Director of Communications

Job Description Summary The Patterson Family Foundation is seeking a highly skilled and experienced professional for the role of Director of Communications. Reporting to the President and CEO, the Director of Communications will lead the strategic development and execution of the Foundation's communication efforts. This position is critical for advancing the Foundation's mission and ensuring effective communication of its programs, initiatives, and values to a broad array of stakeholders. This role involves leading and managing the selection, collection, analysis, and data reporting to support decision-making for a grantmaking foundation. It requires a strong commitment to identifying key trends and insights that can inform the Foundation's grantmaking in rural communities. The Director will work closely with senior leadership to identify and prioritize initiatives and ensure data-driven decision-making aligns with the Foundation's strategic goals. Job Description Essential Functions Communications Strategy Develop and execute a comprehensive, proactive communication strategy that aligns with the Foundation's mission and strategic goals. Lead communication initiatives to ensure consistency, clarity, and alignment with the Foundation's identity and priorities. Oversee public relations, media relations, digital communications, and internal communications to maintain a cohesive approach across all channels. Content Development and Management Oversee the creation, editing, and publication of content that supports the Foundation's grantmaking, program activities, social media presence, website updates, newsletters, annual reports and other communications or reporting needs. Ensure high standards of quality and consistency in messaging across all communication platforms. Draft and edit high-visibility communications for Foundation staff, including program overviews, surveys, briefs, press releases, blog posts, and other materials to support public-facing and internal initiatives. Stakeholder Engagement and Media Relations Act as the primary contact for media inquiries, managing media relations to positively represent the Foundation's mission and impact. Support leadership in preparing content for speaking engagements, presentations, and guest columns, helping to articulate the Foundation's values and objectives to the public. Collaborate with program staff to ensure communications are aligned with program goals and broader Foundation objectives, maintaining consistency across all messaging. Cross-Departmental Collaboration Work closely with the leadership team to ensure communication strategies are aligned with the Foundation's organizational goals. Collaborate with the Operations Team on clear and effective communications related to program initiatives and grantee support, ensuring successful dissemination of information to all stakeholders. Personal Attributes Commitment to Excellence : Upholds high standards of quality, accuracy, and thoroughness in all communications and deliverables. Collaborative and Strategic Mindset : Approaches work with a collaborative spirit, effectively balancing teamwork with the ability to make informed, decisive choices independently to achieve impactful results. Subject Matter Expertise : Quickly acquires, understands, and conveys complex information in a clear, accessible, and engaging manner, tailoring messaging to resonate with diverse audiences. Storytelling Ability : A skilled storyteller with the ability to craft compelling narratives that communicate the Foundation's mission and values. Deadline Management : Consistently meets deadlines and prioritizes tasks effectively, working well under pressure to produce timely, high-quality outputs. Skills and Experience Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or Marketing. Minimum of eight years of experience in communication strategy, public relations, or a related field. Experience in nonprofit communication or grantmaking a plus. Proven success in designing and executing comprehensive communications strategies and marketing plans that align with organizational goals. Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships across departments, fostering alignment and integrated communication efforts. Proficiency with digital media, social media platforms, content management systems, and analytics tools to enhance the Foundation's digital presence and audience engagement.