Through advocacy, engagement, and influence, the Central City Association (CCA) drives efforts to strengthen economic vitality and create greater opportunity across the region. We represent 300 businesses, trade associations, and nonprofits and serve as a strong convenor between the community, public, and private sectors. We provide our members with a high level of service, including public policy advocacy/research/thought leadership; engagement with elected leaders; and networking, branding, and marketing opportunities at CCA events.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Director of Communications spearheads the development and implementation of comprehensive marketing and communications strategies to help advance CCA's mission. The Director is responsible for crafting engaging content for internal/external communications. Additionally, the Director of Communications plays a critical role in website management, media relations/engagement, and project coordination. Work requires strong writing and people skills in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment. We're looking for a driven self-starter with a strong command of the media and a solid understanding of the local/state policy and political landscapes.
Salary and Benefits
- Salary is commensurate with experience, as this is not an entry-level position. CCA offers its employees a generous benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, a flexible work environment, and a retirement savings program.
Status
- This is a full-time, salaried position. A hybrid work schedule is available, with a minimum of 3 days in the office per week required. Must be willing to work evenings and weekends or be available as needed, depending on the schedule of events and meetings.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Media Relations
- Serve as CCA's spokesperson and drive strategic proactive/reactive media engagement.
- Draft press releases/advisories/statements and pitch stories to traditional and non-traditional media outlets to secure coverage of important organizational events and initiatives. Secure and coordinate media interviews.
- Cultivate and maintain strong working relationships with a diverse group of media, CCA members, government leaders, and external stakeholders to gain consensus and develop integrated messaging.
- Understand daily media – including print, online, and social – to follow the organization's coverage, track key issues that affect the organization, and analyze sentiment.
Content Creation & Management
- Serve as the lead in crafting engaging, persuasive copy for all external communications across platforms, ensuring consistent messaging and branding to increase exposure and influence. This includes CCA's weekly newsletter, email blasts, social media, website maintenance, and other external communication channels.
- Manage email marketing calendar and execute key content, including action alerts, important updates, and event announcements. Coordinate across the team to ensure high-quality e-blasts are executed.
- Establishing and implementing a comprehensive digital media strategy, identifying relevant content, links, photos, and status updates for distribution across platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and others.
- Conducting thorough editing and proofreading of all communications materials, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to brand standards.
- Promote and market CCA members via established communications channels.
- Ensure design consistency across all CCA communications (e.g., event collateral, promotional materials, white papers, advocacy campaigns).
Executive Communications
- Prepare the President & CEO for internal/external speaking engagements by drafting remarks and talking points and gathering necessary event information. Events include media interviews, internal committees, public hearings, keynote remarks, panel engagements, and Board of Directors meetings.
- Work in partnership with Pthe resident & CEO on Board of Directors communications to strategically provide updates, talking points, and make connections.
Strategy Development & Implementation
- Coordinate with the Public Policy and Membership Departments to design and implement communications strategies that align with departmental goals/objectives, including the creation of print collateral, web content, email campaigns, and social media outreach efforts.
- Spearhead the creation and publication of CCA thought leadership pieces to showcase the organization's impact and initiatives effectively. Seek strategic opportunities for the President & CEO to provide thought leadership on panels, keynotes, interviews, and other external outlets.
Other duties/assignments as needed.
PREREQUISITES:
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
- A minimum of 5–10 years of professional experience in communications, public affairs, media relations, or corporate communications is a must.
- Demonstrated command of the Los Angeles political and media landscape.
- Proven track record managing high-profile campaigns, strategic communications initiatives, or crisis communications.
- Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including executives, media, community partners, and cross-functional teams.
Skills and Expertise
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, compelling messages for a variety of audiences.
- Strategic thinking with the ability to develop and execute communications plans aligned with organizational goals.
- Strong media relations experience, including pitching, press release writing, and media monitoring.
- Proficiency in digital communications and social media strategy.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail under a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
Personal Attributes
- Pro-active, self-motivated, strong leadership and team collaboration skills.
- High level of discretion, professionalism, and judgment.
- Drive for excellence, adaptable and solutions-oriented with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
- Creative mindset with the ability to innovate and anticipate communications trends.
Technical / Other Requirements
- Familiarity with branding, graphic design, and multimedia content creation is a plus.
- Experience in stakeholder engagement, advocacy, or nonprofit communications is highly desirable.
