Posted on January 28, 2013

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Associate Director for Communications

The National Council for Research on Women (NCRW) is a network of leading U.S. research, policy, and advocacy centers with a growing global reach dedicated to advancing rights and opportunities for women and girls. We also have a Corporate Circle of 30 companies and a Presidents Circle of college and university leaders who share our commitment. NCRW harnesses the collective power of its network to provide knowledge, analysis, and thought leadership on issues ranging from reducing women’s poverty to building a critical mass of women’s leadership across sectors.

As a key member of the NCRW team, the Associate Director for Communications will work closely with the VP for External Relations to develop and implement a communications strategy that enhances the mission of NCRW and its programs. The successful candidate will lead the communications component of NCRW and will be responsible for overseeing and directing the internal and external communications efforts of NCRW. Salary will be in the mid-50s with comprehensive benefits including health and dental insurance, a pension plan vested after 2 years, paid time off, long and short-term disability, and life insurance

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop and implement an integrated national communications plan for the organization; ensure integration of communications strategies in program and development efforts;
• Act as liaison with key audiences including the media, corporations, donors, Congress, NCRW members, policy makers, nonprofit organizations, and the general public;
• Manage website content and look; ensure up-to-date and cutting edge content appears on the homepage and throughout the website;
• Develop and implement social media strategy (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, NCRW blog), bi-weekly News for the Network, and general mailboxes (ncrw@ncrw.org and contacts@ncrw.org);
• Answer and respond to media calls, including preparing the President for a rapid response; pitch and place feature stories on NCRW and NCRW members’ initiatives;
• Produce speeches, op-eds, talking points, press statements and press releases;
• Manage NCRW’s branding efforts, ensuring production of appropriate materials (brochure, packets) and staff compliance with branding standard to present a cohesive and uniform voice;
• Oversee production and dissemination of publications, and develop marketing strategies for distribution to key audiences;
• Review all written publicly disseminated material to ensure conformity to NCRW’s communications plan and branding standard;
• Participate in planning (messaging and themes) and outreach activities and development of press strategies for Awards Dinner, Afternoon Program, National Conference, Collective Action, and other convenings and events;
• Proactively identify communications opportunities for the organization, including speaking engagements and conference appearances;
• Represent NCRW outside the organization;
• Supervise designated interns and consultants with an eye towards inter-disciplinary team building within the organization.

Ideal Experience and Qualifications:

• Proven track record in creating and implementing effective communications strategies;
• Successful conception and implementation of communications plans that encompass policy advocacy and a respect for research;
• Proven track record in media pitching and placement;
• Must be an exceptional writer;
• Demonstrated successful experience writing press releases, making presentations and negotiating with media;
• Experience overseeing the design and production of print materials and publications;
• Articulate, diplomatic, and able to work constructively and deftly under pressure and deadlines;
• Experience in women’s and/or social justice issues related to the NCRW’s mission and that demonstrate a commitment to social change is plus;
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple activities and responsibilities;
• Collaborative and energetic work style, superior people skills, and ability to motivate and delegate;
• A strong commitment to NCRW’s values, mission, goals, and program; an appreciation of the value of research, and particularly feminist research, to influence public agendas and policy;
• Intelligence and inspiration to anticipate, conceive, express and create opportunities;
• Independence and self-confidence to act decisively and, at the same time, an ability to receive and integrate others’ ideas and suggestions;
• Flexibility and ability to work collaboratively and productively in a dynamic, change-driven office environment;
• Comfort with managing multiple tasks simultaneously and hands-on work;
• Equal parts humor, compassion, and sensibility necessary to address the practicalities and desires of an entrepreneurial non-profit;
• Available for evening and weekend events/work as necessary.

Application Instructions

Please visit our job listings page at www.ncrw.hiringthing.com to apply for this position. Applications will be reviewed only if they include a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications, your resume (in Word or pdf format), two writing samples, and a list of 3-4 references. Given the anticipated interest in this position, it will be possible to respond only to those candidates who best match our needs. No phone calls please.