Shield-Ayres Enterprise
Director of Communications
Job Description
The Director of Communications will support and enhance the external and internal communications of the entities that comprise the Shield-Ayres Enterprise:
Shield Land Stewardship Group (SLS): A passthrough management company providing comprehensive land and facilities management services for the Shield-Ayres-Bowen family ranchlands in Central and West Texas, investment properties in Travis and Hays Counties, and the Shield Ranch Foundation.
Shield Ranch Foundation (SRF): A nonprofit organization and private operating foundation offering year-round programming through the Campsite at Shield Ranch to fulfill its mission to share Shield Ranch Barton Creek in ways that educate, inspire, and transform.
Shield-Ayres Foundation (SAF): A nonprofit organization and private grantmaking foundation providing opportunities for the Shield-Ayres-Bowen family to support shared philanthropic interests.
The Director of Communications reports to Vera Ayres Bowen, President of Shield Ranch Foundation and Shield-Ayres Foundation and Vice President of Shield Land Stewardship Group.
Responsibilities
General
· Establish and drive communications strategy
· Manage all communications materials (digital and print)
· Maintain brand integrity across all platforms
· Tell our story
· Refine messaging specific to the entities’ public profiles and audiences
· Support entity executives and board leadership in their roles as ambassadors for their organizations
· Lead communications for Shield Ranch Foundation programming, marketing and fundraising, including strategic initiatives
· Support internal communication within the enterprise (multi-generational family and staff)
· Participate in monthly meetings of the Shield-Ayres Enterprise Coordinating Council
Websites
· Work closely with the executives of each entity to ensure that enterprise websites are effective in connecting with their intended audiences and current in content and design
· Write or review new content for websites as requested by entity executives
· Develop content for the Shield Ranch news section and coordinate with guest contributors
Social Media
· Build and maintain an effective social media presence that supports Shield Ranch brand development
· Make frequent posts to highlight current activities, successes, events, incorporating seasonal photos and videos
· Direct and implement Camp El Ranchito social media content plan
Media Relations
· Manage media relations and develop contacts with media members, influencers and community leaders
· Actively seek and support the placement of timely news and information regarding enterprise entities in appropriate print and digital media
Design
· Lead the design and visual storytelling efforts across all external communications platforms to ensure brand consistency and audience engagement
· Create compelling visual content, including design for e-newsletter banners, program flyers, social media posts, digital invitations, one-pagers, interpretive materials, and web pages
· Provide creative direction for public-facing materials and campaigns
· Coordinate with photographers and videographers
Advocacy
· Ensure advocacy communications are aligned with strategic goals and adapted to evolving priorities while protecting Shield Ranch’s brand reputation
· Serve as primary point of contact for communications consultants supporting the advocacy of Shield Land Stewardship Group, Shield Ranch Foundation, and Shield-Ayres Foundation
Fundraising
· Support fundraising and donor relations efforts of the Shield Ranch Foundation through annual Impact Reports, fundraising campaigns, and materials.
Marketing
· Support the marketing operations of the Shield Ranch Foundation, including the programming of the Campsite at Shield Ranch community use, events, and Camp El Ranchito
· Support publicity around the grantmaking of the Shield-Ayres Foundation
· Support the revenue-generating operations of Shield Land Stewardship Group
Crisis Management
· Maintain a crisis management plan
· Train staff and board leadership in crisis management plan and protocols
· Support entity executives and board leadership in responding quickly and professionally to crises or challenging situations
· Occasionally support/participate in programming including events, hosting groups, and camp tours
Qualifications
· Demonstrated interest in and understanding of private land conservation, nonprofit community engagement and philanthropy
· Clear passion for nature and the outdoors
· Commitment to the vision, mission, and values of the Shield-Ayres Enterprise
· Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
· Demonstrated experience working in cross-cultural environments
· Collaborative approach to work
· Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in communications or a closely related field
· Five years relevant experience in communications
· Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
· Demonstrated knowledge and proficiency with communications technologies
· Familiarity with social media platforms and social media marketing
· Aptitude for copywriting, graphic design, layout, and publishing
Hours: Full-time, hybrid work must be based in Austin metro area
Salary Range: $110K - $120K
Qualified applicants may send a cover letter and resume to info@shieldranch.com.
