Director of Communications

The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) seeks to fill a vital role on our Government Affairs team - Director, Communications. The incumbent will lead NACWA's strategic communication efforts across various platforms and media outlets. This includes liaising with national, regional, and local media, the trade press, as well as engaging with digital and social media and leading strategic communication planning. The incumbent will also work collaboratively with the marketing team on communications strategies with members, non-members, policymakers, and the public and coordinate and supervise outside contractors working on NACWA communications matters.  

This position serves as NACWA's primary point of contact with all media outlets, cultivates relationships with media to advance NACWA's advocacy goals, plans and implements media and messaging campaigns, staffs the Association's Communications & Public Affairs Committee, develops communications tools and resources to assist NACWA members and works closely with the Director, Marketing & Outreach to improve NACWA's communications with members, non-members, policymakers, and the public.  

NACWA's collaborative Government Affairs team encompasses legislative, regulatory, legal, and communications work. We are searching for a candidate who oversees all aspects of NACWA's strategic communications to advance NACWA's policy goals and shape the public narrative of the clean water utility sector.

The responsibilities of this position include:

• Develop and maintain a proactive relationship with media of all kinds – including national, regional, and local media outlets and the trade press – to help advance NACWA's advocacy priorities.  
• Develop and implement a Communications Strategic Plan that integrates media relations, digital and social media, stakeholder engagement, and strategic messaging.
• Develop and implement media, digital, and strategic communication campaigns on specific NACWA advocacy initiatives.  
• Work with NACWA's Communications & Public Affairs Committee to better facilitate member-to-member exchange of outreach information, resources, and tools. Elevate NACWA's advocacy efforts at the state level by providing strategic messaging guidance, resources, and materials specifically tailored to assist member utilities in their media outreach and communications efforts.
• Provide strategic messaging guidance and support to communicators at member utilities, actively managing and enhancing NACWA's advocacy efforts on a national and state level.
• Plan, coordinate, and serve as lead staff for NACWA's annual Strategic Communications H2O Conference.
• Coordinate media interest in NACWA and its members, act as NACWA's representative with the media, ensure regular contact with target media and appropriate response to media requests, and draft press releases and media pitches to highlight NACWA activities and positions.
• Raise awareness and expand NACWA's collective voice by coordinating with water sector partners on media/communications initiatives when appropriate to advance common goals more effectively and efficiently and generate greater value. 
• Develop benchmarks to monitor and track coverage of NACWA and its members in the media.  
• Oversee all aspects of the digital and social media strategy, enhancing NACWA's online presence and engagement.
• Develop and implement an internal communication strategy.

The ideal candidate will:

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in media and public relations activities with demonstrated success - developing and implementing media and messaging campaigns; and demonstrated successful experience writing press releases, making presentations, and working with media. 
• Exceptional communication (oral and written), creative, strategic, analytical, and organizational skills. High standards for quality and attention to detail. 
• Proven ability to multitask and prioritize in a climate of competing demands, solving problems creatively and proactively.  
• Familiarity with media management software.  
• Experience developing and managing budgets. 
• Ability to be a team player, self-motivated, and work with limited supervision.  
• Be able to work with shared leadership and in cross-functional teams. 

A bachelor's degree is required, focusing on journalism or public relations preferred. A graduate degree in a related field is desirable. 

Competitive salary is commensurate with experience. This full-time position has excellent benefits, including 100% coverage of medical and dental insurance premiums for NACWA employees and immediate dependents; flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent daycare accounts; employer contribution to a retirement plan without employee match; and a generous paid time off program.

Some domestic travel is required for this position. This position is eligible for hybrid telecommuting. NACWA employees are required to be in the office minimally every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, but it may occasionally be necessary to be in-office more.

NACWA's offices are accessible by Metro and public transportation and are located near the Dupont Circle area of Washington, DC. For more information about NACWA, visit – www.nacwa.org. 

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample in PDF format to hr@nacwa.org with "Director, Communications" as the subject line no later than 5 pm EST on February 29, 2024. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, with interviews for promising candidates scheduled on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

NACWA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment and personnel practices based on race, gender, age, handicap, religion, national origin, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.