The Organization
MCF supports leaders who work to shift the balance of power in their communities toward people who are excluded from sharing in the resources and benefits of society, and who have the vision and capacity to build a truly representative economy.
We imagine a world where our democracy and economy truly represent the contributions, dreams, and desires of communities that have been historically excluded from sharing in the resources and benefits of society. People should be more than just represented in our democracy and economy—their representation must include their ability to shape them.
Position Overview
Description
Reporting to the President & CEO, the Director of Communications is responsible for developing and executing the foundation’s internal and external communications strategies.
A project and people manager, as well as an originator of new opportunities, their work increases the breadth and value of the Foundation’s relationships with key stakeholders–including current and prospective grant recipients, the philanthropy sector and prospective programmatic partners–using a combination of established and non-traditional communications tactics. The Director of Communications manages a small internal team and external contractors to orchestrate integrated communications projects and campaigns in service of the goals of the Foundation and its President, overseeing the implementation of strategy, messaging, deployment across channels, creative editorial and design
LOCATION: Currently, all staff members are working remotely as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. When it is safe to gather again, the Director of Communications will be expected to be able to report to our headquarters in Seattle, WA.
APPLICATION CLOSE DATE: Friday, June 4, 2021
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Manage the Creative & Storytelling team and consultants, providing consistent coaching and support to staff.
- Manage day-to-day communication processes, procedures, calendars, and workflows to ensure appropriate levels of output, review, and approvals.
- Ensure and maintain brand and voice consistency and integrity across audiences and channels.
- Develop key messaging documents and guidelines, and manage content creation for press releases, byline articles, and keynote speeches and presentations.
- Develop and manage a central communications plan that includes strategy, tactics, and budget.
2. Develop and execute public relations priorities on behalf of MCF and our grant recipients.
- Develop media relations, public presence, storytelling, thought leadership and grant recipient elevation strategy, seeking industry and public impact through strategic placements and partnerships with print, broadcast, and online media and influential venues and networks.
- Coordinate all public relations, media, events, and outreach activities across all available communication channels, including print, broadcast, social media, and email.
- Manage media inquiries and interview requests (as well as follow-up and assessment of efficacy); evaluate all inquiries and requests for strategic alignment and impact.
- Monitor, analyze and communicate impact and results on a regular basis.
- Serve as foundation contact/spokesperson as needed.
3. Lead MCF’s partnership strategy with content creators, media, and other leading communications
- Identify and evaluate opportunities for partnerships, sponsorships and advertising on an on-going basis that advance the mission of MCF as well as that of our grant recipients.
- Leverage existing media relationships and cultivate new contacts within relevant media and influential networks and venues, including pitching, finalizing deals and managing partnerships for high-value media collaborations.
- Maintain a keen understanding of trends across philanthropy and other relevant industries affecting the foundation, and make appropriate recommendations regarding communication strategy surrounding them.
Requirements
SKILLS AND QUALITIES
- Ability to center the mission and leadership of the Foundation and its grant recipients, and a demonstrated commitment to racial equity and justice within all position responsibilities
- Proven track record designing and executing successful public relations campaigns and management of organizational positioning at both a local and national level
- Experience working with traditional and online media; experience with Spanish-language media a plus
- Proven ability to effectively manage staff and contractors to see projects through from start to finish
- Exceptional writing, copywriting, and editing skills; experience writing press statements and releases, blog posts, speeches, and design assets (including presentations)
- Deep familiarity with emerging channels for driving visibility, sectoral leadership and cross-sector partnership
- Excellent communication (oral and written) and presentation skills; ability to and comfort with delivering media training a plus
- Excellent attention to detail and judgment with a commitment to delivering a high-quality work product in a proactive manner
- Outstanding organizational and planning abilities
- Expert command of English; fluency in Spanish a plus
Benefits
SALARY RANGE: $150,000 – $190,000
BENEFITS: Marguerite Casey Foundation offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent medical/dental/vision coverage for employees and their families, retirement benefits, generous and flexible paid time off, paid family and medical leave, a transit pass, and ongoing professional development.
Equal employment opportunity and having a diverse staff are fundamental principles at the Marguerite Casey Foundation, where employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individuals’ capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, affectional preference, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established under law.
How To Apply