Reports To: Vice President, Marketing and Communications
Position Location: Direct Relief Internationals Headquarters - Santa Barbara, CA
Job Summary:
The Communications Manager will coordinate and implement communication efforts, provide day to day public relations support, develop marketing communications programs, manage social media programs, and serve as a front-line representative to the media. Strong writing and planning skills are essential to the role. Experience with executive communications is a plus. Innovative thinking is critical.
Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Develop and implement innovative and effective communications strategies and plans, including broad-reaching campaigns, to increase awareness of and revenue generation for Direct Relief’s programmatic work around the world.
• Development of Strategic and Tactical Plan for Communications (including PR campaigns – online and off-line)
• Manage Online Ad campaigns
• Identify and execute strategies for driving traffic to website
• Development plan for Social Media
• Development of metrics and budgets for new campaigns and initiatives.
Manage development of press releases. Ensure a consistently superior public relations product is executed on a timely basis.
Conduct media contact and follow-up, develop strong relationships, secure placements and help coordinate media coverage and interviews.
Track media coverage and placements, compile and present to management.
Position will have extensive contact with a publicity agency. Agency-management experience a must.
Attributes of a successful Communications Manager:
• Creative/Thinker, with a “can-do” attitude. You must be motivated by the challenge of building on-going successful campaigns. You understand the mission; you think through what is possible and implement solutions.
• You have polished presentation and interpersonal skills.
• You have good judgment and a thoughtful approach. You are able to understand, respect, and appreciate the viewpoints of internal and external stakeholders.
• Team Player: You work well at all levels within an organization.
• Excellent at building relationships. You share your insights, seek our other opinions, and listen to the needs and concerns of others.
• Flexible: You are able to easily shift gears when needed, and stay focused on priorities.
• Champion for Direct Relief: You understand the big picture, and can transfer the objectives of the organization into impact.
Qualifications:
Education: College degree required. Concentration in Communications, Marketing, or Business preferred.
Experience: At least five years in communications/PR role. Strong leadership and consensus-building skills. Proactive media relations experience required. Social media experience preferred. Excellent media relations skills. Superior writing and research skills. Ability to work effectively on cross-functional teams. Must be a self-starter, highly organized, and able to work well with people at all levels in the organization. Must possess top-level business management, interpersonal, and facilitation skills. Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office and Windows-based computer applications is essential.
Contact: If you are interested in the position and meet the requirements and qualifications, please submit a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements by September 10, 2010.