Communications Director

Description

BGF is looking for an enthusiastic, experienced, and detail-oriented Communications Director to join our dynamic Charlottesville staff team. The Communications Director is responsible for all public-facing communications; for representing the BGF brand and voice; and for sharing BGF stories, opportunities, and data in professional and compelling ways.

BGF is facing an exciting time, entering into our 25^th year, which will be marked by an increase in communications and celebrations. The Communications Director will play a critical role in the success of our 25^th Anniversary, creating and leading a messaging strategy that honors our history and conveys our vision for the next 25 years. The Communications Director will also have the unique opportunity to creatively and strategically shift BGF’s messaging to prioritize storytelling, community voices, and individual perspectives.

The Communications Director should have great interpersonal skills, be able to handle multiple projects at once, excel in graphic design and page-layouts, and be an outstanding writer. They should have proven experience fashioning pieces for print and online outlets that artfully and truthfully draw people in. The successful candidate must be self-motivated and work independently, but also work well with and enjoy collaborating with staff, volunteers, and board members. Experience working with nonprofits, volunteers, and in fundraising is a plus!

BGF Team members are committed to the BGF mission and core values, continuous learning and excellence in our work, and equitable practices and outcomes. BGF offers health and dental insurance; a matching retirement plan; paid holidays, family leave, and vacation time; a flexible and friendly work environment; and opportunities to travel internationally.

This is a full-time position with some evening and weekend work. Staff works primarily in our awesome office on Carlton Road, flexibly accommodating life and schedules.

Job Duties

Responsibilities

The Communications Director is responsible for overseeing and ensuring excellence in all aspects of public communications, while energizing all partners, staff, volunteers, and donors around the organization’s mission, vision, and core values.

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Ensure that BGF mission, vision, and core values are central to all communications
• Develop and steer communications strategy in collaboration with the Executive Director, Director of Development, Staff, and Board of Directors
• Align communications strategy with the organization’s priorities, as envisioned by the board, in collaboration with the Executive Director and other key stakeholders
• Plan and execute the production of newsletters, annual reports, case statements, fundraising letters, website content, event collateral, and print/electronic outreach
• Work closely with the Director of Development to design and write various appeals in support of fundraising
• Work with the Director of Development to manage community donor engagement via social media efforts
• Design graphics and edit/create content for all communications projects
• Gather stories and photos from work sites in the U.S., Central America, and Haiti in order to promote the organization’s mission both creatively and responsibly
• Coordinate public relations for BGF including development of industry contacts, press releases, and associated logistics
• Support BGF events with communications and outreach, as well as logistical and planning support
• Function as an ambassador of the organization, effectively communicating the BGF mission, vision, and core values to the community at large and key stakeholders
• Foster collaborative dynamic with key staff, Board members, and volunteers in support of communications activities
• Manage a volunteer committee of communications professionals to boost capacity for and impact of communications activities
• Ensure that communications volunteers are provided with a meaningful experience that enhances organizational capacity and mission
• Coordinate an organization-wide reflection process for each special event to ensure organizational learning and growth

Skills Required

Qualifications

• Commitment to BGF’s mission to build community and improve lives
• Four-year college degree, or relevant professional experience
• At least 5 years of marketing and communications experience
• Proven experience creating (writing and formatting) various communications for print and online media
• Proven experience creating and implementing comprehensive communications strategies
• Outstanding writing abilities, formatting and graphic abilities, and a keen eye for details
• Ability to work with and inspire a diverse set of stakeholders
• Commitment to understanding and respecting the relationship between poverty and the health and wellness of individuals and communities
• Demonstrated strategic thinking capability
• Demonstrated project management experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with database marketing tools and systems
• Proficiency in social media marketing strategies and tools
• Preference for working in a collaborative, team environment
• Flexibility to work nights and weekends
• Optimistic and resilient personality
• Sense of humor
• Willingness to travel internationally as needed

Work Schedule

This is a full-time position with some evening and weekend work. Staff works primarily in our awesome office on Carlton Road, flexibly accommodating life and schedules.

Additional Info

To learn more about this position and BGF, contact Courtney Polk, Executive Director, at cpolk@buildinggoodness.org.

To apply: submit a cover letter, resume, and up to 3 examples of your work to jobs@buildinggoodness.org.