Director of Communications

Job Summary Are you a passionate storyteller with a talent for crafting compelling narratives that inspire and connect? Raise the Future is looking for a Communications Director who is driven by a commitment to ensuring that youth in or at risk of entering the foster care system have access to the caring adult connections they need to thrive. As a leader, strategist, and thought partner, you'll lean into our values and play a crucial role in elevating Raise the Future's local impact and national voice. This position offers the unique opportunity to amplify our voice, inspire action, and engage a diverse audience in our mission to build lasting, transformative connections for youth and families. Join us to lead, innovate, and tell stories that matter. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Raise the Future is seeking a dynamic and experienced Communications Director to lead its national strategy, expand organizational reach, and increase engagement across multiple regions. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Development, the Communications Director will oversee all aspects of Raise the Future's external and internal communications efforts, with a focus on our primary operations in Colorado, Nevada, and Utah. This role is crucial to strengthening Raise's national brand presence, promoting our mission, and ensuring that our voice and stories resonate with audiences across diverse communities, including private funders, public and private partners, system leaders, government officials, volunteers, families, and youth. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership in Thought Leadership and Storytelling Develop and implement a comprehensive communications and thought leadership strategy aligned with Raise the Future's mission, vision, and growth objectives. Leverage data and analytics to enhance outreach efforts, tailoring stories and strategies to expand Raise the Future's footprint in Colorado, Nevada, Utah, and beyond. Identify opportunities for brand-building partnerships and collaborations, increasing visibility with key audiences. Content Creation & Management Oversee the creation of engaging content across digital and print media, including social media, website, newsletters, press releases, and fundraising collateral. Ensure all content adheres to brand guidelines and is reflective of Raise the Future's values, mission, and unique voice. Collaborate with the CEO and Development team to create targeted fundraising and donor engagement materials. Public Relations & Media Outreach: Serve as the primary media contact, managing relationships with news organizations and overseeing the preparation of media kits, news releases, and other public-facing materials. Drive media coverage and positive exposure, including handling media inquiries and organizing news events. Generate opportunities for the CEO and other senior leaders to tell the organization's stories and increase brand recognition, including news media prep. Digital Strategy & Social Media Oversee story-based social media strategy, content, and performance, ensuring cohesive messaging and timely updates across all platforms. Implement SEO, SEM, and other digital marketing strategies to increase online visibility and traffic to the organization's website. Internal Communications & Stakeholder Engagement Foster internal alignment by creating communications that keep staff, board members, and external partners informed, engaged, and motivated around the organization's goals and achievements. Collaborate closely with teams across Raise the Future to align messaging, share impactful stories, and unify organizational efforts. Facilitate all internal operational communications with employees including supporting People & Culture, Finance, IT, and Data in their internal communications about employee operational needs and benefits. Team Management & Development Manage a team of communications professionals, providing guidance, professional development, and mentorship. Initial team will be Director plus a part-time coordinator. Manage communications of external partners alongside the CEO and Vice President of Development. Set measurable goals to evaluate and optimize team performance. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field. At least 5-7 years of experience in a senior-level communications role, preferably in the nonprofit sector. 15 years of communications experience. Proven track record of developing and executing successful communications strategies that support organizational growth. Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills. Strong knowledge of social media platforms, digital marketing trends, and analytics tools. Experience working in or with public relations teams. Leadership experience with the ability to manage and inspire a team. Commitment to the mission of Raise the Future and an understanding of its impact within the community. Working Conditions and Physical Requirements This position works in a typical office environment, mostly indoor office environment with windows, with office equipment noise and may include frequent interruptions. Considerable time is spent sitting at a desk using a computer terminal, and telephone, and attending meetings with others. BENEFITS What We Offer As a nonprofit organization, we are mission driven, and our employees are highly engaged in the work they do. The best reward is when our efforts payoff and our youth find lasting connections with an adult. We offer a great culture and a full benefits package too. We value the need for work-life balance offering four (4) weeks of PTO and 10 paid holidays per year, plus much more- that's 30 paid days off per year Our benefits include: Health Insurance Dental & vision insurance 100% Paid life, long-term and short-term disability insurance Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and childcare Health Savings Accounts 401k with matching contributions & immediate vesting Flexible work arrangements available on a case-by-case basis Employee Assistance Program Discount programs Paid Parental Leave Salary Range: $75,000 - 100,000 Note: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned. Furthermore, it does not establish a contract of employment and is subject to change at the discretion of the employer. We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. J-18808-Ljbffr