Job Details
ABOUT THE POSITION
This is an inspiring opportunity at the intersection of clean energy, social justice, and community development for a talented and experienced storyteller who has excellent communications skills, well-developed design sensibilities, and who has demonstrated their ability to lead a team to develop and implement effective local and national communications and media strategies.
The Director of Media & Communications ( Director ) will be responsible for building a cohesive Groundswell-wide communications strategy, brand voice, and narrative approach; cultivating fruitful media relationships with local, trade, and national press; and for overseeing the development of media (photography, film, graphics) and collateral that tell the Groundswell story in alignment with our values and that celebrate the communities we serve. The Director will set annual operational communications plans, supporting our team s Strategic Plan; set targets for expanding our reach; cultivate and manage media opportunities; establish and be accountable for metrics for routine evaluation of such activities; and oversee the communications team including staff and external consultants.
This role will be responsible for delivering on Groundswell s external communications activities, which include, but are not limited to, monthly newsletters, social media posts, podcasts, webinars, press releases, promotional events, development of collateral materials, and coordination with external media and journalists. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director must have exceptional written and verbal communications skills for telling our story, a strong design sensibility for stewarding our brand, and be familiar with contemporary tools and platforms for delivering high-quality content.
The ideal candidate is a values-aligned communications leader who has proven success in developing and executing external communications strategies, developing brands and voice, and establishing a robust and strategic plan-aligned media presence.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Communications Strategy and Management
Leads the development of Groundswell s Communications Plan in accordance with the organization s overall Strategic Plan.
Responsible for the achievement of the goals and objectives of the Communications Plan. Ensure that evaluation systems are in place related to these goals and objectives and report progress to the COO, CEO, and Board on at least a quarterly basis.
Develop inspiring content, working closely with the communications team and other Groundswell colleagues. Translate data and evidence from Groundswell projects and research into relevant media and information packages for multiple audiences.
Oversee press, other media, and related consultants or contractors.
Lead the development of supporting collateral.
Develop and manage the annual communications budget, working in concert with the finance team.
Brand Development and Direction
Steward Groundswell s brands, including leading an assessment of current branding standards and strategies, an evaluation of brand effectiveness, and recommendations on the design and components of Groundswell s future branding standards at appropriate milestones.
Ensure Groundswell s brand reflects the beautiful diversity of the communities and people we serve, is aligned with our values, and is aligned with strategic business objectives.
Ensure that brand identity, messaging, and communications strategies are infused in all organizational efforts i.e., programming, development, network management.
Develop, implement, and evaluate communications campaigns related to programs, special events, and customer and cultivation.
Content Strategy and Oversight
Develop, implement, and evaluate an annual communications plan that includes social media, print and digital content, and email marketing.
Oversee the communications team in the development, design, distribution, and maintenance of high- quality print and electronic media.
Lead the strategy and oversee the generation of engaging digital content for Groundswell s website, social media ,and email channels.
Press and Public Relations
Identify trends and monitor current events to anticipate opportunities for Groundswell.
Lead media strategy, including messaging in press releases, oversight of the development of press kits and materials, interview preparation, and responses to media requests.
Develop close partnerships with key members of local, state, and national-level media outlets.
Occasionally represent Groundswell at public or professional events.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
As a member of the Groundswell team, the Director of Media & Communications is expected to participate in the overall execution of Groundswell programs:
Support the pursuit of opportunities aligned with the Groundswell s mission and values.
Seek opportunities to drive continuous improvement in Groundswell programs, processes, and practices.
Key values that will be uplifted through the work of the Director of Media & Communications include:
Integrity: We uphold the values of Groundswell in every action and decision. We hold ourselves accountable for gathering facts, sweating the details, performing analysis, and validating decisions.
Transformation: We are smart, adaptable, learn from our mistakes, and are willing to be the first to try new things.
Respect: Everyone Matters.
OTHER DUTIES
This position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required. Duties, obligations, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
COMPETENCIES OR SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE
Excellent writing and editorial skills.
Strong oral and presentation skills.
Knowledge of the clean energy and energy justice sector.
Creative and innovative mindset and ability to proactively anticipate shifting organizational and industry narratives.
Superb organizational, strategic planning and leadership skills.
People-oriented with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Values-driven and ability to center organizational mission in decision-making.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position will manage staff, including the Media and Communications Associate; the Associate Manager, Marketing & Communications; and the Website Development Manager; as well as external consultants.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position is based in Georgia and is expected to work in-office four days per month in alignment with Groundswell s hybrid/remote work plan.
POSITION TYPE AND EXPECTED HOURS
This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and core hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.
TRAVEL
Occasional travel will be required for this role.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor s degree required, advanced degree preferred but not required.
5+ years of leadership experience in media, communications, marketing, public relations, or external affairs.
Must demonstrate successful development and execution of media/communications campaigns.
Must demonstrate brand management experience.
Professional experience in the clean energy, environmental justice, or community development fields preferred.
SUPERVISION
The Director of Media & Communications will report to the Chief Executive Officer.
COMPENSATION
Compensation for this position is in Groundswell s established pay band for the Director title, with a full- time employee benefits package.
BENEFITS
Groundswell pays 100% of the monthly premium for health, dental, vision, and long-term disability for full-time employees in accordance with Groundswell s policy. Groundswell also covers 50% of spouses and dependents covered under the Groundswell healthcare, vision, and dental plan.
Matching 401 (k) plan contribution by Groundswell up to 4% for employees who choose to contribute to Groundswell s 401 (k) plan, with immediate vesting.
Monthly Development Days to focus on professional development opportunities.
$45 per month to reimburse cellular phone use for business purposes.
$75 per month to reimburse home internet access for business purposes.
Fifteen (15) paid vacation days per year; eight (8) sick days; and two (2) personal days. Vacation and sick leave accrue at the start of your employment, restart each year on January 1, and increase with tenure. Personal days begin after six months of employment.
Groundswell also takes nine (9) paid federal holidays and a holiday break from December 24th to January 1st (inclusive).
Short-Term Disability Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance, and Voluntary Life available.
Pre-tax benefits such as Smart Benefits, Flexible spending accounts, and Dependent care are also available.