Director of Communications

POSITION: Director of Communications (Full-time, exempt) 
REPORTS TO: President & CEO 
STARTING SALARY: $90,000, plus commensurate with experience
POSTING OPEN: March 2023 

The mission of the Latino Policy Forum is to build the power, influence, and leadership of the Latino community through collective action to transform public policies that ensure the well-being of its community and society as a whole. Through advocacy and analysis, the Forum builds a foundation for equity, justice, and economic prosperity for the Latino community. By catalyzing policy change, the Forum works to improve education outcomes, advocate for affordable housing, promote just immigration policies and strengthen community leadership.

Position Summary 

The Forum is seeking a full-time Communications Director to set the vision and strategy for the communications of the organization, advance its communications priorities in policy and development, and manage its media relations. The Director will manage a Communications Coordinator/Graphic Designer, a part-time Social Media consultant, and interns. They will use traditional and digital media to amplify the Forum’s work in a fast-paced, collaborative work environment. Among other responsibilities, the Director will monitor and respond to the external environment to position the Forum as a credible source of timely, accurate, and relevant information and analysis on the Illinois Latino community, promoting the importance of including Latino voices and perspectives. The Director will also leverage their expertise in communications strategy to increase the Forum’s brand recognition and fundraising efforts.

Responsibilities 

• Develops, implements, and evaluates and annual communications plan, goals, and objectives in collaboration with senior management that aligns with organizational goals and priorities.

• Amplifies the Forum’s mission and work by developing, implementing, and managing broad-based cohesive communications strategies to reach multiple audiences and promote Latino inclusion on relevant public policy debates.
• Creates, manages, and oversees the implementation of the Forum’s content strategy, including but not limited to print, social media, website, and other e-communications efforts.
• Creates and disseminates compelling, persuasive, accurate, and engaging communication content that will resonate with the Forum’s constituents and help advance the organization’s mission.
• Works directly to compose, edit, and manage a full range of media strategies and outreach; delivers annual report; creates quarterly newsletters; and assists with the publication of staff-generated reports.
• Serves as the primary liaison with the media, responding with requests for information and coordinating interviews with staff, board of directors, and/or other appropriate spokesperson or information sources; prepares staff for external interviews.
• Serves as primary liaison to media; cultivates and maintains media relationships and outreach by writing, preparing, distributing, and pitching all media materials including news releases, statement letters to the editor, and op-eds.
• Develops, writes, creates creative direction, and provides production oversight of marketing and collateral materials to maintain consistency of the Forum’s brand, and support the work of the Education, Civic Engagement, and Development departments.
• Supports promoting, amplifying messages, and any other communication needs for organization-wide events, including the Forum’s annual fundraiser and overall fundraising efforts.
• Is responsible for developing Communication department budget, board reports, expense reports, media appearances updates, and communications analytics.
• Manages a team of communication specialists -including a Communications Coordinator/Graphic Designer, a part-time Social Media consultant, and interns.
• Works closely with colleagues including policy directors, development, and staff to produce collateral material to support their work.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements Competencies 

• MA or equivalent experience.

• Seven to ten years of experience in communications, nonprofit, and/or work in the Latino community.
• Bilingual -Spanish/English (written and spoken) preferred but not required.
• Strong commitment to and alignment with Latino Policy Forum mission to improve Latino equity and visibility.
• Ability to grasp and effectively communicate complex, detailed information in a clear, concise manner for a variety of audiences.
• Comprehensive strategic thinking and rapid problem-solver skills.
• Experience in a fast-paced environment and comfortable working in ever-shifting political and policy environment.
• A tremendous drive and strong ability to achieve outcomes; creative and innovative; excellent planning and organizational skills, exceptional attention to detail.
• Existing press and media relationships within Chicago and Illinois.
• Superior communications (writing, speaking, listening, editing/proof reading) and interpersonal skills.
• Keen eye for design and layout.
• Social media expertise.
• Self-starter, highly motivated, innovated, creative thinker, equity-minded, well-organized, and proven ability to meet goals/deadlines. Expected to operate with a high level of independence.
• Salesforce, Adobe Suite, Critical Mention, Google Analytics and Airtable.

Physical Requirements 

Must be able to perform essential duties satisfactorily with reasonable accommodations. Work is generally done sitting, talking, hearing, and typing. Visual acuity to use a keyboard, prepare and analyze data and figures; transcribing, viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading.

Work Environment 

Work is regularly performed in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment.

Compensation and Benefits 

Starting salary $90,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include health and dental insurance; short-term and long-term disability; life insurance; 403(b) retirement plan with a company match; flexible spending account; PTO – vacation, personal, sick, and certain holidays; hybrid and flexible work schedules; partial cell phone reimbursement.

To Apply 

Send a resume, one-page writing sample and cover letter to Resumes@latinopolicyforum.org, subject line: “Director of Communications.” Applicants missing any required documents will not be considered. No calls please.

Deadline to apply: July 28, 2023 

The Forum is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and actively seeks diversity in its workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, status as an individual with disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. POC are highly encouraged to apply.