Director of Strategic Communications

Philadelphia, PA, United States

Background

Established in 1993, The African-American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ, and DE (AACC) is the leading membership based advocate for Black-owned businesses in the Delaware Valley and Southeastern Pennsylvania. The AACC enhances the growth and effectiveness of Black-owned businesses by working within the community to improve economic conditions; furthering businesses’ interests by serving as convener and influencer in government; and providing programming and facilitating partnerships that help members access needed resources to sustain their business ventures .

Job Overview

The AACC is currently seeking a Director of Strategic Communications who will report directly to the President and CEO, will interact with the Board of Directors, and be an important member of the senior leadership team. As a prerequisite, the successful candidate must believe in the core values of the AACC and be driven by the mission. The candidate should demonstrate a passion for breaking new ground to lead social change. This is a strategic role with a heavy emphasis on brand creation and management.

The Director of Strategic Communications is responsible for managing all organizational communication activities, digital media and external media relationships. The Director of Strategic Communications will set and guide the strategy for all communications, website, digital media, and public relations messages and collateral to consistently articulate the AACC’s mission. The Director of Strategic Communications will ensure that the AACC is viewed as a respected source, disseminator, and conduit of information within this diverse network and constituent base. This role will work closely with a senior leadership team as the communications partner on a variety of strategic initiatives.

Because our target communities and colleagues come from a wide range of backgrounds, this position needs to be able to thoughtfully navigate issues related to diversity, race, equity and inclusion, and bring a deep commitment to advancing these values. The incumbent will also need to bring a strong commitment to excellence and true collaboration, an ability to work quickly but carefully, an appreciation for/patience, and developing and growing team members.

Additionally, this position has recurring work situations that involve having a high degree of discretion. The need for accuracy and effective utilization of accepted programs and routines is high.

Duties and responsibilities

Develop, implement, and evaluate the overall and ongoing communications plan

Create a brand/marketing/public relations strategy that will allow AACC senior and board leadership to cultivate and enhance meaningful relationships with targeted, high-level external audiences, including the media, public officials, and key influencers

Craft messaging around relevant city and state initiatives, bills, policies, and legislature and create copy regarding such stating relevant context and AACC ’s position.

Educate and train AACC staff on relevant city and state initiatives, bills, policies, taxes and the legislature in general

Generate all copy intended for public consumption and ensure its alignment with the strategic communications plan

Participate during weekly staff and leadership meetings and provide report backs

Put communications systems in place to create momentum and awareness as well as to test the effectiveness of communications activities

Manage the development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic communications including, but not limited to, eBlasts, newsletters, brochures, social media posts, and AACC’s website

Administer AACC’s website —ensure that new and consistent information (article links, stories, and events) is posted regularly

Develop and distribute press releases, media advisories, opinion writing, lookbook distribution, and pitching

Develop Media plans including coordinated efforts and targeted pushes, and pitch all press material to necessary vendors and outlets

Managing all digital media including our social media platforms (Linkedin, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and more)

Train and prepare staff and Board members for media interviews

Exercise judgment to prioritize media opportunities, and prepare talking points, speeches, presentations, and other supporting material as needed

Lead crisis communications efforts and coordinate rapid response initiatives as needed

Track and measure the level of engagement within the network over time for board reporting and grant funders

Qualifications And Skills

The ability to take knowledge and transform it into exciting and useful messages and disseminate it to the right audiences through the best distribution channels is critical.

Sincere commitment to working collaboratively with all constituent groups, including staff, board members, volunteers, sponsors, program participants, and other supporters

Self-starter, able to work independently, and innovatively enjoys creating and implementing new initiatives

At least three years of communications experience, ideally in an “in-house” leadership role within a complex (number and variety of constituents) nonprofit entity

Experience managing and executing across several communications media

Strong written and verbal communication skills, required

Experience with Microsoft Office and/or GSuite, required

Experience with WordPress and/or HTML is strongly preferred

Willing to execute day- to day tasks and work independently

Position Requirements

Undergraduate degree preferred and relevant experience

Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation as this role requires moderate amounts of travel

Some familiarity with, or interest in, relationship-based organizing, leadership development, and team building

Other Information:

The Director of Strategic Communications is not a strictly 9 am-5 pm position. The work schedule can at times be greater than 40 hours per week and includes evening and weekend work, as necessary, including attending events.

AACC is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status.

Powered by JazzHR

3Z1aZYe4aR

#J-18808-Ljbffr