wide priorities and adapted to local needs. In partnership with regional and chapter leadership teams—and supported by divisional communications guidance—ensure communications initiatives support service delivery, revenue generation, volunteer engagement, and mission visibility across all lines of business.
• Drive a proactive, story‑forward media relations and social engagement strategy that elevates the Red Cross mission and regional impact. Cultivate relationships with local media, manage social media platforms, oversee content development and distribution, and pitch meaningful stories that highlight humanitarian outcomes and community resilience. Respond to media inquiries by coordinating interviews and delivering approved Red Cross messaging. Serve as a Red Cross spokesperson when appropriate. Prepare, train, and support staff and volunteer spokespersons throughout the region, ensuring readiness and message consistency. Monitor and analyze media and social engagement data to strengthen reach, relevance, and trust.
• Support regional, divisional, and national disaster public affairs and crisis communications efforts by providing clear, timely, and compassionate messaging during emergencies. Train and guide disaster public affairs spokespersons and volunteers, helping them tell accurate, human‑centered stories under evolving conditions. May serve as a spokesperson, deploy in support of disaster response operations outside the home region, or contribute to public affairs training and development efforts across the division. Collaborate with regional leadership and divisional partners to develop and implement crisis communications strategies that protect credibility and reinforce public trust.
• Partner with the regional CEO to design and deliver effective internal communications strategies that inform, engage, and connect staff and volunteers. Foster alignment across departments by sharing stories of impact, reinforcing organizational priorities, and supporting a culture of collaboration, transparency, and pride in mission.
• Provide leadership and oversight for direct reports by setting clear performance expectations, coaching for growth, and ensuring accountability for results. Build and sustain strong volunteer engagement by offering guidance, development opportunities, and recognition that empower volunteers to serve as ambassadors for the Red Cross mission.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental Vision plans
• Health Spending Accounts & Flexible Spending Accounts
• PTO: Starting at 15 days a year; based on type of job and tenure
• Holidays: 11 paid holidays comprised of six core holidays and five floating holidays
• 401K with up to 6% match
• Paid Family Leave
• Employee Assistance
• Disability and Insurance: Short + Long Term
• Service Awards and recognition

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager