Communications Director

JOB IDENTIFICATION:

Job Title: Communications Director

Department: Operations 

Supervisor Title: Chief Finance & Operations Officer 

POSITION PURPOSE AND SUMMARY:

As a key member of the leadership team, the Director of Communications will lead the development and execution of a comprehensive communications strategy to enhance The Hidden Genius Project’s visibility, influence, and engagement with key stakeholders. This role acts as the voice and Brand Guardian of the organization, leading all aspects of the Communications department, including media relations, digital marketing, public relations, and internal communications, as well as social media. The Director will amplify compelling impact stories about youth participants, innovative programs, and events, contributing to the organization's growth and success in an exciting startup environment. The ideal candidate has experience scaling models on a national level and possesses a creative and entrepreneurial spirit with a deep commitment to continual learning and ingenuity.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions:

Strategic Communications Leadership:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with The Hidden Genius Project’s mission and goals.

• Act as the primary spokesperson and Brand Guardian, ensuring consistent and effective messaging across all platforms.

• Oversee the creation and dissemination of content that highlights The Hidden Genius Project’s impact, youth programs, and events.
  
  

Marketing Communications & Public Relations (PR):

• Communications Strategy & Execution: Create, manage, and implement marketing plans, campaigns, and activities to reach existing and new audiences, inspiring engagement through storytelling.

• Content Development: Create a content calendar and manage the production of monthly newsletters (internal and external), blog content, and social media posts. Collaborate with consultants to ensure high-quality content creation.

• Media Relations: Collaborate with PR consultants to manage media lists, update media mentions, and build relationships with reporters and media outlets.

• Thought Leadership: Manage applications for conferences, awards, and keynote opportunities to position The Hidden Genius Project as an industry leader.

• Brand Management: Actively monitor and ensure consistent brand presence and messaging across all platforms.

• Partnership Communications: Provide strategic brainstorming, project management, and coordination support for external partner initiatives.

• Market Research: Stay updated on industry trends, current events, and peer organizations to inform strategic decisions.
  
  

Digital Marketing and Social Media:

• Lead digital marketing efforts, including social media strategy, email marketing, website management, and online campaigns.

• Grow social media following across platforms (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, etc.) by curating and scheduling content aligned with the communications calendar.

• Innovate ways to leverage digital tools to reach and engage diverse audiences.

• Analyze digital metrics to optimize content and increase engagement across digital platforms.
  
  

Content Creation and Management:

• Develop and manage content across digital and traditional channels, including written, visual, and video pieces to support ongoing and high-impact campaigns.

• Source stories from within the organization by meeting with different verticals to ensure cohesive storytelling and alignment with branding, marketing, and communication needs.

• Oversee graphic design projects for both print and digital formats, ensuring quality and brand consistency.
  
  

Internal Communications:

• Develop and manage internal communication strategies to ensure cohesive messaging and effective information flow within the organization.

• Manage production of internal newsletters, providing updates and engagement opportunities for staff and stakeholders.
  
  

Event Promotion and Field Marketing:

• Collaborate with the events team to promote and support key organizational events and initiatives.

• Represent The Hidden Genius Project at community outreach functions and programs.

Team Operations:

• Operations: Streamline internal creative practices and processes, including managing the website, Mailchimp newsletters, Asana, social media channels, and other platforms. Stay up to date with new technologies.

• Contractor Management: Support onboarding, collaboration, and management of creative contractors to ensure smooth operations.

• Brand Management: Serve as quality assurance for all external materials, ensuring brand integrity.

• Team Training: Facilitate successful adoption of new technologies or processes among team members through training sessions, one-on-one support, and recorded tutorials.
  
  

Analytics and Reporting:

• Manage the communications dashboard, track performance against KPIs, and provide regular reports on marketing campaign effectiveness.

• Monitor and assess the successes, failures, and challenges of strategies in collaboration with the team, making necessary adjustments.

Non-Essential Functions:

• Support additional organizational initiatives, community engagement efforts, and national programming as needed.

• Contribute to ongoing curriculum development and refinement.

• Assist with event planning, logistics, and facilitation.

General All-Staff Responsibilities: 

• Engage and mentor youth participants and colleagues through hands-on learning experiences.

• Foster a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment for all program participants.

• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to optimize program delivery.

• Participate in professional development and continuous learning opportunities.

• Support a broad range of operational tasks outside of the standard job scope to ensure youth success, including logistical support, crisis response, and creative problem-solving.

• Other responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Required:

Leadership and Experience:

• Excellent leadership abilities, with real experience in scalable models on a national level, including opening new sites.

Communication and Storytelling:

• Strong communication, writing, editing, and storytelling skills across various media.

• Experience engaging with a broad range of stakeholders.

Technology Proficiency:

• High comfort level with technology, including Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, Trello, and Tockify.

• Proficient understanding of social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube) and current trends in the social media space.

• Proficiency in using social media management platforms such as Hootsuite, Buffer, or Sprout Social.

Project Management:

• Excellent project management skills, including the ability to meet deadlines and effectively manage a variety of time-sensitive tasks and competing priorities with minimal supervision.

Creative and Personal Attributes:

• Ability to think strategically and creatively to elevate experiences with the brand.

• Resourceful, inquisitive, reliable, organized, and proactive.

• Strong “can-do” attitude with the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

• Intense commitment to the life success of Black males, boys, and men of color.

• Experience working and communicating effectively with youth of color, underrepresented youth, and/or low-income youth.

• Willingness to develop differentiated learning experiences.

• Ability to receive feedback and engage in continuous self-improvement.

• Ability to adapt to a dynamic, rapidly changing work environment.

• Ability to build positive relationships with all important constituencies.

Accountability and Expectations:

• Firm belief in personal accountability, producing measurable outcomes, and sustaining high expectations.

Desired:

• Commitment to achieving The Hidden Genius Project’s mission and vision.

• 8 years of relevant professional, educational, or volunteer experience in communications, digital marketing, and social media.

• Bachelor’s degree or relevant experience demonstrating technical writing, creative storytelling, and communication skills with the ability to engage various audiences.

• Experience using social media platforms to raise the visibility and impact of an organization’s mission.

• Experience with other digital communications and marketing tools, such as WordPress, Shopify, Eventbrite, and MailChimp.

• Graphic design, photography, and videography skills; proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Final Cut Pro, and Canva is a plus.

• Ability to design and implement communications ideas.

• Ability to work more than 40 hours per week, including evenings and weekends, as needed.

• Familiarity with culturally responsive teaching practices.

• Previous experience mentoring youth from underrepresented communities.

ROLE OVERVIEW:

Role Location: Headquarters (Oakland, CA) Central team role 

Status: Exempt

Schedule: 40 hours per week, starting April 2025, including evenings and weekends as needed.

Manages: Employees, Interns, and volunteers (including attraction and coordination tasks) 

Years of experience: 10

Benefit Eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k (up to 4% match), annual professional development 

Working relationships:  At each location, site team members work closely with their immediate team, supervisor, and key leadership to support daily operations and program success. They also connect with colleagues in similar roles across different locations to share best practices and strengthen our collective impact. Central team members provide organization-wide support, collaborating across departments and locations to ensure seamless operations and strategic growth. Together, every team member plays a vital role in advancing our mission.

Our organization operates within a dynamic structure that supports both site-based and central team roles. Site-based team members play a key role in our 15-month youth program, with an immersive summer schedule (Monday-Friday, between 7 AM - 6 PM for seven weeks) and a structured fall schedule that includes full-time hours, one evening per week, and one Saturday per month. Meanwhile, central team members maintain a Monday-Friday schedule (typically between 7 AM - 6 PM), supporting organizational needs through strategic initiatives, cross-functional collaboration, and efforts beyond core job duties. Regardless of role, every team member contributes to our shared mission and the success of our Geniuses.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The Hidden Genius Project operates in a dynamic and flexible work setting to best support our mission and the needs of our youth. We are flexible but require an onsite commitment for the first year of employment. 

Site-Based Roles: Staff in these roles work from programming locations within local communities. These locations have traditionally included school sites, faith-based institutions, and other commercial or community spaces designated for youth development programs. Site-based roles require adaptability to varying facilities and settings, ensuring a safe and engaging environment for program delivery. Site-based roles have the flexibility to work remotely as approved by supervisors and within our workplace policy and program needs. 

Central Team: Primarily based between our headquarters in Oakland and our Los Angeles site in CA, both feature a modern office setting. While many responsibilities are managed from a central location, team members have the flexibility to work remotely as needed and within our workplace policy. Remote work arrangements require supervisor approval, proactive communication, self-discipline, and the ability to collaborate effectively across time zones and locations. 

General Work Conditions:

• Requires occasional travel for site visits, events, and meetings.

• Collaboration with staff, partners, and youth may extend beyond traditional work hours to meet programmatic and organizational demands.

• Flexibility is key in this role, as responsibilities may shift based on programmatic needs and youth engagement.

BENEFITS OF THE ROLE:

• Dynamic, collaborative, and purpose-driven work environment.

• Meaningful opportunity to impact the lives of Black male youth and other youth of color.

• Entrepreneurial organization with opportunities for innovation and leadership.

• Direct connection to industry professionals and networking opportunities.

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.

• Opportunity to contribute to the growth of a national nonprofit.

COMPENSATION:

Salary and benefits will be competitive and commensurate with experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Employees may occasionally climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

• Frequent standing, walking, and sitting are required.

• Regularly grasp objects, talk, and/or hear.

• Occasionally lift up to 50 pounds; regularly lift up to 10 pounds.

• Vision abilities required for maintaining safety in programming spaces.

• Ability to travel and supervise youth transportation as needed.

• National (and possibly international) travel is required.

• Non-traditional work demands: The nonprofit sector and our commitment to youth development require flexibility beyond a standard work structure, often necessitating engagement in unexpected situations and responsibilities.