Posted on November 22, 2012

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Director of Communications

The Laura and John Arnold Foundation (LJAF) is a private foundation with offices in Houston and New York City. We have a lean and efficient staff and a high energy work environment. LJAF is currently focused on four primary issue areas: Criminal Justice, K-12 Education, Public Accountability, and Obesity. Our overall objective is to produce substantial, widespread and lasting national and community reforms that will maximize opportunities and minimize injustice in our society. To do this, we identify challenges and address root causes through innovative, multi-disciplinary solutions. We seek to incentivize and motivate bold new creative thinking and effort, thereby igniting a renaissance of new ideas and approaches applied to old problems.

Position: Director of Communications

Location: Houston, Texas

Salary: Commensurate with experience, plus a competitive benefits package

Core Responsibilities:

• Implement an integrated strategic communications plan to advance LJAF’s brand and objectives
• Create and execute individual marketing and public relations campaigns for initiatives, projects, and partnerships that support LJAF’s overall strategic goals
• Manage, review and approve all external communications
• Oversee and/or develop all print communications including Solution Papers, Policy Perspectives, written public testimony, memorandums, marketing materials, electronic communications, the LJAF website, and media publications
• Serve as the spokesperson and lead point person on media interactions
• Actively cultivate and maintain media relationships to ensure coverage surrounding LJAF initiatives, projects, or other public announcements
• Oversee day-to-day communications functions including writing, editing, and staff development
• Provide regular communications updates to LJAF Board of Directors
• Organize and oversee documentation of LJAF’s communications-related activities
• Manage communications and marketing-related consultants

Essential Skills, Experience and Abilities:

• Demonstrated experience and leadership in managing comprehensive strategic communications, media relations, and marketing programs to advance an organization’s mission and objectives
• Demonstrated skill and comfort in proactively building relationships with top tier media outlets
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to interface with senior management and the LJAF Board of Directors
• Extensive writing and editing experience with a variety of print and online communications vehicles
• Ability to evaluate complex information and provide communications recommendations
• Ability to appreciate and analyze both the broad framework and specific details of a variety of ideas and projects

Desirable Skills, Experience and Abilities:

• Thorough understanding of the non-profit sector
• Innovative thinker, with an ability to put strategic thinking into action
• Passionate about addressing challenges in society
• Self-motivated and proactive
• Effective leadership skills
• Flexible and adaptable
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Thorough attention to detail
• Strong organizational skills
• Enthusiastic and positive

Preferred Qualifications:

Minimum five years of experience in a substantive communications role or minimum five years as a working member of the media

Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field

Application Instructions

To Apply:

If interested in this position, please send a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references to jobs@arnoldfoundation.org.