Director of Communications

Job Type

Full-time

Description

If you require an accommodation due to a disability to complete this application OR you are experiencing issues submitting your application and accompanying materials, please e-mail: talent@disabilityrightsca.org . Please note resume and cover letter are required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Make a difference! We fight for the rights of people that have disabilities.... JOIN US!

We encourage those who are D/deaf or Disabled to apply.

LOCATION:

Hybrid (CA only)

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:

Exempt; Regular; Full time.

SALARY RANGE:

(Band 14) $113,145 - $144,410 Annually

We base salary and position offers on experience and an internal equity analysis.

EXCELLENT BENEFITS

Including 8% 401k Match, a language differential up to $250/mo. Health (HMO and PPO options), dental, vision, basic life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance and flexible spending accounts (medical, dependent care and commuter). Additionally, we offer ample vacation, sick/self care leave and eighteen paid holidays (including the last week in December) and more….. We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) - eligible employer.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Open until filled. Applications should be received by December 17, 2024 to be considered for the first round of interviews. Resume and cover letter are required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

WHO WE ARE

Disability Rights California (DRC) defends, advances, and strengthens the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities.

DRC works for a world where all disabled people have power and are treated with dignity and respect. In this world, people with disabilities are supported, valued, included in their communities, afforded the same opportunities as people without disabilities, and make their own decisions.

DRC values all forms of human diversity. We are committed to a culture of belonging where all people are welcome. In order to be effective advocates for all people with disabilities, we must address discrimination in all its forms, including the unique challenges faced by people who experience the intersection of multiple systems of discrimination.

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Director of Communications will be on the Disability Rights California leadership team, work with the Associate Executive Director of External Affairs, the Executive Director and the Communications Team to develop and implement public engagement strategies and reach new and diverse audiences, connect with disability leaders and interact consistently with the media from a variety of platforms.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

DRC provides reasonable disability accommodations to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The Director of Communications essential functions include:

Strategy and Messaging

In collaboration with the Communications Team, the Associate Executive Director for External Affairs, Executive Director, and other DRC staff, work to develop and implement a robust public engagement plan that tells DRC’s story through a variety of platforms. Develop a voice for DRC in the media and other public settings in order to tell the story of our advocacy. Work with disability leaders to tell the narrative that works to educate the public about disability rights.

Media Relations

Supervise and direct DRC relations with news media across the state, both traditional and new media, as well as media serving diverse disabled people, communities of color and other underrepresented populations. Monitor media and keep relevant staff apprised of emerging issues and significant developments. Supervise or handle the writing of press releases, pitching stories to media, responding to media inquiries, and managing press conferences. Work with Executive Director and Associate Executive Directors as general spokespeople for the DRC and determine which staff and other voices will speak on specific cases, issues, and programs.

Internet and Social Media

Collaborate with the website and social media staff to develop an online strategy. Ensure that content for our website is accurate, compelling, and strategically placed.

Publications, Events and Annual Report

Ensure that publications are accurate, structurally sound, compelling, strategic, and express our values. Publications include legislative and issue backgrounders, campaign literature, activism assets, web content, and policy reports. Provide guidance and support to the Events Manager, in particular during major event preparation. Lead efforts on the Annual Report.

Training

Provide training for DRC staff on media training, public speaking tips, talking points for major DRC messaging.

Other Responsibilities

Participate in outreach activities to diverse disability communities. Perform other duties as assigned. Monitor other engagement opportunities, such as podcasts, YouTube outreach, etc. Attend Leadership Team meetings, Board meetings, and other meetings as needed.

Skills

• Communicate with the press in a professional, politically sensitive manner.
• Excellent writing skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Giving and receiving feedback.
• Evaluating skills in others.
• Digital advertising and digital marketing methodologies, programs, platforms, and management.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Directly supervises the Communications team, subject to change as needs fluctuate. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the agency's policies and applicable laws. Supervisors interview, hire and train employees, plan, assign, and direct work; regularly evaluate performance and provide ongoing feedback; work with HR to take correction actions when needed; address complaints and resolve problems.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

(Applicants MUST meet EACH of the minimum qualifications to be considered for an interview.)

• Either a Bachelor's degree (BA or BS) from four-year college or university in a relevant field such as such as communications, journalism, public relations or a related field

or equivalent job experience;

• 7 years professional experience in areas such as media relations, and website and social media content development or additional years of experience may be substituted for education.
• Knowledge of best practices in various aspects of communications, including, print, online and social media; video production and media relations.
• Media contacts including multi-ethnic communities and other community specific outlets.
• Ability to manage projects from start to finish.
• Enthusiasm and aptitude for working collaboratively within the disability community and diverse advocacy organizations.
• Ability to manage complex assignments, prioritize multiple tasks, meet deadlines, work well under pressure, and maintain confidentiality, with minimum supervision
• Strong understanding and commitment to advancing disability rights and support for DRC

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

(Applicants DO NOT have to meet any of the Desirable Qualifications to be considered for an interview.)

• Life experience as a person with a disability
• Direct experience as a family member with a disability
• Person from underrepresented community
• Bilingual
• Advanced degree in communications or other relevant field.
• Experience working with Board of Directors and nonprofit agencies.
• Media contacts who write about disability issues.
• Knowledge of website accessibility standards, and of developing accessible materials for people with disabilities.
• Experience with print material design, including: typography, graphic design, and page layout.
• Experience working with civil rights groups, disability groups or legal services programs.
• Contacts with disability organizations and/or within disability communities.
• Experience working with diverse disabled people.

CORE COMPETENCIES

The competencies below represent the knowledge, skills, behaviors and/or abilities required to be successful at DRC, with or without disability related reasonable accommodations.

Communication

Ability to synthesize complex information and communicate clearly and concisely both in writing and orally for the media and the general public. Ability to read, analyze, and understand documents. Ability to write using original or innovative techniques or style. Ability to make effective and persuasive presentations on controversial or complex topics to the general public, governmental entities, public groups/officials, and boards of directors.

Critical Thinking

Able to apply principles of logical thinking to a wide range of problems, and interpret and simplify diverse information. Is proficient at nuance and proactively seeks multiple options tailored to the specifics of each situation. Able to navigate ambiguous situations, reaching sound conclusions that balance the needs of many stakeholders.

Diversity & Inclusion

Strives to eliminate barriers to diversity and inclusion; ensures that new barriers are not built. Promotes the creation of shared mission, vision, and values, and uses those principles to guide actions.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Able to travel for meetings, including quarterly board meetings, training, or outreach activities up to 10% of the time.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The following describes general working conditions and requirements of the job, which can be performed with or without disability-related reasonable accommodations.

• Duties are performed in office and home environments and the field in a wide range of settings, including courthouses, congregate care or other institutional settings, and community agencies.
• Duties frequently require sitting and communicating with others.
• Must be able to transport oneself to work-related meetings, hearings, facilities, and settings where clients live.