Communications Director

Role Overview

• Lead all public-facing communications, including messaging, media relations, and brand voice across both organizations
• Develop and execute integrated communications strategies that align with organizational priorities, advocacy efforts, and fundraising goals
• Shape clear, compelling narratives by translating complex issues into accessible stories that resonate with diverse Alaska communities
• Drive earned media strategy, including building relationships with press, securing coverage, and placing stories that elevate organizational priorities
• Ensure communications reach priority audiences—LGBTQIA, BIPOC, low-income, non-English speaking, and youth—through culturally relevant and accessible channels
• Oversee the development of content, talking points, and educational materials that position the organization as a trusted resource and counter disinformation
• Manage digital communications, including social media and email campaigns, using data and metrics to refine and improve impact
• Track, analyze, and report on media coverage and communications performance to inform strategy
• Serve as the primary communications advisor and media contact, including supporting rapid-response and crisis communications when needed
• Coordinate media needs across team calendars, aligning messaging among departments while elevating programmatic work
• Serve as a communications resource to staff and partners, providing guidance and support
• Maintain relationships with vendors, contractors, and external partners to support communications work
• Supervise communications staff, including fellows, interns and staff at the team grows.
• Support onboarding, performance management, and professional development of staff, including annual work planning, monthly benchmarks, and regular evaluations
• Provide media and communications training to staff across the organization to strengthen overall capacity
• Serve as a member of the Executive Support Team, leading communications guidance and supporting strategic direction, including during rapid response and organizational pivots
• Support organization-wide alignment by ensuring communications strategies reflect shared priorities and goals
• Advance equity and inclusion through collaboration on messaging, materials, and internal practices
• Participate in cross-organizational leadership spaces to support coordination, decision-making, and organizational effectiveness
• Partner with Co-Executives and Development staff to communicate organizational goals, strategies, and impact to donors and supporters
• Lead communications for major fundraising efforts, including the annual auction, year-end campaigns, and other key initiatives
• Oversee creation of donor-facing materials, including newsletters and stewardship communications
• Ensure alignment between fundraising messaging and broader advocacy and programmatic communications
• Collaborate on development of the annual communications budget and manage expenditures across both organizations
• Oversee and maintain organizational websites, including updates for campaigns, accessibility (ADA compliance), and evolving priorities
• Manage and organize communications assets and materials for current and future use
• Support reporting, invoicing, and coordination with finance and administrative teams
• Utilize metrics and reporting to support organizational learning, grant reporting, and continuous improvement of communications strategies.

Requirements

• Minimum of four years of experience in communications, marketing, or a related field
• Experience in public relations, campaign communications, or advertising/account management is preferred
• Strong writing and visual storytelling skills
• Experience in graphic design with Canva or Adobe suite
• Experience securing earned media, including working with local outlets to promote events, tell stories, and place pieces
• Clear understanding of brand identity and how to apply it across platforms
• Experience developing and executing digital strategy for organizations or campaigns
• Ability to translate complex issues into clear, compelling messaging for media and community audiences
• Strong big-picture thinking with the ability to guide day-to-day implementation
• Effective project and people management skills, including managing up while executing on priorities
• Adaptable and flexible in shifting priorities while maintaining long-term goals
• Commitment to strengthening organizational ties within Alaska communities
• Experience with web design principles and SEO best practices.

Benefits

• generous and competitive benefits package
• professional development opportunities
• training and support
• supportive work environment