Senior Director, Communications

 

Job Title: Senior Director, Communications

Department: Communications and Brand Marketing

Location: Remote/Within the Greater New York City or Washington DC areas

Reports to: EVP, Communications and Brand Marketing

Classification: Exempt

Position Type: Full-Time Employee

Pay Band: $100,000 - $150,000

 

Blue Star Families

Blue Star Families is a growing non-profit (Military Service Organization (MSO)) with a history of delivering innovative solutions. We're the team that senior DoD leaders seek out when they want ground truth on issues facing our military families. Our team members are motivated individuals that help each other do remarkable things for military families to bridge the civilian-military divide every day.   We deliver first-class solutions that transform the military experience for military family members.  We operate in an agile arena where great minds come together to make life better for military members and their families.  We focus on data-driven insights while understanding the value of spirited storytelling.   And we do all this in a highly flexible, virtual environment with great benefits!  Our diverse and inclusive environment fosters a sense of belonging among our team resulting in innovative and creative decision-making.

Are you ready to make a difference for the families of those who serve our great nation?  We are the ideal match for the innovator, the out-of-the-box, strategic thinker who understands the value of social impact.

 

General Description

The Senior Director, Communications is responsible for the development and execution of comprehensive external and internal communications programs that support and advance the mission and goals of Blue Star Families (BSF). The Senior Director will support national-level communications needs, branded campaigns and events ensuring quality planning, writing, execution and alignment with organizational strategy. This position requires a detail-oriented, hands-on leader with extensive experience in public and media relations, social media, persuasive writing, PR agency coordination, and team leadership and development.

 

Key Job Functions

Team Stewardship and Management

• Manage and guide the work of the Communications team and various supporting contractors and consultants.
• Create and manage an effective project management system that tracks key communications activities to ensure timely delivery and effective results. 
• Develop and maintain evaluation systems to measure the goals and progress of the Communications function.
• As the Communications team lead, effectively manage and guide the development and growth of staff members.

Communications/Public Relations/Media Management

• Develop and implement strategic PR plans and campaigns to enhance Blue Star Families’ national visibility and brand reputation. 
• Secure and manage high-profile media interviews, spokesperson opportunities, and media training for key BSF spokespeople.
• Develop relationships with media outlets and reporters to further the organization’s narrative across military and civilian media.
• Serve as BSF’s main point of contact (POC) for fielding media inquiries.
• Coordinate day-to-day PR/media support with outside PR firm and ensure effective alignment with BSF’s communications team.
• Develop goals and metrics around earned media that advance organizational priorities and achieve measurable outcomes.
• Write communications content including talking points, key messages, press releases, presentations, impact reports, website content, social media, video storyboards/scripts, blogs and podcasts.
• Apply creativity to editorial approach, applying out of the box thinking to communications and PR efforts.
• Monitor BSF social media trends and analytics to refine communication approaches and enhance overall communication effectiveness.
• Stay informed of developments in communications, public relations, social media, nonprofit management, and the military community.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

 

Desired Experience, Skills & Background

• 7-10 years of experience in public/media relations, external communications or reputation management, preferably in the private sector or government.
• 3+ years of experience managing an in-house communications team.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, PR, marketing, or a related field; a graduate degree is preferred.
• Superior storytelling and writing skills, and experience in multiple forms of persuasive writing for social and traditional channels.
• Proven experience developing and executing PR/communications plans and programs.
• Must be a skilled and experienced media spokesperson across all mediums.
• Experience developing and managing budgets, and hiring, training, developing, supervising, and appraising staff. 
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Familiarity with the military community and a passion for Blue Star Families’ mission.
• Experience with membership-driven organizations.
• Occasional travel and ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Physical ability to lift and carry supplies and equipment up to 30 lbs.

 

More About Blue Star Families

Blue Star Families empowers military and Veteran families to thrive by connecting them with their civilian neighbors — both people and organizations — to create strong communities of mutual support. We believe we're all stronger when we take care of one another.

Our groundbreaking research is raising the nation's awareness of the unique challenges of military family life. With the help of neighbors across the country, Blue Star Families is overcoming the isolation and alienation of frequent moves, deployments, and reduced support from the government. Our innovative programs are solving specific challenges for military families, including fighting economic insecurity with resources that foster spouse career development, creating family strength with rich family programming, and providing critical peer support for caregivers, whose numbers are only increasing.

Blue Star Families is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 

 

EEO Policy

Blue Star Families is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

 

Why Blue Star Families?

• Virtual/remote nonprofit organization that moves with you (position specific)
• Career growth opportunities
• Excellent benefits (403(b) with matching, Flexible Spending, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Communications Allowance, and more)
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Leave for Active Duty Military Spouses
• On-the-job professional development training
• Front-line opportunity to positively impact the military experience
• Competitive salaries
• Workplace flexibility