Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund -- Director of Communications

[Wes Young]

Director of Communications

Location: Washington, DC
Reports to: President & CEO
Posting Date: April 5, 2016

The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and Institute (Victory) has an immediate opening for a Director of Communications. This position will set and guide the strategy for all communications, website, and public relations messages and collateral to consistently articulate Victory’s mission and drive our key narratives across a range of audiences, platforms, and outlets. The Director of Communications will also oversee the launch and development of our new research and communications war room.

The Director of Communications will ensure that Victory is viewed as the primary source, disseminator, and conduit of information on LGBT politics and leadership development. This position will work closely and collaboratively with a senior peer group within the organization as the communications partner on a variety of strategic initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a strong entrepreneurial spirit; sound judgment and the ability to make smart decisions in a fast-paced environment; and dedication to Victory’s mission.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and evaluate Victory’s annual communications plan in collaboration with Victory’s senior management and communications teams
• Design and implement new communications and marketing tactics to create momentum around and awareness of Victory’s mission, programs, impact, and brand
• Manage the development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic collateral including, but not limited to, electronic newsletters, research briefs and reports, the annual report, development materials, email blasts, and the website
• Manage, mentor, and lead the communications team
• Oversee webpage maintenance to ensure that new and consistent information (article links, stories, and events) is posted regularly
• Manage the generation of online content that engages different audiences and leads to measurable action
• Oversee the content and “show-flow” of Victory’s major public events
• Track and measure the impact of the communications strategy and individual tactics over time
• Develop and implement a media/press strategy by building relationships with key reporters and outlets, and manage all high-profile media contacts
• Create opportunities for Victory’s CEO to be featured in the press and media
• Provide input to the CEO’s public speaking schedule, as well as help shape her speeches’ messages and content
• Ensure key Victory staff receive annual media training

Qualifications: 

• At least 8-10 years of communications experience, ideally with some portion of that time spent at an “in-house” leadership role at a similar organization or agency
• Excellent writing/editing and verbal communication skills
• At least some experience or familiarity with local, state, and federal politics and elections, as well as the LGBT movement
• Experience with public education campaigns
• A strong track record as an implementer who thrives on managing a variety of key initiatives concurrently
• Relationship builder with the flexibility and finesse to "manage by influence"
• High energy, maturity, and leadership with the ability to serve as a unifying force and to position communications discussions at both the strategic and tactical levels
• Sincere commitment to work collaboratively with all constituent groups, including staff, board members, volunteers, donors, program participants, and ally and partner organizations
• Self-starter, able to work independently when needed, and entrepreneurial
• Innate sense of creativity and the ability to see what the future can be and build a strategy and guide a team to get there

To apply: 

Victory is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. Please send a cover letter including salary requirements and resume to jo...@victoryfund.org. No phone calls or walk-ins please.