Director of Communications, full time

Position Overview:

Connecticut Audubon is seeking a mission-driven professional to join our team as a full time Director of Communications. Both an action-oriented strategist and self-starter, the Communications Director will lead the communications of the organizations and play a leadership role in the communications and messaging of the campaigns and partnerships that CAS engages in to reach media, policymakers, membership, and the general public. The Director of Communications communicates regularly with members, donors and the general public in plain language designed to strengthen their connection to the organization and works in coordination with the Executive Director and Director of Development to establish fundraising themes throughout the year. The Director of Communications is a full time, senior management position and reports directly to the Executive Director. This position will be supported by the Board Communications Committee. The ideal candidate will share the organization’s value in and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our boards, staff, and program participants.

Responsibilities:

In conjunction with the Senior Team, set the vision for communications across our program areas and develop short and long-term strategic communications plans including digital and social media, email, print, events, and press;
Create and coordinate communication for CAS core work areas and events;
Provide strategic communications advice, guidance, and coaching to CAS’s regional centers;
Develop and implement creative strategies for telling CAS’s story through press, online and other outreach mechanisms;
Manage pro-active development of media relations in order to enhance CAS’s public image and name recognition;
Evaluate the performance of public relations initiatives and drive continuous improvement based on results. Uses data and insights to guide this work.
Serve as in-house writer/editor for reports, email outreach, and website;
Manage CAS social media platforms with support from CAS Executive Assistant and program staff;
Manage CAS website, including supervision of webmaster;
Manage sub-contractors as needed. This includes leading and implementing the competitive bid processes, writing scopes of work, supporting the execution of contracts, setting and managing to a budget, and supervising contractors.
Stay abreast of trends and best-practices in both public relations and in our areas of work, and applies that learning to their work. Teaches and shares knowledge.
Serve as an organizational spokesperson, as needed;
Assist Executive Director in developing executive communications;
Other duties and projects as assigned.

Requirements:

Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in communications, preferably within the nonprofit community;
Supervisory experience preferred;
Undergraduate or advanced degree in journalism, public relations, communications or other equivalent background/experience;
Excellent communications skills, oral and written, including the ability to work with people from all walks of life;
Demonstrated talent and commitment to environmental issues and the CAS mission;
Excellent writing, editing on deadline, and storytelling skills;
Extensive knowledge of social media, digital marketing, SEO, and Google Analytics;
Understanding of web design, email marketing and social media follower conversion, and citizen engagement strategies;
Strong computer skills including CMS and CRM platforms, online constituent engagement programs, and XLS;
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, as well as abilities to work in a team and independently;
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities with high expectations.

Salary Range: $80-90,000/year plus benefits

To apply, please send a cover letter, (4) References and resume to Joyce Leiz, Executive Director, at resume@ctaudubon.org.

Connecticut Audubon Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer