Director, Communications

Choosing a career with ECMC Group means joining a nonprofit corporation with a mission to help students succeed. With a vibrant mission and values, great benefits, and strong community involvement, ECMC Group companies are an ideal team to join.Company SummaryECMC Foundation is a nationally focused postsecondary funder with a presence in Los Angeles, Minneapolis, and Washington, D.C. and has a mission to improve higher education for career success among underserved populations through evidence-based innovation. ECMC Foundation uses a spectrum of funding structures, including strategic grantmaking and program-related investments, to invest in both nonprofit and for-profit ventures and makes grants and investments across three strategic priorities: removing barriers to postsecondary completion; building the capacity of institutions, systems and organizations; and transforming the postsecondary ecosystem. Working with grantees, partners and peers, ECMC Foundation's vision is for all learners to unlock their fullest potential. Learn more about ECMC Foundation, one of several affiliates under the ECMC Group enterprise based in Minneapolis, which together work to help students succeed.Job SummaryThe Director of Communications leads strategic communications to advance the mission of ECMC Foundation and progress toward its North Star goal while synthesizing learnings from postsecondary experts, including grantee partners, to advance knowledge in the field. The primary responsibilities include leading the implementation of the Foundation's communications strategy and overseeing efforts to meet the Foundation's internal and external learning goals. The ideal candidate will have a passion for higher education systems and driving substantial improvements to postsecondary outcomes for students from underserved backgrounds.The ECMC Foundation team observes a hybrid work model, working in-office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and working from home on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays. The Director of Communications is a Washington D.C.-based role and is expected to travel domestically up to 25% of the time.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesDesign and lead the organization's external and internal communications strategy, leveraging a multichannel approach that includes digital communications, earned media, thought partnership and convenings to advance progress toward the Foundation's North Star goal.Lead all aspects of content development (e.g., website, newsletters, op-eds, blog posts, social media, presentations, annual reports, programming for external convenings and internal learning sessions) and production of multimedia (e.g., videos, podcasts, webinars).Oversee a multi-year learning strategy across the Foundation and with its partners, curating learnings from grantees and other higher education experts to disseminate learnings to the field.Develop and execute on an internal learning plan to create base knowledge and deeper learning across complex higher education issues among the Foundation staff members.Develop a relationship management strategy to build and cultivate external partnerships that support progress toward the Foundation's North Star goal.Identify and spearhead efforts to bring visibility to the Foundation and its staff by creating, organizing and supporting speaking engagements, sponsorships, conferences and other external-facing opportunities.Build and lead a team of professionals; drive strong results from direct reports by providing appropriate work direction, strategic guidance, and performance management.Collaborate with internal partners and subject matter experts to develop the Foundation's thought partnership strategy, ultimately advancing the Foundation's Public Relations efforts driving meaningful change in higher education policy.Manage and oversee the communications budget, as well as agency and vendor relationships related to communications activities.Design relevant and appropriate metrics for communication goals and to drive strategic communications decisions.Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in communication, public relations or related discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience.10+ years of experience, with at least seven years of experience in a communications role.Experience leading communications teams or projects, leveraging expectation setting, and accountability measures to drive strong results.Experience developing and implementing strategic public relations/communications programs; strong analytic ability and sound judgment.Experience writing, editing and proofreading across multiple communication vehicles.Demonstrated experience serving as an advisor to executive leadership in all aspects of executive communications.Experience working with cross-functional partners and external experts to move work and strategies forward.Experience building or supporting a relationship management strategy intended to influence or drive change within an initiative or goal.Domestic travel up to 25% of the time.Commitment to ECMC Foundation's hybrid work model.Preferred QualificationsAdvanced degree in Communication, Public Relations or related discipline.Demonstrated ability to develop a learning strategy and detailed plan to support internal or external partners in their development and understanding of complex subject matters.Experience in developing and managing department budget.Demonstrated ability to organize and support speaking engagements, sponsorships, conferences and/or other external events for colleagues/partners.To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.ECMC Foundation may choose to conduct reference checks as part of the hiring process.Salary range for this position is $185,000-$210,000. Actual base salary may vary based upon, but not limited to, relevant experience, time in role, peer and market data, prior performance, business sector and geographic location.ECMC Group is committed to ensuring our diverse, inclusive and equitable culture is built on a strong sense of belonging, where everyone feels seen, heard and encouraged to show up as their authentic self.

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