Director, Partnership Communications

Description

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption (DTFA) is a national, nonprofit public charity dedicated to finding permanent homes for the more than 140,000 children waiting in North America’s foster care systems. Created by Wendy’s® founder Dave Thomas who was adopted, the Foundation implements evidence-based, results-driven national service programs, foster care adoption awareness campaigns and innovative grantmaking. 

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

With support from the vice president, marketing and communications, the director, partnership communications will help develop an integrated strategy to engage corporate partners, sports / entertainment organizations and public figures interested in raising awareness of and financial support for the Foundation. The director, partnership communications will be a strong connector, skilled in collaborating across internal departments and external audiences to inform the development of compelling content shared across various channels.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Partner with marketing and development team leads in engaging corporate partners, sports / entertainment organizations and other public figures interested in raising awareness of our mission; serve as a liaison, collaborating with internal teams to determine valued opportunities for partners that expand the Foundation’s reach and impact

2. Collaboratively lead the development of communications strategies to engage the employees, clients/customers and networks of corporations that have named the Foundation as its charity of choice (e.g., Wendy’s® in the U.S. and Canada and Roof Maxx). Serve as the liaison to these organizations’ marketing and communications teams and agency partners in ensuring awareness, paid and earned media, social, fundraising messaging and materials align with the Foundation’s brand standards

3. Oversee the manager, partnership and event communications in developing or curating content that helps corporate partners, sports teams and public figures to engage their key audiences (e.g., clients, customers, networks and/or followers), including:

• Foster care adoption stories, videos, fact sheets and talking points that highlight the importance of our mission and impact of their partnership 
• Messaging and materials that support fundraising campaigns and events as well as other ways to get involved (e.g., planned giving, workplace giving, packing care kits), including emails, social media posts, web assets (e.g., lightboxes and donation pages), signage, videos, presentation scripts and giveaway items

4. With direction from Partnership team leads, drive the creation of stewardship communications for corporate partners, sharing appreciation and evidence of impact (e.g., emails, campaign/impact reports, text campaigns and other special projects); collaborate with the Foundation’s brand awareness and digital communications team leads to identify opportunities for sharing within Foundation channels (e.g., blogs, videos and social posts)

5. Utilize data to assess the effectiveness of partnership communications and inform recommendations and priority growth areas to ensure the highest ROI. Contribute to quarterly marketing reports and scorecards for board and committee meetings

6. Write, edit and proofread communications materials in alignment with the Foundation’s brand standards and AP style

7. Assume responsibility for professional growth, keeping current with cause marketing partnership and event communications trends. Support team members’ growth, encouraging learning and development. Perform other duties, as requested

8. Support other marketing and development communications efforts, as assigned

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to complete each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Demonstrated experience with effective partnership and event communications strategies, leveraging print, email, video, earned media, web and social media to advance an organization’s mission and goals
• Superior oral and written communication and editing skills. Knowledge and use of AP style
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and manage multiple projects; proficient use of project management systems (e.g., Asana) that aid internal communications and planning. Ability and willingness to learn new systems quickly 
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and high emotional intelligence to effectively build and earn trust with internal teams and external partners
• Values diversity and supports an inclusive culture through the ability to successfully communicate with and influence a diverse group of audiences 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Undergraduate degree in communications, journalism, marketing or related field
• 10 years of experience in marketing and communications that support partnerships, events and/or fundraising
• Experience in a consulting, cause marketing or national, nonprofit organization is a plus

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• Limited travel required 

Interested candidates may apply for this position through December 31, 2024. Late submissions may not be considered. We appreciate your understanding and timely response 

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, color, religion, religious beliefs, political affiliation, creed, HIV/AIDS status, ethnicity, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, familial status, veteran/military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status, prior arrest or any other category protected by applicable law. Any employee who engages in such conduct is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including discharge.