Communications Manager

About the role

The Manager, Communications role at ACCESS plays a crucial part in ensuring consistent and effective communication across the organization and in the public sphere, aligning closely with ACCESS's brand strategies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a consistent internal communications plan, aligning all announcements, updates, and internal messages with ACCESS’s brand strategies
• Collaborate with senior leaders, department heads across ACCESS and its institutions to ensure timely, relevant, and brand-aligned communication of organizational changes, achievements, and initiatives
• Create and implement communication tools and resources for internal stakeholders to maintain consistency in messaging across the organization
• Conduct regular assessments of internal communications effectiveness and recommend adjustments to enhance engagement and alignment
• Support internal communications and media relations for marketing campaigns and programs
• Partner with Marcomms leadership to cultivate and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, and media outlets to position ACCESS as a premier thought leader
• Facilitate media inquiries, ensuring timely and accurate responses that align with ACCESS’s values and key messaging
• Develop and pitch stories to targeted media outlets to increase brand visibility and showcase ACCESS’s initiatives, community impact, and thought leadership
• Monitor media coverage and assess the effectiveness of media relations strategies, adapting as necessary to improve results
• Work with Marcomms leadership to prepare talking points, media briefs, press releases, and media kits for various announcements, events, and key communications
• Operate standard office equipment and use required software applications
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Requirements

• Knowledge of:
• Media relations, story development, and proactive pitching
• Nonprofit, community-focused, or advocacy work is a plus
• Familiarity with Arab American Communities is a plus
• Public speaking
• Arabic language preferred
• Skills in:
• Expert proofreading and intimate knowledge of AP style
• Effective networking/research skills
• Excellent judgment and superior management and problem-solving skills
• Ability to:
• Successfully coordinate the work of others with excellent team leader skills
• Establish relationships with local, national, and international media outlets and key Arab American community leaders/organizations
• Write clearly, accurately, and effectively
• Create and maintain relationships with partner organizations and media representatives
• Build, mentor, and coach a team of marketing/communications specialists
• Understand and identify local, national, and international issues impacting the vision and mission of the organization and to represent the organization’s position
• Create and ensure consistency of organization branding
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Incorporate needs, wants, and goals from different business unit perspectives into communication products
• Incite enthusiasm and influence, motivate, and persuade others to achieve desired outcomes
• Juggle multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment
• Maintain confidentiality in legal and personnel issues
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships both within and outside the organization
• Interact continuously with ACCESS, AANM, CAAP, and NNAAC leadership, board, department heads, and staff at all levels
• Externally, continuously interact with media, partner organizations’ leadership and staff, community leaders, outside vendors, artists, and museum visitors

Educational/Previous Experience Requirements

• Minimum Degree Required:
• Bachelor’s degree
• Advanced degree preferred
• Required Disciplines:
• Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field approved by Human Resources
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in marketing, communications, or related roles (agency or brand-side)