Director of Communications and Community Relations

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Position: Director of Communications and Community Relations
Program: Communications and Community Relations
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Fairfax, Va
Compensation: $70-80K depending on qualifications and experience, plus benefits
Application Deadline: Open until the position is filled

If you have a positive attitude, pride in your work, and a passion for helping others, you may be interested in joining our team.

The Arc of Northern Virginia promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.

For over 62 years, The Arc of Northern Virginia has represented and served people with IDD —such as autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and rare chromosomal disorders—of all ages and their families throughout Northern Virginia. It is estimated that more than 39,000 individuals in Northern Virginia have IDD.

Under the supervision of the Executive Director and in collaboration with other members of the staff, the Director of Communications and Community Relations is responsible for leading the development of strategic communications, marketing, and community relations programs that elevate the organizational profile of The Arc of Northern Virginia. The director will work collaboratively with individuals and organizations to promote a consistent, professional image and help achieve short-term and long-term goals. The director oversees a Community Relations Associate.

This is an in-office position, eligible for a hybrid work schedule after a training period.

The director functions as a liaison between membership, staff, the board, and the community at large. The Director works with staff, volunteers, and donors to design and implement strategies, tactics, programs, and materials that promote advocacy, education, outreach, and fundraising opportunities to provide the resources and supports desired and needed by people with disabilities and their families throughout Northern Virginia.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Develops and implements creative and measurable communications and marketing plans that encompass advertising, public relations, market research, publications, digital/social media, events, media relations, and other aspects of strategic marketing.
Tells the story of The Arc of Northern Virginia to a wide range of audiences, including current and potential beneficiaries of the organization’s programs and services; donors and prospects; partner agencies; legislators and government agencies; and the community at large.
Works with organization staff to understand the organization’s many programs and initiatives to identify communications opportunities. Collaborates with staff to integrate communication strategies into their work. Provides technical assistance and media and marketing training to staff and board members.
Supports The Arc of Northern Virginia’s development initiatives. Creates marketing and communications plans that support special event fundraisers and major campaigns. Creates messages, written and online materials, and programs to support fundraising initiatives, such as planned giving and vehicle donation programs. Conducts or commissions research to identify effective messages and materials for target audiences.
Responsible for working with designers, printers, and other stakeholders for the creation of and adherence to The Arc of Northern Virginia’s brand look on publications, presentations, signage, and public display elements.
Manages all digital communications channels, including website, MailChimp, social media, etc.
Advises leadership on new initiatives and campaigns that would enhance The Arc of Northern Virginia’s brand and help achieve organizational goals.
Builds relationships with media, partner agencies, corporations, civic and community groups, local businesses, churches and organizations like the United Way and Combined Federal Campaign.
Represent The Arc of Northern Virginia at selected community and Chamber events to help create new relationships that can further the mission.
Oversees a Community Relations Associate.
Undertakes special projects and performs other duties, as assigned.

DESIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, or a related field is required
Minimum of 5-7 years of professional experience in marketing, communications, public relations, or a related field
Nonprofit organization experience is preferred
Demonstrated experience in managing and implementing a comprehensive marketing and communications program and producing results

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

Excellent oral and written communication skills
Strong public speaking skills
Solid supervisory and leadership skills
Passion for social media
Experience working with and communicating with the media
Self-motivated and resourceful with superior organizational and time management skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with other team members, senior management, The Arc of Northern Virginia Board, and volunteers.
Must be able to work independently and meet deadlines.
Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects is critical.
Ability to maintain a high level of donor and client confidentiality.

COMPUTER/TECHNOLOGY SKILLS:

Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs
Proficiency in website management
Proficiency with email platforms, such as MailChimp or Constant Contact
Experience in the Adobe Creative Suite including Acrobat, InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator

Salary: $70-80K depending on qualifications and experience, plus benefits. The standard work week at The Arc of Northern Virginia is 37.5 hours.

How to Apply:

Please email your resume (saved as Lastname_resume) and cover letter (saved as Lastname_coverletter) to Melissa.heifetz@thearcofnova.org. Please include the position title and your last name in the subject line. No phone calls, please.

Please be prepared to supply two references upon request.

Research shows that women and underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they feel that they meet 100% of the qualifications. If this role sounds interesting to you, we encourage you to apply! The Arc of Northern Virginia is committed to building a diverse team that draws on the strengths of people with a variety of identities, backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.