Deputy Director of Communications

About the role

The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) is seeking a Deputy Director of Communications to manage and support the planning, coordination strategy, and execution of communications department strategic communications plan. The position reports to the Director of Communications.

Responsibilities

• Manage the designing and executing CHIRLA’s strategic communications plan, setting measurable goals and objectives
• Supervise and manage work expectations and deliverables by members of the communications team including the Communications Manager, Digital Content Manager, and Graphic Designer
• Assist with supervision and management of work expectations, deliverables of the Social Media Coordinator and the Digital Media Content creator
• Execute the implementation of projects, campaigns, and other effective communication strategies and report to the Communications Director on useful metrics
• Develop guidance and support, including capacity-building opportunities for communications team members, as well as others in the organization who may need communications capacity building
• Draft, edit, and manage distribution of press advisories, releases, and ensure posting on website
• In coordination with the Social Media Coordinator, edit program material, including fact sheets, position papers, e-blasts, web content, marketing materials, video scripts, speeches, and board presentations
• Review articles, posts, fact sheets, press releases and statements, e-newsletters, and other content needed on organizational activities, programs, and members
• Oversee development and cohesive execution of digital content distribution systems that work well organization wide
• Represent the communications department and team at meetings and gatherings and lead department activities as required
• Develop and execute training opportunities for staff, community members and partner organizations to grow the team of organizations and movement spokespersons
• Strengthen relationships with key members of the media
• Participate in periodic debriefs and reporting with Communications Director and other team members around messaging, project updates, metrics, and progress to date
• Ensure weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports are submitted timely and include helpful and comprehensive details about program activities
• Conduct research and activities that assist the fundraising program for department sustainability
• Assist in the writing of grants and proposals as necessary for communications department sustainability
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or related field
• At least five years’ relevant professional communications experience
• At least three years’ supervisory experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Spanish
• Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy and supervise the work of the team
• Strong written, verbal, presentation skills coupled with ability to communicate effectively with all levels of organization
• Excellent managerial skills and ability to evaluate and direct the work of others
• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Photoshop and Lightroom, and working knowledge of website platforms such as WordPress
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word), PowerPoint and Google Apps, Gmail, Google Docs & Drive) and similar systems
• Ability to meet deadlines, work independently and handle multiple deadlines simultaneously
• Excellent problem-solving and follow-through skills
• Excellent judgment, high emotional intelligence, and ability to maintain confidentiality
• Familiarity with Meltwater, Cision or equivalent platform preferred
• Familiarity with CMS platforms such as Salesforce, as well as plug-in application platforms such as Phone-to-Action and Form Assembly preferred