Hybrid Director of Communications bei Richmond SPCA

Description

Full-time, exempt 

Reports to Chief Advancement Officer

Supervises Graphic Designer, Communications Project Manager, Digital Media Specialist, and volunteers assigned to assist with Communications-related tasks

The Richmond SPCA is a non-profit organization located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia. As a leader in the field of animal welfare, we are cultivating a community committed to saving, protecting, and enriching animal lives with a mission to provide education and resources to achieve and sustain a no-kill community. Annually, we rescue, rehabilitate, and find homes for about 4,000 homeless animals while also providing our region with vital safety net programs designed to keep thousands of pets in loving homes and out of shelters. Our values of collaboration, creativity, honesty, inclusion, and respect guide not only what we do – but how we do it. ? 

The Director of Communications is a strategic, collaborative, and mission-driven communications leader who shapes and shares the Richmond SPCA’s powerful story of lifesaving and advocacy on behalf of animals. The Director develops and executes comprehensive, integrated strategies that elevate the organization’s public presence, deepen engagement across diverse audiences, and inspire meaningful action in support of our mission. This role requires a skilled storyteller and strategist who can translate complex issues – including lifesaving veterinary treatment and animal welfare legislative priorities – into compelling, accessible messages. Working closely with senior leadership, program teams, and external partners, the Director will guide a talented communications staff, manage media and public relations, oversee digital and traditional channels, and play a key role in advancing the Richmond SPCA’s local and statewide impact.

Essential Functions

• Maintain brand integrity across all communications platforms to include visual identity, voice, and organizational values
• Establish, implement, and execute a comprehensive, annual, multi-channel communications plan 
• Lead, support, and inspire a team of communication, marketing and design professionals
• Proactively pursue opportunities to elevate Richmond SPCA voices in the media, positioning the organization as a trusted leader in animal welfare and provide thoughtful media training to prepare spokespersons to speak with clarity, compassion, and credibility
• Collaborate effectively with teams within the organization to promote their respective programs and resources 
• Develop and maintain relationships with various media, influencers and community leaders 
• Draft news releases and pitch story ideas to local media, creating and distributing media kits when appropriate  
• Coordinate with local media to facilitate weekly segments (radio, television, and online) featuring pets available for adoption and upcoming events
• Represent the Richmond SPCA’s position in relevant matters of state and local legislation, actively participating in annual sessions of the General Assembly
• Serve as the lead point of contact for communications during crisis situations; draft timely, transparent messaging for internal and external audiences
• Create, review, and assist with draft copy for e-newsletters, direct mail, web content, and promotional materials
• Assist and advise in the creation of digital, video, audio, and print content
• Update website copy and keep information current 
• Develop annual Communications budget and monitor departmental expenses
• Research trends and provide analysis related to media content and coverage 
• Keep organizational leadership abreast of all aspects of public relations
• Oversee creation and implementation of paid promotions on behalf of various Richmond SPCA teams
• Support and guide the Digital Media Specialist’s oversight of the organization’s social media accounts and official groups
• Monitor and manage the Richmond SPCA’s online reputation across platforms such as Google, Yelp, and social media, responding to reviews, and feedback with professionalism, empathy, and alignment with organizational values
• Support the Communications Project Manager’s oversight of an organized library of visual assets that tell compelling stories about the Richmond SPCA and its impact
• Oversee data gathering, design, and publication of the organization’s annual report
• Assist the Advancement team with planning, promotion, and execution of fundraising events
• Coordinate event photography volunteers
• Fulfill responsibilities as assigned by Chief Advancement Officer, among other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Genuine commitment to working to achieve the Richmond SPCA’s mission while upholding the organization’s values
• Between 7 and 10 years of experience leading communications efforts in a professional setting
• People management experience
• Proven strategic thinking capability
• Expert written and verbal communication skills 
• Weekday availability
• Availability to work nights and weekends on occasion
• Reliable transportation, including during inclement weather

Qualifications, Skills, and Expectations

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Marketing, Communications) or equivalent professional experience 
• High degree of emotional intelligence, as well as consistent and sound judgment
• Expert communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage diverse audiences
• Strong work ethic, resourcefulness, and a “can-do” attitude
• Demonstrated ability to effectively plan, organize, prioritize, and implement multiple projects while meeting deadlines
• Punctual and reliable
• A collaborative, team-oriented, and professional work style
• Demonstrated experience in leading and mentoring others
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and to adapt to and accommodate changing demands productively, encouraging others to do the same
• Exceptional organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail, especially related to written communication pieces and proof-reading
• Effective and compassionate interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate, negotiate, and resolve conflict
• Strict adherence to confidentiality as needed
• Extensive website content creation/content management system expertise (WordPress, Squarespace, Media Temple)
• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and Canva
• Proficient with Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Analytics
• Basic HTML coding knowledge, primarily for web content troubleshooting
• Experience using Asana preferred
• Photography experience preferred

Physical Job Requirements

• Able to work around animals (including those who are sick or injured or who have behavior challenges), loud noises, animal waste, and various chemicals  
• Able to comfortably and safely handle companion animals of varying sizes, temperaments and species in a manner consistent with Richmond SPCA protocols and animal welfare best practices
• Able to safely transport animals as needed for communications-related activities (e.g., media appearances, events, photo/video shoots), following all Richmond SPCA animal handling and vehicle safety guidelines including safe loading, unloading, and secure containment of animals during transport
• Able to operate Richmond SPCA vehicles in compliance with organizational policies and applicable traffic laws; maintain a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record
• Able to work from a computer and phone for the majority of the workday
• Able to kneel, stoop, and lift 25 pounds regularly
• Able to move around Richmond SPCA facilities

Work Environment

• Rapid pace with exposure to potential hazards including animal waste and disinfectants 
• Potential for animal bites and scratches and diseases that are zoonotic (can be transmitted from animals to people)
• Private office, with opportunity to bring your pet to work if approved by People Operations
• Telework opportunities with prior approval from Chief Advancement Officer

All employees are eligible to become clients of the low-cost, full-service Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital of the Richmond SPCA. Employees who average 20+ hours a week can participate in our 401(k) retirement plan and have access to paid wellness leave.  

Full-time employees are eligible for insurance benefits, including medical, dental and vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and paid time off.