Director, External Communications

Position Summary

This position offers the opportunity for a strong communications professional to work with a high profile, nationally and internationally recognized non-profit to develop and implement communications strategies to reach wide audiences, with a special focus on media, thought-leaders, and policy makers. We are seeking a creative, hard-working, mission-driven, productive individual who can maximize numerous wonderful opportunities created by the effectiveness of YouthBuild USA, Inc.’s programs in the USA and internationally.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Build awareness of YouthBuild through national and international public media outlets that target a variety of audiences, including elected officials, other policy makers, opinion influencers and academics, the general public, and both public and private funders.
• Build the necessary relationships with media outlets to enable us to place stories, articles, blogs as needed.
• Work with non-profit, corporate, and governmental partners to maximize the platforms that many of them offer YouthBuild USA, Inc. to publicize our work.
• Support YouthBuild International to seize opportunities when they arise.
• Oversee or participate in the planning, development, design, and production of YouthBuild USA and YouthBuild International’s publications designed for supporters, donors, and funders, including newsletters and annual reports.
• Work with the Director of Digital Communications to ensure adequate integration of news stories on our website.
• Work with communications team to develop a library of high quality photos, videos and other communications resources, with special focus on videos of youth stories of transformation and success.
• Work with the advocacy department to develop communications that will serve to increase elected officials’ awareness of and support of the DOL YouthBuild program, especially including the creation of op eds in strategically important political districts.
• Oversee the management of the databases that support media and policy relationships.
• Insure that young people from YouthBuild are seen and heard in the media, bringing the positive message that young people are eager and able to take responsibility and contribute to their communities and their world.

Required Qualifications:

• At least seven years of progressively more responsible experience in communications and public relations.
• Experience in overseeing communications work in a fast paced, multi-priority, national or international organization.
• Experience with legislative and policymaking communications
• Strong technical skills in digital communications, design and production skills, video, media relations
• At least a Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing or related field
• Proven experience with accountability for providing strategic communications counsel in support of organizational objectives and guiding teams in successful implementation of communications programs

Required Skills and Qualities:

• Demonstrated skills in leadership, problem-solving, listening, planning and decision-making
• Ability to listen to, engage, and influence external audiences; synthesize and relate complex information; analyze communication problems and opportunities; and develop and implement integrated communication strategies
• Demonstrated high degree of motivation and confidence in working with management and to coordinate with peers who have related responsibilities
• High degree of accuracy, attention to detail, and organizational agility
• Experience working successfully in a multi-cultural environment
• Outstanding professional communications skills including writing, public speaking, and one-to-one personal relationships
• Proficient with a range of external and internal communications solutions: face-to-face; print and electronic channels; media relations; and social media
• Kind, caring, trustworthy, generous, with a no-drama style of collegiality and an abiding commitment to social justice

Reporting: The Director for External Communications will report to the Chief Public Policy Officer of YouthBuild USA, Inc. The Director will also support the CEO, the President of YouthBuild USA, and the President of YouthBuild International.

If you are interested in learning more about YouthBuild USA, please visit our website at www.youthbuild.org. If you are interested in applying for this position, please send your cover letter and resume to: Job Search, YouthBuild USA, 58 Day Street, Somerville, MA 02144 or you may apply on-line @ http://www.youthbuild.org/apply. Please apply by April 6, 2015. YouthBuild USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Vet/Disabled.