Room to Grow is a nonprofit organization based in Boston and New York that addresses the statistical reality that children raised in low-income homes are more likely to experience developmental delays that are difficult to overcome later in life. Our vision is that one day all parents will have the resources they need to unlock their families' potential and become champions for babies and their community. We offer structured coaching, material goods, and community connections to support parents as they activate their natural strengths and expand their knowledge, so children thrive from the start. For more information, visit www.roomtogrow.org.
Room to Grow is at an exciting inflection point as an organization and preparing for ambitious growth and we will need expanded capacity to create a proactive and sophisticated communications strategy and to capitalize on an increasing volume of PR opportunities. Therefore, we are eager to add a brand new leadership position to our team that will be responsible for designing and leading our communications strategy and activities.
As a part of the External Relations team (which covers fundraising, inventory generation, volunteer engagement, and communications), the Communications Director reports to the National External Relations Director and will lead in all areas of communications at both the strategic and tactical levels. This new position will collaborate closely with the National External Relations Director and the CEO to develop and lead on national and organization-wide strategies and will also partner with Executive Directors in New York and Boston to adapt and execute strategies at the local level.
We are looking for someone who is a vibrant storyteller, an agile and collaborative leader, and an articulate and persuasive communicator. This position would be an ideal opportunity for a creative, entrepreneurial, and tenacious individual looking to take on a significant leadership role in advancing the brand of a promising program model.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
-Develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive and actionable communications strategy in partnership with the CEO and National External Relations Director
-Translate strategy into actionable annual goals and activities and partner with Executive Directors and regional External Relations team members to adapt for execution in local markets
-Steward and build Room to Grow’s brand and public reputation through targeted campaigns, partnerships, events, and media engagement
-Engage, enlist, and train staff and board to serve as ambassadors of the organization
-Direct the creation of all print and electronic collateral (e.g., annual reports, fundraising appeals, one pagers, presentation decks) and ensure that content is accurate, up-to-date, and accessible
-Manage Room to Grow’s “day-to-day” communications (e.g., social media, email blasts, website) in order to ensure a consistent voice and brand in all external messaging and collateral
-Lead the execution of large-scale projects, such as our upcoming website redesign (‘20/’21)
-Elevate Room to Grow as a leader in the early childhood field and local nonprofit landscape by identifying and managing PR and media opportunities (e.g., media training for leadership staff)
-Drive thought leadership strategy and activities including seeking out and securing PR engagements (e.g., speaking and writing opportunities, conferences, panels, interviews)
-Create and maintain relationships with celebrities and influencers, including Room to Grow Ambassadors, for organizational engagement and media opportunities
-Develop creative corporate engagement opportunities in partnership with relationship managers to raise funds, inventory, and awareness (e.g., cause-marketing, co-branded content)
-Support regional teams with major special events in areas such as marketing, collateral design, and program development (e.g., developing remarks, preparing speakers)
-Oversee storytelling and content collection such as writing program participant highlights and coordinating video and photo shoots
-Provide written communication support to team members as needed, including copy-editing and development of language bank
-Support community engagement efforts including communication to program participants and alumni, participating in community events, and building relationships with local public officials
-Coordinate internal team communications in alignment with Room to Grow’s core values
-A passion for the mission, vision, and core values of Room to Grow
-7-10 years relevant experience in communications; background in nonprofit or mission-driven companies preferred but not required
-Public relations, marketing, and branding acumen with superior interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
-Experience developing and leading short- and long-term communications strategies
-Creative instincts and strong visual eye with an astute ability to convey and steer creative direction; hands-on design experience a plus (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud applications)
-Track record of success in media relations, including pitching/securing high-level media opportunities, independently managing press relationships, and prepping executives for speaking engagements
-Strong portfolio of written persuasive materials including talking points, op-eds, press releases
-Experience overseeing websites and social media and familiarity with digital marketing tools, such as Google AdWords, Google Analytics, Constant Contact, Salesforce (or equivalents)
-Cross-cultural interpersonal skills, a history of building strong relationships with diverse stakeholders and colleagues, as well as strong listening skills
-Superb critical thinking skills with the ability to synthesize complex information, confidently make recommendations based on data, and work with an action-oriented mindset
-An ability to handle pressure with equanimity and to thrive in a entrepreneurial, fast-paced, and accountability-focused organization; a roll-up-your-sleeves attitude
-Bilingual (English/Spanish) candidates are strongly encouraged to apply
-Ability to travel within the US (5-10%)
