Director, Communications & Marketing

Washington, DC, USA
Posted on  

Job Description

Position Title: Director, Communications & Marketing

Salary Range: Commensurate with experience

Location: Washington, D.C.

Reports To: Senior Vice President, External Affairs

Purpose and Description

Under the supervision of the Senior Vice President, External Affairs, the Director, Communications & Marketing will have direct responsibility for developing and executing multi-media communications strategies and tactics to: Clearly communicate and narrate Meridian’s programs through social media, print and digital publications, and collateral materials to increase understanding of Meridian’s mission and relevance; market and position Meridian as the leading global leadership and diplomacy institution to targeted audiences to activate new and existing supporters and stakeholders.

 

Essential Functions

Digital Media: Drive overall social media strategy and implementation to engage targeted audience segments; decide what, where and when to disseminate for greatest impact; lead content generation and engagement by both directly writing, monitoring and engaging in social media and managing the communications committee; leverage Meridian-owned content and platforms to amplify and broaden Meridian’s message and reach; use data analytic tools to present progress in reaching defined social media goals.

Media Relations: Maintain media relationships in print and online media outlets; work with reporters to place Meridian mentions, quotes, op-eds and coverage in print and digital publications; develop and pitch compelling and timely stories to reporters and publications, manage press logistics and coverage at large events, including the Meridian Ball and Global Leadership Summit; work with social press on coverage of additional programs throughout the year.

Messaging: Develop and implement consistent messaging with a compelling narrative to highlight Meridian’s mission, impact, work and relevance; ensure adoption and promotion of core messaging both internally and through all external communications to give Meridian a unified voice.

Content Generation: Write compelling and relevant content across all of Meridian’s platforms; write talking points and pieces in coordination with Meridian’s Executive Team and Board of Trustees; work with the Creative Director to produce additional content formats such as infographics, short videos, etc.

Communications Products and Collateral: Provide editorial direction, write and produce all print and electronic collateral including the Annual Report, News@Meridian video update (4-5 times a year), Meridian Exchange e-newsletter (6-8 times a year), marketing materials including brochures and videos.


Interdepartmental Communications Coordination: Manage requests for photography, filming and other press needs across departments; provide resources and style guides for Meridian staff for consistent messaging and branding. 

Supervision and Management Responsibilities

Reports to the Senior Vice President of External Affairs and is part of the Meridian senior management team.

Directly supervises one full-time employee, the Web and Creative Director. Responsible for recruiting, selection, and supervision of interns as needed.

Leads and oversees the volunteer interdepartmental communications committee to implement and synchronize communications tactics; provides clear direction, guidance and resources to committee members to enable them to generate compelling content.

Other duties and special projects as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Experience/Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Digital Media or related fields

• 4 years of communications/social media experience in a non-profit, association, political campaign, or government agency

• Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to take information and transform it into compelling, relevant messages and content in a timely manner and disseminate it to the right audiences through appropriate distribution channels

• Excellent English writing and editing skills and ability to produce compelling written content in a short-time frame

• Knowledge of social media tactics and analytics

• Experience and familiarity working with reporters to pitch, position and place Meridian in print and digital publications

• Demonstrated track record serving as both a manager and an implementer who can lead and execute concurrent projects from conception to completion

• Self-starter and ability to work independently with overall strategic direction; enjoys creating and implementing new initiatives

• Ability to be entrepreneurial and resourceful due to limited staff and budget resources and leverage Meridian assets

• Broad understanding and interest in foreign and domestic policy issues driving the news; understanding of the Washington influencer and social landscape

Physical Effort and Dexterity

Not applicable

Visual Acuity, Hearing, and Speaking

     Excellent verbal and written command of the English language

Environment and Scheduling 

• Interest in working with an international not-for-profit professional exchange organization

• Interest in working within a diverse work environment

This position is classified FLSA exempt.

Employer’s Statement and Rights

This position posting does not list all the duties of the job. If an offer is made, you will be presented with a detailed job description. Applicants will be evaluated based upon their demonstrated ability to perform the tasks listed above, and their education and experience. The employer has the right to revise this posting at any time. Neither this posting nor the job description is a contract for employment. Meridian is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates should apply by e-mail only to HR@meridian.org. Subject line should read “Director, Comms/Marketing” only and a cover letter, with salary expectations, and resume should be attached. Only candidates being considered for this position will be contacted. Submissions which do not follow the above instructions will not be considered as applicants. NO PHONE CALLS in reference to this position will be accepted.