Communications Director

JOB FUNCTION:

The Communications Director will lead a team to design, develop and implement the communications and public relations programs to build awareness of the Child Care Aware system’s mission, programs, services, and issues.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Manage the work performance of the communications department employees (currently 2 FTEs); provide overall leadership, direction, coordination, and evaluation 
2. Work closely with agency leadership and management team to ensure effective delivery of key messages to key audiences in a timely manner. 
3. Develop and support local implementation of a communication plan for the Child Care Aware system and its core programs and services, including strategies and activities for Parent Aware recruiters. 
4. Develop and implement an agency communication plan as well as specific program communication plans 
5. Support the agency’s fund development and policy development efforts through effective communications strategies and issue management. 
6. Manage and coordinate media relations 
7. Provide direction to the development and maintenance of the agency websites 
8. Implement and evaluate the process of ensuring that all Child Care Aware materials are relevant to and accessible by diverse cultural/ethnic and linguistic communities statewide 
9. Provide staff support to the Communications Advisory Team 
10. Develop and maintain partnerships and community collaborations on a statewide level 
11. Manage and coordinate the development of the agency’s Annual Report 
12. Implement an editing protocol for all outgoing materials 
13. Create and guide branding requirements for the Child Care Aware statewide system

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Four-year college degree, or equivalent plus 5-8 years of related experience 
2. Demonstrated success as a leader with the ability to build teams, mentor staff, communicate effectively, and collaborate with others within the organization 
3. Experience managing communications functions within a coalition or public/private partnership, government, or other multi-level systems 
4. Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
5. Ability to work independently, set goals, meet deadlines and maintain confidentiality 
6. Experience marketing services/programs to diverse communities 
7. Website management experience 
8. Understanding of early childhood systems a plus 
9. Experience working with or within State or County Government a plus

WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. 40 hour per week position 
2. Some travel required (usually 1-2 days within Minnesota) 
3. Growing, evolving organization 
4. This position reports to the Executive Director

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

1. Salary Level: $54,000-$60,000 
2. Flexible Benefit Package 
3. People of color encouraged to apply. EOE