About Race Forward                                                                                                       

Race Forward's mission is to support communities and public institutions to achieve a just multiracial democratic society through governance that advances racial justice. In partnership with communities, organizations, and sectors, we build strategies to advance racial justice in our policies, institutions, and culture. Race Forward imagines a just, multiracial democratic society free from oppression and exploitation, in which people of color thrive with power and purpose.

Since 1981, Race Forward has brought a systemic analysis and an innovative approach to complex race issues to help people take effective action toward racial equity.

Position Summary                                                                                                           

The Director, Strategic Communications in close collaboration with the Sr. Director, Communications and Storytelling to develop a multi-media strategic communications plan for the organization. This role will also support the Honest Education Action and Leadership (HEAL) Together program in developing and leading the implementation of its strategic communications plan to foster a positive narrative of public education as the foundation for a just, multiracial democracy.

Through the use of marketing tactics, strategic communications tools, media relations, and narrative storytelling, the Director, Strategic Communications will work with the Narrative, Communications, and Storytelling and HEAL teams to develop strategic content to advance Race Forward’s and HEAL’s goals.

This strategic, highly cross-functional role requires communications savvy, organizing communication expertise, and analytical thinking to define HEAL Together’s communications strategy and campaign approach, and to develop content that uplifts our narrative for honest, equitable and full-funded public education.

The ideal candidate is a multi-faceted communications strategist who is fueled by storytelling and has a knack for creating strategic content that motivates a diverse group of people to take action. This person enjoys taking initiative and is well-versed in communication strategy and tools that can be used across a varied set of platforms to meet specific campaign goals.

Duties/Responsibilities                                                                                                   

Content Strategy and Development - 60%

• Work in collaboration with NCS Leadership Team to develop annual content strategy, incorporating executive leadership, narrative storytelling, and media relations.

• Leads the development of content tailored for target audiences over multi-channel platforms, and leads the execution of those efforts to inform, educate, and influence both internal and external audiences.

• Manages the strategy and day-to-day implementation plan for effective content production, management, and delivery that evangelizes Race Forward’s narrative and brand strategy, and advances our mission, vision, values and efforts across all digital platforms to attract, acquire, and engage a broad set of internal and external stakeholders and audiences.

• Ensure campaign content aligns with Race Forward and Race Forward Action’s strategy and organizational theory of change.

• Designs, produces, and/or reviews communications for use internally and externally.

• Develops message frameworks for diverse audiences based on narrative strategy.

• Develops and refines messaging to ensure organizational consistency in all aspects of communication.

• Work in close collaboration with the VP, Narrative, Communications, and Storytelling on executive leadership content, including thought leadership pieces, video content, etc.

• Partner with subject matter experts across the organization and the HEAL Network to develop unique, relevant, and valuable content.

• Collaborates with the NCS and HEAL Together teams to identify opportunities to streamline communication processes and develop new procedures that support inter-departmental work.

HEAL Together and HEAL to Win Support - 40%

• Collaborate with the HEAL Together program team to develop annual marketing communications plans that align with the organizational marketing communications plan.
• Leads the design of HEAL Together and HEAL to Win marketing and communications content and campaigns that raise awareness and inform, educate, and influence internal and external audiences.
• Develops an annual strategic content plan to support the HEAL Together and HEAL to Win
• Identifies and shares opportunities for public and media relations, thought leadership initiatives, social media, and digital tools that support HEAL Together and HEAL to Win programmatic objectives.
• Collaborates with the Digital Communications Manager to measure and provide monthly reports on HEAL Together and HEAL to Win digital content KPIs with respect to month over month growth, trends, and high level performance.
• Develop, consult and monitor budget and resources related to marketing, communications and storytelling for HEAL Together.
• Serves as project manager when working with contractors and external partners for HEAL Together and HEAL to Win, collaborating on timelines to meet project commitments and to ensure deliverables are on time.

Required Job Competencies (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)                         

To perform successfully in this role, incumbent should possess skills identified below:

• Content development, marketing, storytelling, and branding acumen.

• Ability to develop compelling content through the use of written words and visual images.

• Superior interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

• Creative instincts and a natural intellectual curiosity.

• Cross-cultural appreciation and a history of building strong relationships with diverse stakeholders and colleagues.

• Deep listening skills.

• Ability to handle pressure with equanimity and to thrive in a fast-paced, and accountability-focused organization.

• Superb critical thinking skills with the ability to synthesize complex information, confidently make recommendations based on data, and work with an action-oriented and equity approach.

• A passion for the mission, vision, and core values of Race Forward.

• Equally comfortable thinking big and strategically as well as focusing on the day to day operational details.

• Knowledge of current best practices for content development.

• Ability to work independently, within a team, and cross-departmentally.

Required Education and Experience                                                                   

• Minimum of 3 years experience developing and implementing digital communications content strategies and plans aligned with organizational brand.

• Experience developing and overseeing the development of impactful storytelling content across all content types (websites, newsletters, blog posts, emails, brochures, thought leadership pieces, and social media, etc.).

• Experience working in Asana or similar project management tools

• Experience using content management technologies including but not limited to keyword research tools, social media platforms, SEO and SEM.

• Knowledge of content marketing trends and techniques, including channels, technology, and analytics.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with both internal and external constituents.

• Demonstrated ability to deliver on multiple simultaneous tasks with excellence.

• Highly organized, strong attention to detail, and outstanding time management skills.