Director of Communications

Position Summary

The Director of Communications is responsible for coordinating and leading The Arc’s media messaging and analyzing The Arc’s profile in traditional media and social media; and building relationships with journalists. The Director of Communications must possess strong persuasive writing skills, be an exceptional communicator, be able to multi-task, and advise senior management and the CEO on high profile, public facing issues from a communications standpoint with limited supervision, while mentoring one or two junior staff. This position will report to the Senior Executive Officer of Marketing and Communications.

 

Media responsibilities for this position include the maintenance and implementation of communications strategies and tactics that support The Strategic Framework for the Future of The Arc and all national initiatives; acting as the primary point of contact for incoming media inquiries and creating new types of media opportunities for The Arc; development of talking points driven not only advocacy priorities but also by media strategy; working with teams to identify, vet, and prep storytellers, with an emphasis on elevating the experiences of people with disabilities, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and other marginalized communities; writing and dissemination of press releases; creation of custom press lists; ongoing work with partner organizations; and media training for staff and Board members. Under direction of the SEO, the Director of Communications will assist with overall strategy and manage communications for certain national initiatives including federal public policy, legal advocacy, the National Center on Criminal Justice and Disability (NCCJD), and Wings for Autism.

 

The Communications Director must have a keen media sense and experience making quick decisions on sensitive topics. He/She/They will have experience pitching the media, writing under a deadline, and dealing with crisis communications situations. Additional responsibilities include working with the Marketing Team to implement the organization’s online movement/engagement strategy.

Public Education responsibilities will include writing of sensitive public facing content for a variety of online and print channels and leading the writing and editorial process for publications.

                                                                                                   

Essential Job Functions

• Assist the Senior Executive Officer in all communications related tasks
• Implementation of communications strategies and tactics that support the Strategic Framework for the Future of The Arc
• Act as primary point of contact for media inquiries and handle inquiries with an appropriate level of autonomy; generating story ideas; attending press events; providing on and off the record background to reporters; coordinating interviews; and handling crisis communications for chapters of The Arc
• Write letters to the editor, op-eds, speeches and other documents, as appropriate
• Direct communications for a broad scope of national initiatives, including Legal Advocacy and Federal Public Policy
• Work with storytellers to elevate the perspectives of people with disabilities, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and other marginalized communities in the media and in video content created by The Arc

• Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications Services Team to implement integrated public education strategies and increase The Arc’s digital footprint

• Work on crisis communications situations on the local and national level
• Work cross-departmentally to serve the communications needs of the organization
• Mentor and provide direction to members of teams they lead
• Other duties as assigned within the scope of responsibility and requirements of this job

 

Essential Job Requirements  

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• 8+ years of professional experience, including working with the media.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and superior writing skills.
• Exposure to public policy issues and current events in the I/DD community highly preferred.

• Proven effectiveness in previous media and communication initiatives.
• Experience on Capitol Hill or relevant federal agency highly desired or relevant public policy experience.
• Demonstrated good judgment in breaking news situations.
• Ability to work cross-departmentally with multiple teams.
• Experience relationship building with external partners and organizations.

• Must be able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced work environment and meet deadlines.
• Works well under pressure, self-motivated, and a strong team player.
• Experience with PR databases such as Cision and Meltwater required.
• Computer proficiency, including Word and Excel required, HTML also a plus.

 

Benefits, Compensation, and Work Environment:

This is an at-will, full time employment position. Competitive salary based on education and experience, base salary range of $85,000 - $105,000. Comprehensive benefits package that includes health and dental insurance, 403(b) employer contribution, accrued vacation and sick leave, and more. Flexible work environment that includes hybrid options for working in the office and working from home. Majority of work is completed on a computer and in meetings (in-person and virtual).

 

How to Apply:

Applications are accepted online only. To apply to this position, visit https://thearc.recruiterbox.com/.

The Arc is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. We value a diverse workforce and strive to be a fully inclusive and equitable workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, record of arrest or conviction, or other legally protected characteristics. Black people, Indigenous people, people of color; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex people, people of marginalized genders; people with disabilities; protected veterans; and formerly incarcerated individuals are all strongly encouraged to apply.

 

When an applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to compete for a job, they may request it orally or in writing (please visit the contact us page on the web; www.thearc.org).

 

About The Arc:

The Arc is the largest national community-based organization working with and for people with IDD and their families. The Arc supports people with IDD of all ages and varying support needs, including individuals with autism, Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, Intellectual Disability, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, and various other developmental disabilities.

 

Many of The Arc’s state and local chapters are engaged in both public policy advocacy and individual advocacy to assist people with IDD to get the services and supports they need. Other chapters provide a wide array of services and supports for people with IDD and their families. This varies by chapter and includes but is not limited to education, employment, residential services, day programs, personal care, peer support, self-advocacy training, person-centered and future planning, recreational activities, and other supports that meet the unique needs of people with IDD in each community.

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Last updated on Aug 27, 2022