The Organization
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT: Director, Communications
LOCATED IN: Raleigh, North Carolina
ABOUT JOHN REX ENDOWMENT
The John Rex Endowment is a private philanthropic foundation that supports an environment where children and families in greater Wake County live healthy lives. The John Rex Endowment was created in 2000 as the result of the purchase of Rex Healthcare by the University of North Carolina Health Care System. The foundation is governed by a 13-person Board of Directors and managed by a staff of 5 employees. Together, they oversee an operating budget of $1.2 million and financial assets of $80 million. The John Rex Endowment makes grant awards of $2-$3 million annually, with between 30 and 60 grants active at a time.
In 2018, John Rex Endowment adopted its current Strategic Roadmap, which confirms the foundation’s role in building the effectiveness of non-profit organizations and shaping policy at the community and system level so Wake County children and their families are safe, healthy, and living to their full potential. The Endowment has made a commitment to incorporate a racial equity lens in all of its work, learning and developing the capacity to make intentional efforts to meet the needs of all children and families in Wake County.
To learn more, visit the John Rex Endowment website.
THE OPPORTUNITY & NATURE OF WORK
The Director, Communications will guide and execute a strategy for all John Rex Endowment communications, including internal and external marketing, branding, public relations activities, and support for program and advocacy initiatives.
The Director, Communications is a new role that reports to the President & CEO. The Director, Communications will join a team committed to making a difference through philanthropy. The successful candidate will be self-starting and an effective collaborator who works well with small teams and shared decision-making, embraces change, is passionate about child well-being, and is excited about the future of the John Rex Endowment. The successful candidate will have a clear commitment to equity and understand the importance of centering equity to achieve the mission of the Endowment.
Major responsibilities of the Director, Communications include (but may not be limited to):
· Lead marketing and public relations efforts to increase awareness of key focus areas including child well-being, advocacy, racial equity, and nonprofit capacity building.
· Develop and implement brand strategy to reflect and clearly articulate the Endowment’s Strategic Roadmap and priorities.
· Establish key messaging for the Endowment; work with the staff and board to ensure the foundation maintains a consistent voice within the community.
· Develop, implement, and manage an annual communications plan and budget to support the Endowment’s priorities and focus areas.
· Evaluate the effectiveness of communications strategies in support of the Endowment’s goals.
· Stay abreast of issues and trends that relate to the work of the Endowment and its partners; curate content and share with the board, staff, partners, and other interested parties.
· Manage external communications, including social media, website, newsletter, print and electronic collateral, and media interaction; maintain and educate staff and board on talking points.
· Create, or delegate and oversee the creation of, external content in the form of articles, interviews, videos, reports, social media posts, statements, speeches, presentations, and emails.
· Support the board and staff in preparing programmatic materials such as requests for proposals, presentations, grant recommendations, reports, and memos.
· Work with the staff and board to ensure effective communications to support programmatic efforts.
· Ensure the appropriate processes, software, and other resources are in place to properly support the successful implementation of the communications strategy.
· Source and manage relationships with consultants, contractors, vendors, and other resources required to carry out duties.
· Ensure equitable policies and practices are in place for all aspects of areas of responsibility.
· Represent John Rex Endowment in the community.
Position Overview
SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS, AND ATTRIBUTES OF THE DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS
The Director, Communications must demonstrate a firm commitment to and passion for the mission of the John Rex Endowment. In addition, the individual should possess a myriad of attributes, skills, and qualifications among those listed below:
· Director-level leadership experience in a communications role (that includes a combination of marketing, advertising, brand management, and public relations functions), with direct responsibility leading the development and implementation of overall communications strategy
· Experience working in foundation, non-profit, human/social services agencies, and/or government entities
· Excellent writing and editing skills
· Experience with website management, content development, and social media platforms
· Experience in media relations and working with print, radio, television, and online media
· Experience telling the stories of diverse communities, and working under the leadership of and collaborating with black and brown communities
· Experience leading advocacy campaigns and implementing communications strategies to support advocacy efforts
· Proven ability to express thoughts, perceptions, and ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; ability to project confidence and knowledge when speaking publicly
· Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver against deadlines while maintaining the flexibility necessary to adapt, respond, and meet the needs of the organization
· Great attention to detail and a willingness to “get in the trenches” to achieve goals
· Demonstrated ability to develop positive, productive professional relationships with diverse stakeholders
· An understanding of issues and policies affecting children in Wake County and surrounding areas; knowledge of the agencies and institutions involved in child well-being in Wake County and North Carolina
· Entrepreneurial mindset with demonstrated ability to think strategically and creatively, while also implementing tactically
· Enthusiastic approach to work, with the humility and attitude to work effectively in a team environment and contribute to team building and culture
· Collaborative and creative nature with an approachable demeanor
· Excellent computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office
· Bachelor’s degree in a communications-related field or equivalent experience
How To Apply
APPLICATION PROCESS
Armstrong McGuire & Associates, based in Raleigh, NC, is conducting this search in partnership with the John Rex Endowment. To apply, click on the link to the Director, Communications position profile at ArmstrongMcGuire.com/apply. You will see instructions for uploading a cover letter, resume, and professional references. Please provide all requested information to be considered; failure to do so will remove you from the process. In case of any technical problems, contact staci@armstrongmcguire.com. No phone calls, please, and no applications will be accepted by email or directly from third-party posting sites.
Salary is commensurate with the requirements of the position and begins in the $80K range. Benefits include medical, dental, life, short and long-term disability insurance; pension and 403(b) retirement plans; accrued vacation and sick time; 10 paid holidays; and a charitable matching program.
The John Rex Endowment actively seeks a diverse pool of candidates. The John Rex Endowment is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or age.