Title: Senior Communications Officer Classification: Exempt
Reports To: Director of Development and Communications Revised: Nov. 2021
Position Purpose
This position is responsible for communicating the Foundation's mission, vision, values, and programmatic activities to its stakeholders with a racial justice lens.
Essential Job Functions
The following list of duties is not exhaustive. The Foundation may also outline additional duties and responsibilities not included in this job description.
Communications Strategy
Collaborate with the Director of Development and Communications to implement the strategic communications direction for the Foundation, identifying key themes and messages that will most clearly communicate the Foundation's vision, mission, and values to its stakeholders
Develop and maintain a 12-month rolling editorial calendar incorporating the Foundation's specific plans for the website, social media, monthly newsletter, annual report, news releases, and public testimony
Create and distribute grantee impact stories that exemplify the Foundation's Strategic Framework
Communications Content
Collaborate with the Development and Communications Specialist to leverage programmatic grant reporting to develop accessible and compelling content for the website, social media, monthly newsletter, and news releases, focusing on systems change, network transformation, and community-centered delivery of legal aid services
Translate evaluation and assessment data into public-facing content that can be used for annual reports, funder briefs, and collateral materials
Oversee development and distribution of the Foundation's annual report, working closely with the Development and Communications Specialist
Lead the process of creating the written and oral testimony for the annual Oversight and Budget Hearings before the DC Council, and use communications tools to support advocacy efforts
Write op-eds and thought pieces about access to justice and civil legal aid for publications such as Washington Lawyer and The Washington Post
Develop materials for presentations to external audiences, including remarks and slides
Communications Capacity
Develop relationships with the Foundation's grantee organizations to understand and be able to write about their work
Support efforts of grantees to share their impact, build awareness on key issues, engage communities, and celebrate the resilience of DC residents through client stories
Provide communications training for the Foundation's grantees who may need help telling their stories
Teambuilding and Collaboration
Spearhead the Foundation's recognition of exceptional work of the legal aid community
Participate in weekly staff meetings and staff training events
Coordinate messaging with staff who develop communications content for donors and events
Develop relationships with DC-based media outlets that can help amplify the Foundation's work
Minimum Requirements
Master’s degree from an accredited college or university, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Five years of experience working on communications and media relations through a racial justice lens
Experience with community outreach and interacting with financially disenfranchised communities
Experience developing and implementing social media strategies, including creating and posting content on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn
Knowledge of video production and social media tools
Knowledge of budget preparation and control, planning and implementing new programs and services, and management best practices
Strategic thinking skills are needed to successfully brand and message the vision and work of an organization, while maintaining a highly motivated, creative, and proactive work style
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as superior interpersonal skills needed to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization
Great project management skills, with the ability to coordinate activities of all resources throughout each phase of the project cycle
Strong computer skills, with a passion for technology and ability to quickly master new systems
Ability to express complex ideas and issues in a clear and succinct manner
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, both independently and as part of a team
Sound professional judgment and demonstrated professional maturity
Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy required to independently produce high-quality deliverables
Enthusiasm for organizational change and patience during change processes as part of the Foundation's commitment to ongoing evolution and improvement
Demonstrated commitment to creating and sustaining a positive work environment
Proficiency in MS Office, Google, Wix, Canva, and Asana preferred
Work Environment
This is a professional role based in Washington, DC, and will require work to be performed remotely and within the office space. The position involves frequent use of computers, phones, and virtual meeting platforms. The role may require periodic work outside of regular business hours, as well as occasional local travel.
The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to safely and successfully perform the essential functions of this job consistent with federal, state, and local standards, including meeting productivity standards. Persons with mental and physical disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are eligible for this position as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodations are made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible for this position.
EEO Statement
The DC Bar Foundation provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.
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