As a member of the organization’s Marketing, Communications, and Corporate Relations Team, the Director of Communications and Media Relations will identify, develop, and implement comprehensive communications strategies which elevate awareness, engagement, and support of Easterseals among key external audiences, specifically national media, legislators, funders, individual donors and potential consumers of Easterseals services, to advance the organization’s Network Strategic Plan as well as that of the department’s.

Partner with the SVP, its national PR agency, and its Spokespersons Network of Affiliate Subject Matter Experts and Program Beneficiaries to identify, develop, and secure media placements and thought leadership opportunities to highlight Easterseals’ impact in advancing full equity, inclusion, and access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities for people with disabilities through its services and advocacy.

Serve as a member of the organization’s Brand Marketing Council (BMC) of National Office and Affiliate marketing and communications professionals, working closely with BMC members to identify and develop stories of impact and content to help them successfully build brand awareness and engagement in their communities.

Collaborate with Development, Network Advancement, and Public Policy teams at the National Office to support communications and media relations efforts aligned with their key initiatives.

Research, write and edit thought leadership pieces, as well as media remarks, scripts, and presentations, in collaboration with the SVP and PR firm for President and CEO.

Supervise and mentor a team of two internal digital content team members to develop compelling national website content; innovative email marketing and digital advertising campaigns; and social media strategies and content designed to increase engagement and support of Easterseals. Measure the effectiveness of all strategies in achieving organizational and departmental goals.

Provide design and direction for digital and off-line national assets aligned with the department’s annual editorial calendar, annual impact report, marketing brochures and other collateral as needed, PPT presentations, and other creative assets as requested.

Spearhead advancement of organization’s All In: The Plan for Disability Equity employment initiative with internal team (including PR agency) and Affiliates to generate awareness through media and thought leadership events to position Easterseals’ employment programs for people with disabilities, veterans, and older adults among employers to secure a minimum of ten commitments to the DEI&A initiative from national corporations and partner organizations by YE 2022.

Edit bi-weekly Network Update e-newsletter distributed to Network leaders, staff, and volunteers.

Conduct business ethically and with integrity; demonstrate respect for fellow colleagues; show dedication to improving quality and advancing innovation; and exemplify a commitment to outstanding customer and donor relations.

Understand and support Easterseals mission.

Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

Minimum of six to eight years of demonstrated and progressive success in national nonprofit and/or corporate communications and media relations.
Excellent written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills with demonstrated proficiency in writing for C-suite and senior level executives as well as for the media.
Ability to operate as an effective tactical as well as strategic thinker.
Proven skill and comfort in proactively building relationships with top tier reporters and editors, and in successfully positioning subject matter with the media to achieve high-impact placements.
Strong organizational skills including priority-setting, attention to detail, and meeting deadlines.
Creative innovator with self-motivated desire to achieve excellence and team success.
Outstanding relationship building and stewardship skills.
Proficient in project management, including tracking of timelines, budgets, and new and traditional media analytics.
Familiarity with and sensitivity to disability issues.
Commitment to collaboration with diverse groups with proven ability to be a successful team member and thought partner within an organization.
Demonstrated qualities of integrity, respect, and judgement.
Passion for Easterseals’ mission.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Quark Express, Adobe Photoshop, Excel, and Power Point.

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, integrated marketing, business management, or related field

Easter Seals Goodwill Industries

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Director, Communications and Media Relations