Hybrid Communications Director at CSS

In partnership with the Chief Communications Officer (CCO), the Communications Director is responsible for the operations of the Communications team including the creation and execution of internal and external communications plans, media relations, advocacy and policy work, and news analysis. The Communications Director will supervise other Communications staff and also be responsible for a set of communications goals. The Communications Director reports directly to the Chief Communications Officer.

CSS has a culture of philanthropy, and as such, the Communications Director works closely with the Chief Development Officer and Development Director to ensure consistent messaging is presented to donors, staff, and the community at a large. 

The Communications team has the great privilege of sharing the stories of our community and engaging our partners. With a focus on ethical storytelling and community engagement, we share the perspectives and experiences of our clients, staff and partners in print (newsletters, fact sheets, appeals, media), online (website, social media), in person (events and meetings with community members, businesses, and organizations), through video (for Charity Ball and other events), and more. Through this storytelling, we create opportunities for our neighbors in need to engage with our programs and receive the support they need.

Your work on our team has the potential to build understanding, enact change, and create a more prosperous community for all who call Anchorage home.

In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to help lead this creative and compassionate team of 2 to 5 professionals.

Must be flexible, dependable, and demonstrate attention to detail and organization. Individuals must have a sincere commitment to the mission of CSS, its programs, and the people they serve. Must have a strong work ethic, a positive attitude and work well as both a member of a team and as a leader. Must be able to maintain confidentiality and treat all individuals with dignity and respect. Must be able to take initiative and work with little supervision. Must be able to multitask and prioritize projects.

Knowledge: Knowledge of Word Press, Social Media Management, MailChimp, and Adobe.

Skill: Effective communication skills and experience in storytelling, and public relations. The Communication Director will be a strong and creative communicator, eager to tell the story of CSS. The Communication Director should have experience in graphic design, writing, and social media. An ideal candidate will also be creative and a strong problem solver. An ideal candidate will have experience supervising other communications staff.

Management

• In partnership with CCO, develop and manage annual schedules and budgets and ensure successful completion of campaigns and products within timelines and budgets.
• Create and implement communication plans and campaigns (internal and external) that leverage best practices.
• In alignment with the agency’s communication strategy, which is set in partnership with the CCO, supervise and schedule all recurring newsletters and publications.
• Maintain relationships with outside vendors to accomplish the mission of CSS (e.g., printing materials, ordering signs, etc.)
• Supervise Communications team of two to four staff, including Communications Specialists, Community Engagement staff, and others.

Content creation

• Create content and supervise other content creators.
• Translate program data and technical information into easily understandable graphics.
• Coordinate with web developers on website. 
• In partnership with program teams, ensure that clients and prospective clients are aware of services and resources at CSS. 
• Serve as reviewer/editor for design and written materials.
• Create and produce video content communicating agency needs, news, and accomplishments.

Tracking

• Responsible for all metric tracking and reporting to leadership. Work with Communications team to identify and address trends or outliers (CQIs).
• Track CSS media stories.  
• Maintain Communications Dashboard monthly by recording measurable objectives in social media, email, and Googe Analytics. 

Media

• Write and distribute media releases; proactively search for, identify, and pitch media stories that are in alignment with Communications strategy; and serve as backup point person for press events and inquiries.
• Contribute to data interpretation and storytelling.
• Support training and preparation for interviews with internal subject matter experts.

Communications platforms

• Manage communications platforms including MailChimp, website and social media. 
• Support for special events.
• Provide support as needed to volunteer management efforts. 
• Work with Program teams on specific communications and campaign needs. 

Advocacy

• Support government relations. Support CCO in creation of written materials and resources for education and advocacy efforts, including white papers, talking points, op eds, etc. 
• Monitor pertinent legislation as needed on federal, state, and local level. 

Outreach and events

• Lead the planning and management of CSS’s signature fund development event, the Wilma Carr Charity Ball.
• Lead the planning and management for successful execution of other events as needed, including Plein Air, Marie’s Beauty Supply, Helping Holidays, World Refugee Day, Resettlement Conference, and other donor and community events.

Other

• Responsible for brand management throughout the agency. 

Minimum Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in marketing, public relations, communication, graphic design, or another related field. Four (4) years of experience may be substituted for the required education. 

Minimum Experience Requirement: Four (4) years in effective communication skills and experience in storytelling and public relations. Experience in nonprofit work preferred. 

A relevant combination of education and experience may be considered. 

Work is performed in a standard indoor office environment. Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds. Frequently sitting or standing at a desk for several hours at a time. 

Flexibility is necessary to be available for occasional weekday, weekend and evening meetings, events, and deadlines.

Travel out of Alaska is rare. Occasional travel within Anchorage is frequent and required.  

Location: 4600 Debarr Road, Anchorage, AK.