POSITION: DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC AFFAIRS (Full-Time/Exempt)
RESUME AND COVER LETTER WILL BE RECEIVED UNTIL THIS POSITION IS FILLEDJOB SUMMARY: The Director of Communications & Public Affairs is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive communications, public relations, marketing, and public affairs strategy that advances IBA's mission, strengthens its brand, and expands its visibility and impact throughout the community. The Director serves as a strategic advisor to the Chief Executive Officer and collaborates closely with the leadership team to promote IBA's programs, services, advocacy priorities, and organizational achievements. The Director oversees media relations, public engagement, stakeholder communications, government and community relations, crisis communications, strategic messaging, marketing initiatives, and communications team management. The Director reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:- Develops and implements a comprehensive communications and public affairs strategy that strengthens IBA's public image, expands organizational reach, and elevates awareness of IBA's impact and mission.
- Manages media relations, proactively pitches stories, coordinates press opportunities, responds to media inquiries, and develops positive relationships with journalists, reporters, and content creators.
- Develops and maintains strategic relationships with elected officials, government agencies, community leaders, corporate partners, coalition members, and other key stakeholders.
- Collaborates with the CEO and leadership team to develop public statements, opinion editorials, testimony, talking points, advocacy materials, and organizational messaging.
- Represents IBA at public meetings, legislative briefings, community forums, stakeholder convenings, and advocacy events.
- Oversees and supports crisis communication efforts to protect and strengthen the organization's reputation and public trust.
- Keeps the Chief Executive Officer and leadership team informed of communications activities, outcomes, emerging issues, opportunities, and recommended action plans.
MARKETING & CONTENT MANAGEMENT- Provides oversight and strategic direction for social media, website content, digital communications, and marketing initiatives in collaboration with the Marketing and Content Manager.
- Develops and reviews organizational publications, including newsletters, impact reports, annual reports, program materials, policy documents, and promotional content.
- Ensures messaging and communications accurately reflect IBA's mission, values, programs, and community impact.
- Creates and implements communication strategies that effectively engage residents, funders, policymakers, community stakeholders, corporate partners, and supporters.
DATA AND MONITORING- Develops, tracks, monitors, and analyzes communications, marketing, media coverage, stakeholder engagement, and public affairs metrics.
- Evaluates communication effectiveness and identifies opportunities for continuous improvement and increased engagement.
- Prepares reports, presentations, and performance summaries for the Board of Directors, leadership team, funders, and key stakeholders.
OUTREACH / EXTERNAL COMMUNICATION- Supports advocacy initiatives and public engagement efforts that advance IBA's mission and strategic priorities.
- Coordinates communications and public affairs strategies that maximize attendance, participation, stakeholder engagement, and media coverage for organizational events and initiatives.
- Coordinates participation of elected officials, civic leaders, sponsors, community partners, and other key stakeholders in organizational events and activities.
- Represents IBA as a spokesperson and ambassador in the community while fostering relationships that strengthen the organization's visibility, credibility, influence, and impact.
SUPERVISION & PROJECT MANAGEMENT- Supervises and provides leadership, guidance, accountability, and professional development to the Marketing and Content Manager.
- Collaborates with organizational leadership on strategic initiatives, special projects, and agency-wide priorities.
- Manages the communications budget and oversees consultants, vendors, creative agencies, contractors, and external communications partners.
- Establishes annual goals, objectives, timelines, and performance measures for communications and public affairs activities.
OTHER DUTIES:- Participates fully in the organization's signature events, including Three Kings Day, Festival Betances, and other community celebrations.
- Serves as an enthusiastic ambassador and representative of IBA in public and professional settings.
- Supports organizational initiatives that strengthen community engagement, advocacy efforts, fundraising, visibility, and mission impact.
- Carries out additional duties and special projects as assigned.
SKILLS / QUALIFICATIONS:- Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field preferred; Master's degree is a plus.
- Six to eight years of experience in strategic communications, public relations, marketing, public affairs, or a related field, preferably within the nonprofit sector.
- Experience in public affairs, government relations, or advocacy initiatives preferred.
- Demonstrated experience managing media relations and working with print, digital, broadcast, and online media outlets.
- Strong written, verbal, presentation, public speaking, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to develop compelling content and messaging tailored to diverse audiences and stakeholders.
- Demonstrated leadership experience managing staff, consultants, vendors, and external partners.
- Ability to effectively prioritize, organize, and manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
- Strong strategic thinking and ability to align communications initiatives with organizational goals and objectives.
- Experience in housing, education, community development, public policy, arts, or related fields preferred.
- Bilingual English and Spanish preferred but not required.
- Must demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, attention to detail, and a commitment to IBA's mission and values.
