Director of Communications

Job description

The Director of Communications will be responsible for the planning, developing, and implementing member communications, strategic communication, public and media relations within our organization. They will lead and coordinate effective national, regional, state, and local media, community and public relations, crisis communication, marketing and branding, and related association communications activities.

Responsible for executing the vision and oversight of all communications, media relations, marketing, web and social media presence, CEO and Board of Directors communications, internal and external branding, and the development and production of content on the NVAR Website.

Performs a crucial, collaborative leadership role ensuring all Association communications activities are fully and strategically leveraged to further the vision, mission, and goals of the Association, especially as new and innovative initiatives and projects are developed and launched.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Communications, Media & Editorial Leadership:

Under the direction of the Chief Public Affairs Officer (CPAO), pursues national, state, regional, and local media strategies, each clearly defined with distinct approaches. Develops a rapport with members of media outlets for paid and earned opportunities for television, radio, digital publications, podcasts and other channel exposure. Actively and regularly partners with the National Association of Realtors (and where appropriate, Virginia Realtors) to advance relevant national member, media and public awareness campaigns.

Develops, implements and continuously improves the Association’s brand throughout all areas of the organization and industry. Proactively identifies story ideas, trends/issues and shapes key messages to generate positive coverage of the Association, and position NVAR as the industry leader and spokesperson within and beyond Northern Virginia.

Provides leadership and oversight for all aspects of communications with an emphasis on media relations, brand position, public awareness and perception of the association. Identifies opportunities to leverage strategic executive presence and communications in external public relations to strengthen NVAR’s presence in the business community, including regional, state, national and global industry affairs.

Prepares internal and external correspondence on behalf of the NVAR Office of the Chief Executive Officer and the NVAR Board of Directors for distribution to target audiences. Advises and assists the CPAO on coordinating communications in critical and at times sensitive messaging to the membership and various other stakeholders.

Leads, manages, and provides strategic oversight to the work of multiple marketing, communications, public relations, and other cross-functional and cross-organizational teams. Guides, leads, reviews, verifies, observes, and manages the work of people reporting directly and indirectly to the Director of Communications position. Performs needs analysis, arranges, coordinates, delivers, evaluates, and monitors staff development.

Ensures accountability for the performance and results of all communications and marketing campaigns. Directs the strategic planning, direction, and goal setting for the division and multiple subordinate functional areas.

Coordinates communication between the Association and the NVAR leaders, the NVAR members, NVAR strategic partners, elected officials, media and community members. Ensures all divisional and departmental leaders have consistent messaging and clarity on talking points in advance of any important Association executive messages being delivered to members and stakeholder groups.

Develops and implements an annual comprehensive communications plan, including processes to measure the effectiveness of communications strategies and activities. Proactively anticipates communication needs throughout each calendar year and prepares executive messaging matched with the appropriate voices and leaders.

Expands social media accounts into mature, robust messaging platforms while growing engagement rates. Identifies new platforms to build and introduce to the Association’s social media portfolio.

Develops and maintains an integrated crisis response plan including communication templates and strategies, talking points, media statements, FAQs, internal updates, social media response plans. Responds to sensitive media relations situations and leads crisis management communication response teams as needed.

Designs, establishes, and maintains an organizational structure and staffing with the necessary expertise to effectively accomplish the organization's goals and objectives; oversees recruitment, training, supervision, and evaluation of divisional and departmental staff.

Reports to:

Chief Public Affairs Officer

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in related field; Advanced degree (e.g. MBA, MPA, MPP) preferred

5+ years of combined experience in marketing, public relations, media relations or production, communications or related experience

5+ years of managerial experience

Knowledge of:

Principles, practices and methodologies of communications, public or media relations, and speech writing

Branding and marketing communications strategies and tactics, including content strategy, digital and social media

Microsoft Office Professional or similar application

Skilled in:

Excellent interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills including policy and creative writing, group presentation, and individual coaching and counseling skills

Motivating employees to apply the effort necessary to attain organizational and departmental goals

Strategic thinking including effective planning, setting goals, monitoring progress, tracking results, and making appropriate adjustments to plans based on circumstances and context

Mentoring team members to develop goal setting plans, share knowledge and experiences

Special Requirements:

Regular on-site, physical attendance required in multiple locations and settings and venues

Must be able and available to attend networking functions in evenings as they arise

Must be available to travel, as needed