Director of Communications

### Director of Communications

#### Job Summary:
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Communications will set and guide the strategy for all communications and collateral to consistently articulate NCAI’s mission. The Director of Communications will ensure that NCAI is viewed as the primary source, disseminator, and conduit of news and information within and about Indian Country. The Director of Communications works closely with the Executive Director, General Counsel and Chief of Staff, NCAI Board, external partners and internal departments.

*This job description does not represent an inclusive list of all duties encompassed in this position.*

#### Duties/Responsibilities:
– Provide day-to-day responsibility for operational oversight and management of the Communications department including media relations, civic engagement, and internal coordination and communications.
– Monitor internal developments and provide strategic guidance and content development to execute and advance issue-focused informational and public education campaigns on NCAI priorities and organizational developments, both routine and infrequent, in collaboration with key staff to effectively engage Indian Country and/or non-Native partners and the general public.
– Oversee press relations and community outreach, including writing and pitching press releases; expanding press database and developing new relationships with reporters and editors; tracking and reporting on media coverage garnered by NCAI; organizing media events, including press conferences and briefings; and creating public relations materials, including press kits, opinion pieces, talking points, speeches, annual reports, newsletters, presentations, and web content.
– Facilitate and maintain relationships with key external project partners, stakeholders, and funders as appropriate.
– Develop and maintain strong relationships with industry and public media outlets, journalists, and key influencers to ensure accurate representation of NCAI in the media.
– Monitor and report internally upon public opinion, industry trends, and competitive landscape to identify opportunities and risks, and adjust strategies accordingly.
– Manage and consistently advance the organization’s social media presence, ensuring a consistent brand voice and engaging content.
– Develop and maintain immediate priority response and crisis communication plans to effectively manage and mitigate potential reputational risks.
– Attend speaking engagements and host special events.
– Oversee communications grant deliverables in collaboration with Civic Engagement Associate(s), or other key staff.
– Oversee the coordination of interviews and other media activities involving the NCAI president, Executive Director, General Counsel and Chief of Staff, tribal leaders, and key NCAI staff.
– Lead internal communications efforts to ensure alignment, engagement, and understanding of organizational goals and initiatives among employees.
– Collaborate with the Leadership team to develop and execute internal campaigns, programs, and events as needed.

#### Position Details:
– **Title**: Director of Communications
– **Reports to**: Executive Director
– **Location**: Washington D.C. or remote eligible
– **Salary Grade**: 13
– **Employee Type**: Exempt

#### Additional Responsibilities:
– Coordinate with technology support staff to ensure internal and external communications that support the NCAI strategic plan, programs, and operations in an efficient and effective manner, as needed.
– Collaborate with senior leadership to provide strategic guidance and support on public affairs matters and their impact on NCAI’s goals.
– Other duties as assigned.

#### Minimum Qualifications:
– Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in communications, public relations, or marketing role.
– Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, English, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
– Previous experience managing communications projects: websites, publications, papers, newsletters, and/or magazines.
– Strong comprehension of social media practices, branding, cause marketing, and digital communications.
– Experience working with American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments and/or Native organizations with a sophisticated knowledge of Tribal Nations and their institutions and communities.
– Experience working in a policy advocacy environment, especially with elected tribal leaders or equivalent (Members of Congress, governors, federal agencies, etc.).
– A passionate commitment to the mission of NCAI and the humility to take on all tasks assigned with a cheerful attitude and a desire to contribute to the team.

#### Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
– Excellent written, verbal, and digital communication skills.
– Excellent editing skills with experience writing for press releases, opinion pieces, web content, and publications.
– Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
– Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
– Excellent analytical skills, resourcefulness, and communicative abilities to solve problems and find the best method of conveying a message.
– Creativity and ingenuity to produce exciting and interesting content.
– Organizational and teamwork skills and the ability to lead, manage, and prioritize multiple different projects while working on different deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
– Strong supervisory and leadership skills with the ability to lead and motivate staff to produce high-level, brand-driven content.
– Ability to work respectfully and effectively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
– Ability to both take direction and work independently, taking initiative within areas of responsibility.
– Demonstrated knowledge and proficiency with communications technologies.
– Ability to adapt to the needs of the organization and employees.
– Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
– Proficient with Google Workspace, Paychex, Slack, or related software.

#### Working Conditions & Physical Demands:
– Typical business office setting with moderate noise level.
– Non-office environment may be encountered for offsite presentations and support of company activities.
– Must be able to sit for work at a computer for more than 6 hours per day.
– Must be able to use hands for dexterity of motion and reach with hands and arms. Extensive use of computer keyboards.
– Occasionally required to stand and walk.
– Frequently required to talk and hear.
– Must have the ability to occasionally lift 20+ lbs.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
– Recruits, interviews, hires, and trains new staff in the department.
– Oversees the daily workflow of the department and for internal and external partners.
– Provide interactive guidance, and responsive coordination and feedback to all departments.
– Provides constructive criticism and timely performance evaluations.

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