Job Description
Job DescriptionSalary: 72,000-79,000
You Can Vote seeks a Director of Communications
This is not just a comms role its a leadership role. If you can translate complexity into simple, compelling messaging, strategize and implement campaigns, develop staff, train community members, and know how to use communications to shift culture and build power, we need you! The Director of Communications will build awareness of YCVs programs and services across North Carolina and oversee external communications, website and brand management, and education materials. They will develop media relationships, including traditional print media, and pioneer new ways to share information to activate voters. The ideal candidate has a proven history of executive leadership and an understanding of North Carolina communities and constituencies, with a strong desire to distribute practical tools to effectively engage communities. The ideal candidate has unfailing attention to detail and can demonstrate the ability to remain flexible and calm in a fast-paced landscape. This candidate must reside in the Triad or Triangle and be willing to travel for events and staff meetings across North Carolina. This position will be supervised by the Deputy Director.
The Director of Communications will be charged with:
- Remaining nonpartisan and 100% on brand in furtherance of YCVs voter registration, education, and leadership development goals.
- Oversee digital marketing, graphic design, video production, and social media functions in collaboration with staff and supervise YCVs Communications Manager.
- Write, edit, and produce external content including education materials, website blogs, calls to action, and narrative campaigns.
- Write, edit, and produce content of voter-facing education campaigns leading up to each election; solicit and incorporate feedback to continue improving messaging.
- Manage the content calendar, including production, workflow, and quality control of all print and digital assets.
- Collaborate with the Organizing Director to lead presentations, training partners to use YCVs tools and resources, and pitch programs in-person and in virtual spaces.
- Supervise and lead internal communications team and manage communications-related consultants to advance organizational objectives.
- Create and oversee a comprehensive communications program calendar and collaborate with YCVs field team to share information about YCV, highlight key resources, and understand communication opt-ins and information flow.
- In collaboration with the leadership team, cultivate relations with communications staff of key state and national partners to amplify and promote webinars, resources, & publications to their affiliates and respective networks.
- Work with leadership to identify potential partners who can expand the overall reach of YCVs programs, and educational content, as well as increase earned media.
- Work with the Deputy Director to track legal and policy changes in NC voting rights and communicate these changes to our audiences.
- Oversee quality control for external communications, including editing all content for grammar/spelling, factual accuracy, appropriate tone, brand alignment, cultural inclusiveness, and ADA accessibility.
- Monitor and interpret social and web analytics and adjust SEO and communications strategies to increase the visibility and reach of YCVs digital and social channels.
- Develop strategic communication toolkits and robust open-source voter engagement and education content while also ensuring effective distribution and utilization. Track impact of toolkits using data management software.
- Work with the Executive Director to create and implement crisis communications and management plans.
Qualifications
REQUIRED
- Leadership Experience: At least 3 years managing staff and/or contractors, including performance support and hard conversations.
- Strategic Communications Expertise: Minimum 7 years in advocacy, nonprofit, or public interest communications, with demonstrated experience in campaign communications, media relations, and narrative strategy. Standout candidates will have at least two cycles of work on electoral, public education, or voter awareness campaigns.
- Creative Vision: Strong aesthetic and messaging instincts you can craft compelling copy, visuals, and strategies that cut through noise.
- Commitment to and passion for the mission of You Can Vote.
- Technologically savvy with knowledge of current digital marketing channels and proficient in marketing and communication tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Google Analytics, Squarespace, Meta Business Suite, email marketing software, and social media management platforms).
- Proficient in CRM software, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Office with emphasis on creating and sharing documents through Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Google Slides, Google Sheets, Google Docs, and Powerpoint.
- High level of emotional and professional intelligence and ability to quickly build trust, develop relationships, and influence and compel individuals to action.
- Flexibility and proven ability to innovate in a rapidly changing environment.
- Strategic thinker with a relentless focus on coordinating and refining strategies, using research and feedback to track and analyze the impact of communications efforts.
- Experience working with diverse communities and developing messaging that considers cultural, historical, and language differences, preferably in campaign settings.
- Strong project management skills and ability to manage production schedules, deadlines, and workflows involving multiple staff and outside contractors.
- Knowledge of communications best practices and accessibility considerations.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule and travel according to the needs of the organization, particularly in the lead-up to key events and elections.
PREFERRED
- Familiarity with voting rights policy, especially election administration laws, rules, and implementation systems, and voter education campaigns.
- Strong desire to develop future leaders.
- Demonstrated ability to partner with organizations across the political spectrum and willingness to cross boundaries and work with diverse people, including with unlikely allies, to achieve shared goals.
- Experience in higher education, the nonprofit sector, or electoral campaigns is highly preferred.
- Positive attitude and a sense of humor.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish
LOCATION: Triangle or Triad region, hybrid work settings, travel among YCV regions.
Compensation and Benefits
SALARY RANGE: $72k - 79k based on experience.
This is a full-time salaried position following a successful three-month contract period. This position requires some travel within North Carolina (up to 20%).
The schedule is flexible but does include nights and weekends due to the nature of the work. You Can Vote values flexibility while achieving positive outcomes for voter education and turnout. Our successful candidate will be passionate about the people of North Carolina and delighted to work with a multiracial, multigenerational team of nonpartisan leaders across the state. Full-time employees receive health, dental, and vision and can participate in YCVs 401k retirement savings plan. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.
People of color and individuals from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic background, citizenship status, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or disability. You will work alongside and learn from experienced community leaders and organizers in a rapidly growing, results-driven organization.