Director of Communications - CAQ

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

Strategic Communications

• Determines communications strategy and execute programs to deliver communications objectives throughout the organization.
• Guide and coordinate the work of various agencies supporting the CAQ in order to successfully manage communications efforts.
• Develop branding initiatives, internal communications and external media relations.
• Identify new strategies for injecting CAQ issues into the public debate to help sustain and grow our mission.

Campaign Management

• Design strategic outreach and communications campaigns for activities that have been identified as major priorities for the CAQ.
• Lead public affairs and advocacy strategies to reach our targeted audiences.
• Develop persuasive messaging and materials for our campaigns.

Media Relations

• Effectively track trends in media coverage of key policy issues to capitalize on opportunities, identify new contacts, and monitor the effectiveness of those opportunities.
• Manage media relations and maximize media opportunities. Specifically, by leading proactive media efforts to cultivate relationships with key reporters, identify opportunities to highlight CAQ thought leadership in national and international media news outlets, and respond to and inaccuracies, inconsistencies, or negative reports.

Message Development and Publications

• Proactively research and produce a variety of communications materials, including press releases, op-eds, newsletter, prepared remarks, blog posts, and internal and external talking points.
• Lead collaboration with CAQ internal clients at all levels to coordinate and drive the creation, publication, and distribution of timely and error-free resources and reports.
• Responsible for oversight and delivery of promotional materials, such as the annual report and other collateral publications.
• Write and develop content for the CAQ’s channels, executive leadership, and other opportunities as needed.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Actively direct, manage, guide, and develop the Manager of Communications.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Ability to work collaboratively across the CAQ staff, sharing team information and sponsorship opportunities to maximize CAQ’s ability to further its mission.
• Strong interpersonal skills and willingness to participate in public-facing meetings with Sr. Director of Stakeholder Management, as appropriate.
• Exceptional organization and attention to detail.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically.
• Good judgment.

Required Experience, Qualifications & Education

• Minimum of 8-15 years of experience in communications, public affairs, media relations, or journalism.
• Excellent writing and editing skills, with an unfailing dedication to quality and accuracy.
• Experience working closely with the media to promote, explain, and defend an organization’s point of view; crisis communications experience a plus.
• Understanding of the latest trends and tools for media engagement and good instincts.
• Strong, positive interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively to CAQ staff, members’ staff, and other key constituencies.
• Experience managing external vendors.
• Demonstrated knowledge of various technologies to support marketing and communications functions; including CRMs and media monitoring software.

Preferred Experience, Qualifications & Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or equivalent; advanced degree a plus.