Director, Communications

The Director, Communications will work collaboratively with senior leadership to develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies to broaden the impact of NGA’s programs and oversee organizational messaging and services. The Director, Communications is responsible for translating information into messaging that is clear, consistent and effective for all internal and external stakeholders, by applying state-of-art principles and practices that epitomize world-class communication. The Director manages a team responsible for media relations, digital communications, content, publications, and event communications that support the visibility of the Governors and the Association. This team member will be expected to be full-time in Washington, DC.

Other important responsibilities of the Director, Communications include:

Provide strategic communications leadership in development of a comprehensive communications strategy that aligns with the Chair’s priorities and the organization’s mission;

Lead the communications, marketing and branding efforts, expand and refine key media messages for NGA;

Oversee the development, refinement and management of the association’s primary communications vehicles, including websites, social media, press releases and publications, such as the annual report and print collateral;

Collaborate with stakeholders to support NGA’s brand and ensure consistency of message and competitive positioning. Identifies significant media and public policy issues that can be leveraged to support the Governors, and create and implement plans to optimize them;

Oversee organizational response to media inquiries. Counsels Executive Management, Executive Committee, and other stakeholders on critical communication messages and issues; works with Senior Leadership to anticipate and respond to urgent communication issues; manages crisis communication;

Lead rapid-response digital communications during major events or breaking policy developments;

Track organizational accomplishments, develops content for campaign letters, crafts press releases, talking points, and public service announcements, when necessary;

Represents NGA at media/public relation events;

Develop and manages internal association wide communication processes, interdepartmental relationships, and other functions that support the goals and objectives of the Communications Division;

Ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency across all written products; partner with policy teams to translate complex information into accessible messages;

Direct communications planning for national meetings, policy summits, and governor convenings; produce scripts, run-of-show materials, and visual assets for major events; and coordinate on-site media coverage and press operations day of event;

Monitor news cycles and advice on risks, messaging, and public positioning;

Prepare the CEO, Board, senior staff for high-profile or sensitive situations;

Develop strong relationships with NGA’s Governors and staff to understand their public relations needs and perspectives;

Build and maintain relationships with national, state and trade press;

Serve as a member of the senior management team;

Demonstrating a commitment to NGA’s mission and goals to constructively serve the needs of all Governors; and

Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the CEO.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Manage Communication team staff members and see that they are meeting project goals and achieving progress toward their professional and personal development goals;

Implements internal control policies and procedures for all Communication activities; and

Oversee employee training program and identify training needs in correlation with Human Resources.

NATURE OF WORK CONTACTS

Extensive contact with media representatives and communications executives from states. Senior management levels within states, corporations, foundations, financial institutions, federal agencies, trade associations and national nonprofit organizations for the purpose of exchanging information. Senior managers and functional peers in NGA for the purpose of supporting public relations efforts.

Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree preferable in journalism, public relations, communications or related field. Twelve plus years working in communications, public relations and marketing; or any combination of training, education and experience which provides the following knowledge abilities and skills. Experience working with Governors, working in public policy, journalism, federal or state agencies or non-profit organizations is preferred.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated ability to:

Have at minimum of five years of experience in a management/leadership role with significant responsibility for the areas outlined above;

Have a strong understanding of state priorities and a broad range of experience in programmatic activities, or nonprofit and experience with government funding and political astuteness preferred;

Dynamic leader with a strong track record of positioning an organization to achieve tangible outcomes, individually and collaboratively with others;

Calm under pressure and skilled at navigating fast-moving situations;

Superior attention to detail/organization and a clear philosophy/approach to using communications to drive results under pressure and in a fast-paced environment;

Superior verbal and written communications skills a must, with the ability to tailor for various purposes, such as news releases, executive speeches and presentations, video scripts, articles and more;

Self-directed, action-oriented, forward-thinking, strategic and creative individual with high ethical standards and discretion;

Applied knowledge and experience in working with online communications and social media, with knowledge of effective branding strategies and plans for implementation;

Have success in positioning/achieving favored visibility for organizations and their thought leaders; Demonstrated experience in developing systems and processes for the efficient management of a team;

Collaborative style with ability to work across departments;

Strong people manager who can lead, inspire, and direct the activities of a team of communications/public relations professionals; and

Ability to travel as needed.