Director of Marketing and Communications-Washington DC
Organization: American Farmland Trust
Position Title: Director of Marketing and Communications
Location: Washington DC
Hours and Compensation: Not mentioned.
Application Deadline: Not listed.
Job Summary
The Director of Marketing and Communications reports to the CEO, serves as a member of the senior management team, and works with the Board of Directors to chart the direction of the American Farmland Trust (AFT).
The position has primary working relationships with the CEO, senior management team in locations around the U.S., staff of the Marketing/Communications department, and any outside vendors.
The position is responsible for planning and directing the implementation of all marketing, communications and public relations activities/support materials/productions, both external and internal. The position coordinates at the strategic and tactical levels with the other programs and departments within AFT, assuring accountability to all constituencies and effective operation.
Principal Responsibilities
Responsible for creating, implementing and measuring the success of:
- A comprehensive marketing, communications and public relations program that will enhance AFT’s image and position within the marketplace
- Creating and implementing all communications and public relations activities and materials including publications, media relations, website, social media, video/film productions, webinars, blogs, outreach and fundraising campaigns
- Managing internal communications activities across departments and programs
Organizational Strategy:
- Work with staff at all levels and Board of Directors to develop and maintain a strategic perspective in organizational direction, programs and decision-making
- Ensure the overall health and vitality of AFT through strong and consistent outreach strategies that build public awareness of the organization and its important work
- Help make sure that AFT’s philosophy, mission and vision are clear and practiced throughout the organization
- Act as an internal consultant to bring attention and solutions to internal priorities
Program Support:
- Provide counsel to regional directors on marketing, communications and public relations
- Develop, coordinate and oversee technical assistance and resource support to assist regional offices in the marketing, communications and positioning of their activities
- Conduct relevant market research both directly and with partner organizations to understand public opinion and monitor trends
- Support and lead projects in areas such as cause-related marketing and special events
Planning, Budgeting and Evaluation:
- Recommend short and long-term goals and objectives to the CEO
- Conduct short and long-term planning and budgeting for all activities – with responsibilities for the achievement of goals and financial objectives
- Ensure that evaluation systems are in place related to these goals and objectives to monitor performance and report progress to the CEO and Board
- Develop, implement and monitor systems and procedures necessary for smooth operation of the marketing/communications/public relations function
- Keep informed of developments in the fields of marketing, communications and public relations, as well as nonprofit management and governance
Branding:
- Create and ensure consistent articulation of AFT’s image and brand with a style guide that includes color scheme, logo, graphic and photographic images, typography
- Oversee branding applications in print and electronic outreach materials
- Promote and implement consistent communications terminology that articulates AFT’s programmatic work to all constituencies across the U.S., both internal and external
- Provide editorial direction on the design, production and distribution of all AFT publications
Public Relations:
- Act as AFT’s media representative
- Coordinate media interest in AFT through regular contact with target media
- Provide appropriate response to media requests
Department Management:
- Maintain a climate that attracts, retains and motivates top quality personnel
- Recruit, train, supervise, support, and guide qualified personnel
- Ensure effective management of all marketing, communications and public relations functions
- Design, support and oversee cross-functional teams throughout the Organization
- Effectively enable and staff so they can take action on behalf of the Organization by:
- Transmitting AFT’s values, vision and direction;
- Respecting and using the skills, expertise, experience and insights of people;
- Providing direction and resources, removing barriers and developing staff skills;
- Encouraging people to ask strategic questions, ensuring quality decision-making;
- Facilitating conflict resolution; and
- Coaching people to success.
Required Qualifications
- Demonstrated skills, knowledge and experience in the design and execution of marketing, communications and public relations activities
- Experienced in the use of new and social media to advance organizational goals and recruit members and donors
- Strong creative, strategic, analytical, organizational and personal sales skills
- Experience developing and managing budgets, and hiring, training, developing, supervising and appraising personnel
- Demonstrated successful experience writing press releases, making presentations and media management
- Experience overseeing the design and production of print materials and publications
- Computer literacy in word processing and understanding of supporting software
- Commitment to working with shared leadership and in cross-functional teams
- Strong oral and written communications skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects at a time
Other
- Minimum of 10 years’ experience in marketing, communications or public relations with demonstrated success, preferably in the not-for-profit or association sector
- Bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing, public relations preferred
- Graduate degree in a related field is highly desirable
- Experience working with volunteer Boards
- Out-of-town, overnight travel is required
- Exempt Status
To Apply
Please send a letter and résumé with a summary of demonstrable accomplishments to [email protected]
