Chief Communications Officer
Apply NowCompany: Catholic Social Services Alaska
Location: Anchorage, AK 99504
Description:
POSITION SUMMARY
The Chief Communications Officer (CCO) at Catholic Social Services (CSS) serves as a key member of the Leadership Team, responsible for comprehensive, strategic communication planning and execution. This role oversees media relations, marketing, internal and external communications, crisis management, and strategic advocacy, ensuring cohesive, impactful activities and messaging aligned with CSS's mission and values.
The CCO leads a high-performing communication team, builds relationships with diverse stakeholders, and works closely with the chief development officer (CDO) to amplify philanthropic efforts and increase community impact and proactively strengthens CSS's brand and visibility across Alaska-while maintaining a strong commitment to dignity, respect, and service to Anchorage's most vulnerable populations.
ABOUT US
CSS compassionately serves those in need, strengthens individuals and families, and advocates for the common good through shelter, case management, food resources, and refugee resettlement. CSS programs help more than 18,000 individuals each year, regardless of their faith.
Mission: We compassionately serve those in need, strengthen individuals and families, and advocate for the common good
Vision: All Individuals and Families are Flourishing.
Impact Statement: Catholic Social Services empowers individuals and families on their path to permanent stability, creating thriving communities for all.
Guiding Principles: - Catholic Social Teachings - Reverence for humanity - Striving for excellence - Empowering personal fulfillment - Strengthening through collaboration
ABOUT OUR PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT
The communication team has the privilege of sharing stories that inspire, engage and drive action. In addition to leading advocacy and crisis communications, the team equips staff, partners and volunteers with tools for effective communication. With a commitment to ethical storytelling and meaningful community engagement, we amplify the voices of our neighbors and foster connections that lead to real change.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategic Communications Leadership
Team Leadership & Resource Management
Public Engagement & Advocacy
Content Development & Brand Management
Innovation & Fundraising Support
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum Education Requirement: Bachelor's degree in communication, public relations, journalism, or a related field. Equivalent experience in strategic communications, public relations, or a related area will be considered in lieu of formal education.
Minimum Experience Requirement: Minimum of 5+ years leading communications in nonprofit, public, or complex organizations.
Preferred: Accreditation in Public Relations and experience engaging diverse, multicultural audiences.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in a standard indoor office environment. Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds. Frequently sitting or standing at a desk for several hours at a time.
Travel out of Alaska is rare. Frequent travel within the Municipality of Anchorage is required. Occasional travel to the Matanuska-Susitna Borough is required.
Location: 4600 Debarr Road, Anchorage, Alaska.
The Chief Communications Officer (CCO) at Catholic Social Services (CSS) serves as a key member of the Leadership Team, responsible for comprehensive, strategic communication planning and execution. This role oversees media relations, marketing, internal and external communications, crisis management, and strategic advocacy, ensuring cohesive, impactful activities and messaging aligned with CSS's mission and values.
The CCO leads a high-performing communication team, builds relationships with diverse stakeholders, and works closely with the chief development officer (CDO) to amplify philanthropic efforts and increase community impact and proactively strengthens CSS's brand and visibility across Alaska-while maintaining a strong commitment to dignity, respect, and service to Anchorage's most vulnerable populations.
ABOUT US
CSS compassionately serves those in need, strengthens individuals and families, and advocates for the common good through shelter, case management, food resources, and refugee resettlement. CSS programs help more than 18,000 individuals each year, regardless of their faith.
Mission: We compassionately serve those in need, strengthen individuals and families, and advocate for the common good
Vision: All Individuals and Families are Flourishing.
Impact Statement: Catholic Social Services empowers individuals and families on their path to permanent stability, creating thriving communities for all.
Guiding Principles: - Catholic Social Teachings - Reverence for humanity - Striving for excellence - Empowering personal fulfillment - Strengthening through collaboration
ABOUT OUR PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT
The communication team has the privilege of sharing stories that inspire, engage and drive action. In addition to leading advocacy and crisis communications, the team equips staff, partners and volunteers with tools for effective communication. With a commitment to ethical storytelling and meaningful community engagement, we amplify the voices of our neighbors and foster connections that lead to real change.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategic Communications Leadership
- Serve as CSS's lead communication strategist, developing campaigns that elevate brand visibility, strengthen advocacy, and engage donors, partners, and the public.
- Represent CSS as chief spokesperson, leading media relations and managing crisis communication efforts.
- Drive cohesive messaging across all platforms, ensuring alignment with CSS's mission, vision and goals.
Team Leadership & Resource Management
- Lead and inspire a high-performing communication team; set clear goals, provide mentorship and foster innovation.
- Manage departmental budgets, resources and performance measures to achieve results.
Public Engagement & Advocacy
- Develop public relations and advocacy strategies that build relationships with elected officials, media outlets and community leaders.
- Monitor local, state and federal policies impacting CSS's work and identify opportunities to advocate for CSS's mission.
Content Development & Brand Management
- Oversee creation of compelling content, including digital media, print collateral, newsletters, reports and video storytelling.
- Ensure brand consistency across all internal and external communications.
Innovation & Fundraising Support
- Leverage emerging communication tools, data-driven strategies and innovative campaigns to amplify CSS's impact.
- Collaborate with the CDO to craft messaging that supports fundraising initiatives and donor engagement.
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum Education Requirement: Bachelor's degree in communication, public relations, journalism, or a related field. Equivalent experience in strategic communications, public relations, or a related area will be considered in lieu of formal education.
Minimum Experience Requirement: Minimum of 5+ years leading communications in nonprofit, public, or complex organizations.
- Proven success as a spokesperson and strategic communicator.
- Experience with media relations, advocacy campaigns, and digital content strategy.
- Experience in a supervisory role of other employees.
Preferred: Accreditation in Public Relations and experience engaging diverse, multicultural audiences.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in a standard indoor office environment. Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds. Frequently sitting or standing at a desk for several hours at a time.
Travel out of Alaska is rare. Frequent travel within the Municipality of Anchorage is required. Occasional travel to the Matanuska-Susitna Borough is required.
Location: 4600 Debarr Road, Anchorage, Alaska.