Communications Director

Are you excited about building power at the grassroots level and organizing people for change?

Do you believe in using the power of storytelling to lift up underrepresented voices and changing our communities?

If so, the Ohio Organizing Collaborative (OOC) might be the right place for you!

OOC is an innovative statewide organization that unites formerly incarcerated individuals, child care providers, students, faith leaders, parents, and public education supporters to fight for change in Ohio.

It is our mission to organize everyday Ohioans, building transformative grassroots power to achieve racial, social, and economic justice in our state.

Ohio is a key state during a year with critical issues on the ballot. If you believe in fighting for the multiracial democracy we all deserve, we encourage you to apply. For more information, please visit www.ohorganizing.org.

Communications Director Position

Required Skills & Abilities

The Communications Director is a seasoned communications strategist with success leading large-scale multifaceted communications programs across OOC’s five membership projects (All In For Ohio, Ohio Student Association, AMOS Project, Building Freedom Ohio, and The CEO Project).

The ideal candidate must have current knowledge of the fast-changing media and digital landscape. The candidate is an excellent writer and communicator who displays the ease and ability to communicate with diverse audiences. They have the ability to process and synthesize information quickly to develop and utilize narrative and messaging guidelines. Prior knowledge of and experience with the Race Class Narrative preferred, but not required.

Media Strategy and Leadership

The Communications Director will serve as the on-the-record lead with all press matters regarding OOC’s c3 and c4 work, and establish strategic relationships with local, state, and national reporters.

They will position OOC and OOC’s membership projects as public experts across a variety of priority issues, including democracy, voting rights, criminal legal reform, economic justice (notably child care), and public education. They will lead and execute OOC’s earned media strategy to position the OOC in Ohio and nationally as a thought leader and doer across OOC’s issue priorities. They will develop trainings to prepare grassroots and grasstops spokespeople to be media-ready, and develop talking points based on best messaging practices. They will also handle rapid response as necessary.

The Communications Director is a skilled project and people manager who can direct themselves and others. This role requires strategic thinking, strong leadership, and exceptional communication skills to promote the organization’s programs and campaigns. They will collaborate with the Digital Director to translate traditional communications strategies into compelling online engagement and content.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Communications: Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy that supports the organization’s goals and objectives.
• Media Relations: Build and maintain positive relations with media outlets, journalists, opinion leaders, bookers, and industry influencers. Manage media inquiries and proactively pitch stories to secure positive media coverage.
• Create an internal distribution system to share relevant news articles, op-eds, and general coverage about OOC’s work and other issue priorities with OOC staff.
• Develop press advisories, press releases, and media backgrounders to translate OOC’s narrative and policy positions into digestible messaging that resonates with the press and the general public.
• Public Relations: Manage the organization’s public image and reputation.
• Internal Communications: Develop and implement strategies to enhance internal communications and employee engagement, ensuring that all members, stakeholders and staff are informed and aligned with the organization’s mission and vision.
• Content Creation: Oversee the creation of content for various communications channels, including press materials, blogs, reports, and newsletters.
• Crisis Communications: Develop and implement crisis communications plans and protocols to manage and mitigate potential issues or crises effectively and transparently.
• Team Leadership: Supervise and mentor communication staff and consultants. Develop work plans with metrics and key performance indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of communication efforts and adjust strategies accordingly.

Please note: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities are based on campaign needs and may change at any time with or without notice.

Position Details

The Communications Director is a full-time salaried position. A Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience is preferred but persons meeting the skills listed above should still apply. Benefits include health/dental insurance, vacation, and retirement match. Must possess a cell phone, a driver’s license and have access to a reliable automobile. In-state and national travel is required. Some weekend and evening hours will be required. Work-related expenses are reimbursed according to policy. Work is hybrid, currently mostly remote work with regular in person meetings. Columbus-based professionals are preferred, but other Ohio-based candidates will be considered.

Experience and Salary Range

Experience leading strategic communications efforts required – preferably in a progressive, social justice, or other related advocacy organization(s). 5-7 years of experience preferred. Familiarity with traditional communications, political communications, and media relations highly preferred. Salary range is $80,000 – $95,000.

EEO/AAP Policy Statement

The Ohio Organizing Collaborative provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, criminal history, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Application Instructions

We believe that marginalized communities must be centered in the work we do and strongly encourage people of color, people from working class backgrounds, women and LGBTQ people to apply.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. To apply, please submit a brief cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position, a writing sample and/or digital portfolio, your resume and three professional references to [email protected].