Reports to:Chief Development OfficerSalary:DOEClassification: FTE

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

Out & Equal Workplace Advocates is the world’s premiere nonprofit organization dedicated to achieving lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender workplace equality. We collaborate with leading local, national and global corporations, their executives, human resources professionals, employee resource groups and individuals to provide leadership & professional development, education, and research to create a culturally accepting work environment free of discrimination.

Founded by Chief Executive Officer, Selisse Berry in 1996, Out & Equal offers its annual Workplace Summit, the largest annual LGBT workplace conference attracting over 3,000 attendees and support from over 200 Fortune 1000 companies. Out & Equal educates and empowers it’s constituents through diversity training, expansion of its volunteer regional affiliates across the United States and many global initiatives. Out & Equal is an internationally recognized nonprofit organization with 20 dedicated staff members who collectively address the needs of thousands of constituents around the globe.

Based in San Francisco, Out & Equal Workplace Advocates has a diverse full-time staff that serves a network of affiliates, employee resource groups, trainers, LGBTA executives and a growing family of advocates around the globe. For more information, visit our website www.outandequal.org.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Associate Director of Communications is responsible for managing the national organization’s branding, positioning and communications, integrated marketing, and outreach strategy. The Associate Director oversees the implementation of such strategies by spearheading public and media relations, corporate communications, web presence, marketing, and creative services. The candidate serves as the expert counsel on protecting and enhancing the reputation of the brand, and for developing messages and imagery that encourages individuals, companies, and foundations to support the organization.

A commitment to Out & Equal’s mission is essential to the role. Candidates should have knowledge of, comfort with, and interest in creating fair and equitable workplaces for LGBT people. We strongly encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

The Associate Director of Communications is generally responsible for the overall planning, organization, and direction of Out & Equal’s external communications and public information activities: fostering and maintaining relationships with news media, elected officials, other communications directors, community relations, and partner organizations.

Specific duties include but are not limited to:

Planning, organizing, and directing (under the supervision of the Chief Marketing Officer) overall communications strategies and public information activities for the organization;
Analyzing, developing, and articulating media policies;
Keeping management and staff apprised of relevant current events on a daily basis;
Coordinating, overseeing and attending press events;
Overseeing internal and external communications and presentations through visual displays, production of newsletters and web sites, and occasional public events;
Maintaining extensive and positive relationships with all media;
Supervising resources performing the duties associated with public information, video production, web site development and maintenance, photography, collateral support materials, and internal and external events;
Developing and managing department budget;
Proactively pitching stories to national media, seeking out additional media opportunities, and coordinating local and national media sponsorships;
Managing, planning and directing (under the supervision of the Chief Marketing Officer) a communications program in all media with an emphasis on Out & Equal programs, media advocacy and public relations support for fundraising events;
Providing consultation and training for board and staff to ensure effective implementation of communications initiatives.

Overseeing the association’s digital communication, including the content for the Website, social media, and newsletters;

Developing and implementing annual strategic communication plans that include goals, activities, materials, and performance indicators;

Providing detailed reports of communications activities, including return-on-investment analyses;

Developing and implementing a master “branding” plan for ICA with input from key expert members;

Developing and implementing annual plans that include goals, activities, materials, and performance indicators;

Managing and handling several information channels and platforms (from live interviews to press releases to social media;

Monitoring clippings;

Travel as assigned

Qualifications

Experience managing a team, excellent communication skills, ability to handle multiple projects under deadline pressure, detail and results-oriented, and strong knowledge of budget processes;
Comprehensive knowledge of media operations and expertise in the field of public relations and release of information for publication;
Extensive knowledge and experience in the application of theories, principles and practices of journalism and mass communications as they relate to public information services;
Experience working with elected officials and CEO-level leadership, an ability to work comfortably and efficiently under tight timelines;
Demonstrated experience producing high quality graphic materials essential;
Knowledge of the latest advances in effective use of Internet technologies;

Strong media relations experience, including media sponsorship negotiation and pitching to local TV, print and radio on an on-going basis;

Knowledge of the latest advances in effective use of digital and social media for effective corporate communication, including (ideally) online communities, search engine optimization and other digital

Education

Bachelor’s degree (Masters preferred) in public relations, journalism, communications, or a related field

Experience

Minimum of five years’ experience, ideally with some non-profit experience, as well as a portfolio of journalism, public relations or communications materials

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTSThis position requires frequent computer use and occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The position also requires frequent travel, sometimes at short notice.

How to apply

Interested candidates should submit resume and cover letter to TTalbot@outandequal.org No phone calls please.

Out & Equal Workplace Advocates is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on any of the following: race, religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or gender characteristic, national origin, religion, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, military service or veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other classification protected by federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.