Director, Strategic Communications

Chicago, IL, United States

Director of Strategic Communications

Do you want to be a part of something innovative, relevant, and intellectually stimulating that has a meaningful impact? Come join our rapidly growing MxD team as we strive to increase U.S. competitiveness in manufacturing.

+ About MxD

MxD (Manufacturing x Digital) advances economic prosperity and national security by strengthening U.S. manufacturing competitiveness through technology innovation, workforce development, and cybersecurity preparedness. In partnership with the Department of Defense, we convene an ecosystem to solve critical manufacturing challenges by accelerating digital adoption, empowering a skilled workforce, and modernizing supply chains. MxD is also the National Center for Cybersecurity in Manufacturing as designated by DoD. Visit mxdusa.org to learn more.

MxD is passionate about its people and committed to creating an environment where everyone is heard and respected. Flexible work arrangements and unlimited PTO programs are just a few of the exceptional benefits MxD provides. MxD embodies a strong startup culture with its creative and collaborative working environment, fostering curiosity and innovation. Diversity is key and integral to MxD culture, as different backgrounds, thoughts, and ideas are critical to success.

+ Position Overview

The Director of Strategic Communications leads all external MxD communications as well as drives primary messaging for stakeholders, partners and other key audiences. The individual in this role serves as the senior communications strategist for the organization and primary advisor to the CEO and Senior Leadership Team on related needs. The position reports to the Vice President of Membership and External Relations and interfaces frequently with the Directors of Membership and Engagement, Business Development, and Government Engagement.

+ Position Responsibilities

Develop and execute over-arching strategic communications for MxD across owned, earned, and paid channels

Manage content development strategy to include website and social media posts, bylined articles, op-eds, videos, and other formats

Oversee media relations process, including reviewing and editing press releases, evaluating interview requests, preparing spokespeople for interviews

Direct and support MxD's online presence including website, virtual tour, social media, newsletters and other integrated communication channels

Drive the identification, evaluation and support of MxD event participation, including support of public speaking opportunities and preparation

Advise CEO and Senior Leadership Team on crisis communications needs

Establish and track goals around audience acquisition, impressions, engagement, and other measures of success

Manage a team of communications professionals and contract support; support and guide team in setting and meeting goals and overall professional development

+ Position Requirements Bachelor's degree in Communications Bachelor's degree in communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or similar discipline required; Master's or other advanced degree preferred

Minimum 10 years of experience in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or similar field

Minimum 5 years directly managing a team or related experience

Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills

Excellent writing and editing skills

Experience with website, newsletter and social media management

Experience with crisis communications and ability to handle sensitive topics with skill and discretion

Familiarity with graphic design concepts

Ability to interface at the executive levels of MxD and MxD's government, industry, and academic partners

Innovation and creativity in support of storytelling, experiential marketing and promotion

Ability and desire to work in a highly dynamic environment

Availability to work onsite on at least 2 days a week on as-needed basis to support MxD personnel and for other onsite events

Ability for some travel

How to Apply

Apply online at mxdusa.org/careers by clicking on the link to the position posting and submitting your resume with a cover letter explaining why you would be a great fit for this role and MxD. Tip: Meeting the qualifications is important, but a great cover letter will set you apart!

Work with Us MxD is a results-oriented, lean, collaborative tech organization and 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We are hard-working, mission-driven, flexible, and work with a sense of urgency. We hire tech-savvy, committed, self-starters who can think outside the box, and have a strong capacity to learn and adapt to the needs of the organization and role, through both skill and grit. All-star employees excel without the help of administrative support, and don't mind rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty (figuratively!). Additionally, people who love to solve problems, no matter how big or small, find they are a good fit for MxD.

Our state-of-the-art facility, located on Goose Island in Chicago (just north of downtown), features a manufacturing floor, several infrastructure testbeds, and a bustling open-office environment. MxD is a collaborative space, hosting many events for our partners and other prestigious organizations, so being able to engage with staff and visitors in a professional, helpful manner is a must.

MxD is a 10-minute walk from the North and Clybourn Red Line stop, a 20-minute walk from the Division Blue Line stop, and accessible by a variety of other public transit options. MxD partners with ABM transportation to provide a free shuttle from various public transit stops in and around the Downtown Chicago area to MxD. Also, MxD provides free parking for employees.

Flexible Work Policy MxD recognizes the importance of providing flexibility for employees to balance work responsibilities with personal obligations and commitments. Specific feasibility of Flexible Work Arrangements is determined by specific roles and supervisors.

Anti-Discrimination Policy and Commitment to Diversity MxD is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse environment in our workplace, our communities, and within the tech industry. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, disability status, economic circumstance, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. We are unable to sponsor H1B visas currently.