Action Center on Race and the Economy
Bargaining for the Common Good

Senior Director of Communications

Location is flexible within the contiguous United States

 

Action Center on Race and the Economy (ACRE) and ACRE Institute drive campaigns that seek to create a more racially and economically just society that values people over profit and supports the full inclusion and leadership of Black, brown, and poor people in our democracy and economy. Bargaining for the Common Good (BCG) is the organizing arm of ACRE and ACRE Institute.

The Senior Director of Communications will have a leadership role in changing the story of what’s wrong in the U.S. and how to fix it. The Senior Director will design and implement a comprehensive communications strategy for a recently merged organization with an aggressive five- year organizing plan. This position reports to the Managing Director.

ACRE is seeking an experienced, mission-driven professional to lead the Communications team and organize its work to influence the public debate on issues and values, lead on top-tier earned media, manage digital advocacy and fundraising campaigns, and shape our public story. One of the near-term priorities for this position is to produce a strategic communications plan for the newly merged organization, so we’re looking for a self-starter, for whom this is an exciting opportunity to build something from the ground up. 

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSBILITY
Overall Communications Strategy and Implementation

• Work with ACRE staff and external partners to develop and execute comprehensive short- and long-term communication strategies in support of our campaign and movement goals
• Collaborate closely with campaign leadership to establish effective strategies for earned media
• Conduct media training and advise leaders and staff on media strategy
• Lead crisis communications planning and response, including rapid messaging and media engagement during high-pressure moments
• Conduct message trainings, both internal and external
• Prepare reports for the Senior Leadership team detailing the impact of communication activities, including progress achieved, challenges faced, and recommendations for improvement

Internal Communication and Process Management

• Create and maintain updated communication calendar, workflows, and systems to support department and cross-departmental operations
• Partner with the Senior Director of Research, campaign directors, and other staff as appropriate to establish clear and efficient processes for collaboration on cross-departmental projects such as research reports, annual reports, and other deliverables 

Digital Engagement

• Develop, manage, and drive the organization's digital media and messaging strategy
• Develop and maintain best practices and operations for all digital platforms including websites, social media, and mass email systems
• Incorporate data-driven strategies to ensure an effective and high-quality digital program
• Identify and recommend emerging technologies and other improvements to our digital engagement strategy
• Oversee and manage website development for ACRE’s main sites and for various campaign and issue microsites

Communications Materials 

• Oversee the production of digital and physical campaign materials, including branding, content, design, and distribution
• Oversee production of annual funder report, newsletters, and other external communications for a variety for audiences 
• Serve as lead writer or editor to develop research reports and related materials, in collaboration with research and campaign staff

Development

• Assist the development team in preparing and distributing communications to funders and potential donors
• Coordinate with development staff, campaign staff, and the Executive Director to ensure funder communication narrative strategy is appropriate and current

Media and Press Relations

• Develop, manage, and drive the organization's earned media strategy and develop clear goals and metrics for success
• Recruit, manage, and oversee work of media relations and other communications contractors
• Manage media requests and produce, or oversee the production of, high-quality press materials such as press releases, op-eds, public statements, speeches, talking points, presentations, media advisories, briefings, pitch ideas, and more
• Organize press events, editorial board meetings, and other earned media opportunities
• Manage the development and pitching of stories to local, state, and national media

BCG Communicators Table 

• Build, manage, and facilitate a BCG communicators table 
• Facilitate regular communication to keep coalition members informed, engaged, and working toward shared goals.
• Assist BCG network communicators with developing communication strategy and messaging
• Ensure that the organization has strong relationships with ally organizations’ communications staff.

Team Management

• Effectively supervise a remote team of staff and independent contractors 
• Recruit, lead, coach, develop, motivate, and retain staff members and evaluate their performance
• Develop clear, coordinated processes for the execution of department responsibilities

QUALIFICATIONS
The person we need in this role:

• Has a strong commitment to progressive social change and racial justice and a passion for ACRE-BCG’s vision and mission
• Has at least 12 years' experience defining and leading communications strategy and teams in progressive organizing or advocacy environments
  • At least three years of experience leading a team and directly supervising staff
• Is an exceptional and persuasive storyteller, writer, speaker and editor.
• Can see a communications and digital strategy from concept through execution to optimization
• Is an excellent supervisor with a track record of effectively leading a remote team of staff and partners to achieve ambitious outcomes
• Can develop and manage high-level media, partner, and member relationships.
• Has a track record of successfully developing and executing integrated communications strategies for an organizing or advocacy organization 
• Has strong management, budgeting, analytical, and organizational skills, including relevant project management experience.
• Has excellent relationship-building skills with ability to organize others to move toward a common vision or goal.
• Has proven ability to organize others around an analysis and messaging approach
• Has knowledge of legal constraints of 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) nonprofits
• Is able to travel regularly and work irregular hours when necessary
• Is a creative and strategic thinker
• Has experience working with labor unions and/or member-based community organizations

LGBTQ, women and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply. 

The salary range for this position is $140,000 to $143,300. Position includes excellent benefits. Location is flexible within the contiguous United States. This position will be jointly employed by ACRE, a 501(c)(4) organization, and ACRE Institute, a 501(c)(3) organization. This position is not part of the bargaining unit of the ACRE Workers Union.

To Apply:
Please submit your application HERE.