Director of Communications

Maryland LCV and Maryland LCV Education Fund: Director of Communications
Maryland LCV and Maryland LCV Education Fund are seeking a dynamic individual to join our staff as the Director of Communications. The successful candidate will drive the success of the organization’s internal and external communications, supporting the program staff, development team, and the executive team to achieve the organization’s goals.

This position reports to the managing director of operations and will lead the organization’s internal and external communications, working in partnership with other staff and external vendors.

The role’s primary responsibility will be to support our mission of creating and protecting a healthy environment for everyone in Maryland by identifying and sharing stories that educate, empower, and create meaningful connections with our audiences, through all communications channels, including verbal presentations, written reports, fact sheets, briefing materials, emails, social media, earned and paid traditional media, website content, photos, slides and videos. This position is also responsible for ensuring the disciplined adherence to organizational branding standards and high-quality content. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter who is adaptable, entrepreneurial, media- and tech-savvy, and a superior written and oral communicator who values curiosity and continual learning.

Primary Responsibilities
Develop and execute the organization’s communications strategies that advance the organization’s goals in alignment with the strategic plan.

Develop and deploy annual, event-specific, and campaign-specific communications plans using best practices and evaluation of metrics to drive continual improvements.

Manage workflows for all communications channels (e.g., email lists, social media, website update schedule, print publications, traditional media).

Steward and train other staff on the proper use of organizational style guide, branding materials, and organizational tone and voice.

Support the organization’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice in our work, integrating those concepts into all organizational communication across all channels.

Serve as the primary media contact and occasional spokesperson for the organization, develop and maintain relationships with reporters and editorial boards across Maryland; pitch stories, editorials, and op-eds. Leverage press relationships and develop editorial lines to support the organization’s program goals.

Coordinate closely with program directors to ensure consistent messaging and synergy across all channels in both Spanish and English. This includes collaborating with our Chispa program. Chispa is Maryland LCV’s Spanish-language, Latino power-building, outreach, and advocacy program.

Manage organizational websites, including hiring and managing design and programming contractor(s) and ensuring the sites consistently and accurately reflect organizational priorities and up-to-date information.

Ensure timely, compelling and accurate content is created for Maryland LCV’s member email communications including action alerts, e-newsletters, fundraising appeals, event invites, websites, etc.

Coordinate with the development team on print and digital collateral for fundraising and donor stewardship purposes.

Provide communications expertise and support to align messages with issue-advocacy coalitions in which Maryland LCV participates, where appropriate.

Manage the writing, design and production of print materials including newsletters, one-pagers, scorecards, policy agendas, event collateral, and materials for donor outreach, etc.

Draft remarks and talking points as needed for Maryland LCV’s executive director and other staff for press conferences, media appearances, events, and fundraising purposes.

Assist with other duties as required.

Qualifications
Alignment with Maryland LCV’s values and commitment to centering justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion to create meaningful connections through communication with a wide variety of audiences and communities throughout Maryland

Five or more years of relevant experience in communications, media relations, storytelling, and non-profit marketing and branding.

Bachelor’s degree in communication or a related field

Experience in non-profit advocacy or political campaigns

Strong strategic, analytical, organizational, and project-management skills, as well as attention to detail

Demonstrated media outreach experience. Contacts with media outlets in Maryland and the DC region is a preferred qualification

Demonstrated fluency with digital strategy and execution, including paid and earned search, social, display, and connected television

Proven ability to create content that authentically connects with a diverse array of audiences

Excellent writing and copy editing skills

Experience with communications technology and tools

Experience adhering to, continually improving, and coaching others to follow an organization’s brand and style guides to present and share organizational information

Strong commitment to teamwork, with experience excelling in a small team environment

Demonstrated interest in Maryland politics, civic engagement, and/or environmental and sustainability policy

Proficiency in written and spoken Spanish is a preferred qualification

Adaptable, able to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously and switch tasks as priorities shift

Salary and Compensation
Salary range: $91,000 – $95,000. Maryland LCV and Maryland LCV EF offer a competitive non-profit salary depending on qualifications and experience. The salary is accompanied by a generous benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time-off, a 401K plan with an employer match, and opportunities for continual professional development.

Position Requirements
This is a full-time position based in Annapolis, Maryland. Occasional remote work may be allowed based on organizational needs. This position reports to the managing director of operations. After business hours work may be required.

To Apply
Send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and salary requirements to Shivaugn Ahern at [email protected] with Director of Communications in the subject line. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

About Maryland LCV and Education Fund
Maryland LCV, a 501(c)(4) organization, advocates for sound environmental conservation policies, educates and endorses candidates for public office, and holds elected officials responsible on issues including our air, land, water and public health.

The Maryland LCV Education Fund is a 501(c)(3) organization that strengthens the environmental community by growing a base of conservation-minded voters across the state. Through outreach and education, the Education Fund builds grassroots field capacity for legislative advocacy and environmental issues.

The Maryland LCV PAC is the organization that directly helps elect pro-conservation candidates.

Maryland LCV & Maryland LCV Education Fund are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. Maryland LCV & Maryland LCV Education Fund welcome applicants who self-identify with one or more historically marginalized populations or minority groups.