Director of Strategic Communications

FIRST 5 Santa Clara County is looking for an enthusiastic and strategic Director of Strategic Communications to lead and implement our external community and internal agency communications on behalf of children, prenatal through five years, and their families and caregivers. This is a dynamic opportunity to promote and advance the equity-centered efforts of our recently completed 2024-2027 Strategic Plan. The Director of Communications will have an opportunity to elevate the agency’s public profile and increase awareness and support of the agency’s diverse priorities, partnerships, and services.

Aligning with our mission, we hope to create a positive impact on the lives of children and families in our community. We believe fostering emotional intelligence is at the heart of our work, both internally and in the broader community. By embracing empathy, understanding, and compassion, we aim to build and grow a team of individuals who not only excel in their roles, but also contribute to a supportive and nurturing environment.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Executive of Community Impact, the Director of Strategic Communications is a key member of the leadership team, responsible for the development and implementation of internal and external communication strategies. This position is responsible for elevating the agency’s public profile, increasing awareness and support of our strategic priorities, partnerships, and services, and effectively communicating key messages to a diversity of partners, including employees, community organizations, policymakers, media outlets, and families.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• The ability to work in a diverse and inclusive organization as an active participant in culture initiatives, training opportunities, and employee resource groups.
• Demonstrates strategic acumen, ability to prioritize tasks, and flexibility to meet deadlines.
• Excellent and effective written and verbal communication skills along with strong attention to detail,
• The ability to build relationships and effectively communicate in individual and group settings with diverse colleagues, grantees and community organizations, and system of care partners.
• Demonstrates emotional intelligence in interactions, negotiations, and communications.
• The ability to work under pressure while exercising good judgment and handling conflict and uncomfortable situations with peers, and direct reports with tact and diplomacy.
• Familiarity with graphic design, website management, visual design platforms such as Adobe Creative Suite for infographics and flyers, Mailchimp, editing skills, and/or video production.
• Demonstrate a proven track record of effectively leading teams or workgroups, managing multiple projects and tasks simultaneously, exhibiting strong organizational skills, and the ability to prioritize, plan, and execute effectively.
• Display adaptability to changing priorities.
• Exhibit proficiency in conflict resolution skills, making sound decisions while considering potential impacts on individuals, organizational skills, delegation, and coordination.
• Possess experience in providing feedback or participating in performance evaluation process. Demonstrate the ability to coach and mentor effectively.
• Proven ability to identify challenges and devise solutions within programs and when engaging with individuals and communities.
• Proficiency working within a Microsoft Office 365 Workspace.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is performed in a typical office setting which is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, media, marketing, journalism, or a related field; OR an equivalent combination of education and 10+ years of experience in the field.
• Minimum 5 years of related work experience with increased responsibilities working in a lead strategic communications role.
• Passionate and instinctive storyteller with excellent content-generation skills across a variety of communications platforms.
• At least 3 years of supervision experience.
• Experience in the public/nonprofit/government sector a plus.
• Bilingual/bicultural a plus.