PA Stands Up seeks a highly skilled Director of Communications and Narrative to serve as the person responsible for shaping the public voice of the organization. In addition to overseeing the logistics and mechanics of public relations, this person also ensures that all of our public-facing interactions and materials are strategically aligned; so that we are telling a disciplined, coherent, and powerful story that motivates our base, persuades our target audiences, and strategically frames our issues and our opponents.
The Director of Communications and Narrative is part of the organization’s senior staff, working closely with the Executive Director, other senior level staff, and our members. The Director of Communications and Narrative manages communications staff, vendor relationships with advertising and design firms, and independent contractors related to the department’s work. PA Stands Up has a unionized workforce, and The Director of Narrative and Communications is not part of the bargaining unit.
Reports to: Executive Director
Direct reports: Digital Organizer
RESPONSIBILITIES
STRATEGY Pennsylvania Stands Up regularly takes on powerful opponents. The Director of Communications and Narrative must be a highly experienced and adaptable strategic thinker and actor. They are able to shift gears quickly to take advantage of opportunities and to respond to threats, adapting our organization’s narrative in real time. A high level of alignment on core strategic tenets and principles is important as the Director plays a key role in defining the public political orientation of the organization.
WRITING The Director is responsible for writing and editing public-facing materials (e.g., web content, press releases, speeches, canvassing materials, fundraising letters) and working with other staff members across the organization to write and edit materials.
TRAINING AND CAPACITY BUILDING The Director is responsible for training staff members and leaders across the organization in PA Stands Up’s narrative strategy frameworks and concrete communications skills. They work with other staff members and leaders to integrate strategic narrative into on-the-ground trainings for PA Stands Up leaders and members.
NARRATIVE AUDITS The Director will conduct ongoing internal audits of the organization’s public-facing messages and materials. This involves reviewing public-facing materials produced by PA Stands Up departments and chapters, and working to strengthen the message and to develop the public narrative skills of staff members and volunteer leaders.
MANAGING NARRATIVE & COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT The Director manages bargaining unit communications staff, as well as external vendor relationships with consultants and independent contractors related to the department’s work. The department is responsible for statewide social media, press relations, and public-facing rapid response to PA political news and developments as well as supporting chapters implementing their public-facing communications strategy.
EARNED MEDIA AND SOCIAL MEDIA The Director is responsible for steering the organization’s earned media and social media strategies. Much of this work will be carried out by our chapters and member base, with direction and support from communications staff.
AD PROGRAM The Director will manage the organization’s digital and traditional media ad program. This program may be massive during electoral years, requiring hiring and supervision of additional staff or consultants.
SHARED MANAGEMENT All directors share in the responsibility of the financial health of the organization, experience with fundraising and donor cultivation specifically in support of communications work would be a valued asset.
QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate should have the following experience and abilities:
- Very strong writing and editing skills
- At least 3 years experience designing and facilitating trainings and other skill-developing activities for both professional staff and volunteers
- Ability to manage numerous and competing priorities
- Excellent ‘people skills’ to work cooperatively and patiently with other staff members and member leaders
- Demonstrated emotional intelligence skills, active listening ability, problem solving skills, and a proven track record in interpersonal engagement, support and development of others
- Experience working with individuals of varied racial, ethnic, cultural, sexual orientation, gender expression, socioeconomic background, and individuals with disabilities.
- Demonstrated commitment to social and racial justice through previous employment, lived, and/or volunteer experience
- Attention to detail and ability to organize and set priorities.
- Troubleshooting and problem solving skills; ability to overcome technical and non-technical challenges
- At least 3 years of management experience, leading teams and holding people accountable
SALARY & BENEFITS The salary for this position is $75,000 with employer paid medical, dental, and vision insurance; access to a 401(K); and generous paid time off.
HOW TO APPLY Please submit a resume, writing sample, and cover letter that describes your interest, experience, commitment, and any relevant personal background to jobs@pastandsup.org with “Director of Communications and Narrative” in the subject line.
A NOTE TO THE NEW AMERICAN MAJORITY Studies have shown that women, nonbinary folks, and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization and we are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. That candidate may be one who comes from a background less traditional to our field of work, and that’s okay. We strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of the qualifications described.
PASU is an equal opportunity employer and encourages people of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals to apply. PASU does not discriminate against or tolerate harassment of any employee because of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, physical or mental disability, any other basis prohibited by law, or protected activity under the anti-discrimination statutes.