Chief Communications Officer (Salary Range $90k – 120k)

POSITION TYPE: Full-Time In Office
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
LOCATION: Bethesda, MD

POSITION SUMMARY
As a member of Scouting America National Capital Area Council’s (NCAC) Executive Cabinet, the Chief Communications Officer (C.C.O.) provides leadership to advance the Council’s mission by ensuring positive brand amplification through communications, marketing, and public relations efforts. The C.C.O. builds and sustains the Council’s reputation for quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction while handling all communication sent to the public, current and potential members, and current and potential donors.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Plan: Assist with the development and execution of a forward-looking, comprehensive marketing and communications strategy for NCAC and contribute to the Council’s vision by building trust around a shared narrative and amplifying the mission with creativity and clarity. Provide perspective and guidance on current and emerging opportunities and challenges that influence NCAC’s ability to fulfill its mission and meet its goals. Develop and execute plans supporting high-priority initiatives, as well as support other Strategic Plan goals as they relate to marketing and communication for long-term impact.

Branding and Design: Ensure brand positioning and brand management, including for the NCAC website, social media sites, recruiting materials, marketing and departmental communication collateral, and fundraising materials. Design and produce collateral promotional materials as needed across all channels, including the annual report, board documents, and other projects. Support all departments in handling inquiries and requests related to the Scouting America and NCAC brands.

Quality Control: Enforce consistent messaging of the Scouting America and NCAC brand. It is the responsibility of the C.C.O. to ensure all communication produced by the Council is reflective of the high quality of NCAC and its constituents.

Media Relations and Issues Management: Establish and maintain relationships with local media to increase media coverage of priority initiatives and respond to inquiries. Draft, edit, and review statements, FAQs, and other media materials, while working with team members and partner agencies to ensure widespread distribution and follow-through. Serve as a public spokesperson as needed. Train other spokespeople, including volunteers, through media training, coaching, and support. Ensure that NCAC’s Cabinet and Board are appropriately advised and supported.

Crisis Management: Be prepared to address crisis issues quickly, effectively, and accurately through the rapid assimilation and distribution of complex material.

Systems and Digital Footprint: Establish a best-in-class online presence that drives organizational impact, financial donations, and volunteer support. Oversee the design, maintenance, content, and control of the Council website, social media sites, and other internal and external Council communication tools. Create an impactful social media presence that empowers stakeholders to spread the mission organically. Work closely with other leaders to communicate information clearly, consistently, concisely, and in a timely manner while continually identifying opportunities to increase the Council’s visibility and profile in the community.

Volunteer Leadership: Serve as staff advisor for the Marketing Committee(s). Provide support to NCAC’s Executive Committee as needed. Train and assist in recruiting Marketing Vice Chairs for all Districts.

Staff Leadership: Manage, guide, and coach members of the communications team and ensure the group is structured and resourced to accommodate the needs of NCAC.

Council Support: Perform other duties as assigned based on the short-term and long-term needs of the Council.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR STAFF SUPERVISION
Provide staff leadership, with emphasis on both results and staff member development, to the Marketing Director and additional staff if the department expands.

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT USED
100% of time

Motor vehicle
Computer
Copier
Telephone
Smartphone
Audio-visual equipment
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND REQUIREMENTS
100% of time

This position involves both sedentary office work and active duties at events and camps. While in the office, work is primarily sedentary and requires the ability to sit for extended periods, operate a computer keyboard, and perform repetitive and stretching motions.

Essential functions include:

Reaching
Standing
Walking
Fingering
Grasping
Lifting
Feeling
Talking
Hearing
Computer keyboarding
Occasional lifting of boxes, files, and equipment weighing up to 35 pounds is required in the office. The position also requires maintaining a valid driver’s license and current automotive insurance, as well as the ability to drive a personal motor vehicle for Council business, with mileage reimbursement provided.

MENTAL DEMANDS
100% of time

Reading
Detailed work
Confidentiality
Stress management
Problem solving
Language skills
Training
Math
Reasoning
Verbal communication
Written communication
Customer contact
Multiple concurrent tasks
Frequent interruptions in a fast-paced environment
Continual change
WORKING CONDITIONS
100% of time

This position operates in a professional office setting with work hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required, along with limited travel. The employee is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions. When visiting Council camps, the employee may be exposed to some special adverse environmental conditions.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS, SUPERVISION, VOLUNTEER RELATIONS
100% of time

Recognize the importance of a positive working relationship with other staff members. Recognize the importance of a close and harmonious working relationship with all volunteers.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Bachelor’s Degree
Experience
Marketing, Advertising & Public Relations: 10 years (Preferred)
Strategic Planning: 5 years (Preferred)
Management Experience

ESSENTIAL SKILLS REQUIRED
Polished ability to communicate with clear, consistent messaging.
Ability to utilize analytical tools and research to uncover trends and determine new digital strategies.
Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to meet deadlines.
Ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects from start to completion.
Project tracking skills.
Advanced proofreading and editing abilities.
Ability to represent the organization in public.
Customer service orientation.
Adaptability and a team-focused mindset.
Demonstrated expertise, savvy, and passion for social media optimization that inspires audiences.
Strong photography and video skills, including editing capabilities.
Proficiency in WordPress, Elementor, Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office.
Knowledge of project and email management systems such as Basecamp and iContact.

Submit any Cover Letters/Resumes to [email protected]