Chief Communications Officer

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Chief Communications Officer

Effective Date: 3/28/2025

Reports to: Executive Director

Pay Range: Class U

$120,726 - $ 130,000

Status: Full Time Part Time Regular Temporary

FLSA: Exempt Non-Exempt

Job Summary:

The Chief Communications Officer (CCO) is responsible for overseeing and leading the development and execution of an organization's internal and external communication strategies. This role ensures consistent messaging, enhances the organization's public image, and effectively communicates with stakeholders, including employees, customers, investors, media, and the public. The CCO works closely with senior leadership to align communication initiatives with organizational goals and brand strategy.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy that aligns with the organization's mission, vision, and business objectives.
• Provide counsel and guidance to senior executives on public relations, media relations, crisis communication, and brand reputation management.
• Lead and manage organization communications team, ensuring effective collaboration and the successful execution of communication plans.

Brand and Reputation Management:

• Ensure consistency in messaging across all platforms, including press releases, social media, speeches, internal communications, and marketing materials.
• Build and maintain the organization's brand identity and reputation, both internally and externally.
• Protect and enhance the organization's reputation during periods of crisis or high media scrutiny by managing sensitive communication issues.

Media Relations:

• Act as the primary spokesperson for the organization, cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with key media outlets, journalists, and influencers.
• Oversee the creation and distribution of press releases, statements, and other media materials to ensure positive media coverage and brand visibility.
• Lead media training for senior executives to ensure effective public speaking and media engagement.

Internal Communications:

• Lead internal communications efforts to foster a transparent, engaged, and informed workforce.
• Collaborate with HR and leadership teams to develop communications that align with organization culture, values, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Ensure effective communication of organization goals, changes in business operations, and other important updates to employees.

Crisis Communication:

• Develop crisis communication plans and act as a key figure in managing external and internal communication during a crisis or significant issue.
• Manage risk communication and provide guidance on navigating sensitive topics to protect the organization's reputation.

Digital and Social Media Strategy:

• Oversee the organization's social media strategy, ensuring content aligns with brand identity and engages the audience effectively.
• Monitor and analyze social media trends, public sentiment, and relevant metrics to adjust communications strategies as needed.
• Ensure that digital content (websites, blogs, social media posts, etc.) is aligned with organization messages and engages the intended audience.

Content Development:

• Oversee the creation of a wide variety of communication materials, including speeches, articles, blog posts, newsletters, annual reports, and other organization publications.
• Ensure high-quality content that supports the organization's values, informs key stakeholders, and advances strategic goals.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Develop and manage relationships with key stakeholders, including investors, regulators, community leaders, and other nonprofit partners.
• Represent the organization in industry events, conferences, and speaking engagements as needed.

Metrics and Reporting:

• Track and measure the effectiveness of communication strategies and initiatives, using analytics and feedback to inform continuous improvement.
• Provide regular updates to senior leadership on communications performance, brand health, and media coverage.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

Education:

Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public affairs, or related field.

Experience:

5-7+ years of experience working in a relevant field, like communications, marketing, or public relations professional with demonstrated success and management experience

Technical Skills & Competencies:

• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress, and basic HTML.
• Demonstrates ability to write clearly and succinctly on complex topics across various mediums and for diverse purposes.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills (direct communications style, framing, grammar, spelling, editing, proofreading, etc).
• Demonstrates project management and organizational skills.

Soft Skills:

• Effective team player with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate diplomatically and professionally with staff, stakeholders, elected officials, and members.
• Strong ability to juggle competing, time-sensitive priorities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with tribal or urban Native communities; Knowledge of, and openness to, traditional Indigenous practices and customs preferred.
• Experience with membership organizations, trade associations, non-profits, and/or government agency experience.
• Familiarity with email marketing systems, content management systems, and the ability to learn new programs quickly.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to: work in a stationary workspace for long periods of time, with mobility to move throughout the office; use a PC, constantly reaching with hands and fingers and keyboarding extensively; work with a team as frequent communication is required, including use of the telephone; be able to read and write documents in hard and electronic copy, including those requiring great attention to detail; have the physical strength and agility to handle routine office tasks and machinery. Occasional travel may be required for certain employees depending on location.
This position is in a standard office environment with desktop business equipment and frequent telephone calls. Noise level is moderate. Frequent interruptions are common, while under deadlines and time constraints.

Most positions at CSC are exposed to members of the community who have experienced or are experiencing trauma in various forms including but not limited to domestic violence, sexual violence, homelessness, unemployment, financial hardship, etc. As a result, staff are at risk of secondary trauma. Employees are encouraged to seek external support and maintain self-care when working indirectly or directly with clients. Mental health care referrals for employees are available

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits Summary:

Full-time employee benefits package includes:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and an Employee Assistance Program
• Public Transportation (ORCA) pass
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off, Holiday Pay, and Night Shift Differential
• Transparent Pay Schedule
• Internal Hiring and Encouraged Advancement