Assistant Director of Communications

The Assistant Director of Communications leads the Communications Division within the Communications and Public Affairs Department. The Assistant Director will assist the Chief of Staff in developing and implementing an integrated organization-wide communications strategy to enhance Opportunity Home’s reputation and advance strategic goals. The Assistant Director also manages and implements day-to-day department operations, including internal and external communications, working cross-functionally and cross-departmently in collaboration with members of the senior and executive teams.

The position duties and responsibilities listed below describe the general nature and scope of work. Other responsibilities, duties, and skills may be required and assigned, as needed. These essential functions require a consistent presence in the work environment on a regular basis and regular attendance must be maintained

• Develops and implements an integrated, organization-wide strategic communications plan to broaden awareness of the organization’s programs, initiatives and leaders. 

• Responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Communications Division within the Communications and Public Affairs Department and supports executive leadership and senior management with crisis communications and day-to-day operations as part of reputation management. 

• Exercises the highest degree of ethical standards.

• Acts as an organizational spokesperson and responds to members of the media in a timely manner. Develops and maintains positive professional relationships with various members of the media.

• Creates and refines messaging for executive leadership, including official responses, speeches and other important organizational messages.

• Leads earned media strategy including story placement in top-tier local, state and national media news outlets. 

• Implements and enhances internal communications including consistent and timely information to employees through various communications programs including annual reports, newsletters, fact sheets, brochures and digital media.

• Develops and implements external communications and outreach including to residents, elected officials, community-based organizations, government agencies, the private sector and the general public.

• Oversees the organization's communications and branding in various online and print platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and industry magazines.

• Manages developing and implementing digital solutions including video, infographics, websites, and digital signage.

• Oversees the development and maintenance of the organization’s website including methods to deliver messages, ease of navigation, and clarity of information; ensures that all content is current and relevant

• Maintains and manages communications and editorial calendars for the promotion of events and programs in internal and external publications.

• Develops and implements standard operating procedures to enhance the efficiency of the department and to further develop the building and maintaining of a positive organizational brand; Develops, implements, and adheres to an approved department budget.

• Supervises the department’s communications staff. Sets performance goals and ensures deadlines comply with the organization’s plans and vision. Organizes workflow and ensures that employees understand their duties or delegated tasks. Monitors employee productivity and provides constructive feedback and coaching. Ensures alignment across various procedures. 

• Assists the Assistant Director of Public Affairs as needed in the coordination of day-to-day operations and special projects and initiatives

• Demonstrates excellent and strong verbal, written, presentation, team leadership and interpersonal communication skills.

• Complete all duties as assigned or requested as outlined in operational and procedural guidelines. These guidelines are maintained and issued in the event of an emergency situation that arises at a property or any other location that serves our residents or employees. 

• Participate in Trauma Informed Care (TIC) initiatives to include training, workgroups, project assignments, etc., that are launched or implemented in order to achieve and/or maintain certification as a TIC organization.

• Participate in initiatives to include training, workgroups, project assignments, etc., that are launched or implemented in order to create awareness, foster, cultivate and preserve a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

• Recognize the significance of a data driven organization that adheres to expanded policies and practices in the area of data governance. Learn the distinct and different roles to include: Data Trustee, Data Domain Stewards, Data System Custodians, Data Stewards and Data Users. Effectively collaborate with the various data roles as needed on a daily basis or in a project capacity.

• Fulfillment of these duties and responsibilities may require flexibility and periodic work assignments outside of the regular hours of operations to include nights, weekends and holidays. 

• Other duties as assigned.

• Lead, motivate, engage, and retain employees by: 

  • Setting goals for performance and deadlines that comply and conform with the company’s plans and vision.

  • Organizing workflow and ensuring employees understand and are trained on their duties or delegated tasks.

  • Monitoring employee productivity and providing constructive feedback and coaching.

  • Ensuring alignment across various procedures. 

This position requires the incumbent to exhibit the following behavioral skills

1. Values Driven | Demonstrates an understanding of the values (Compassion, Equity and Excellence) and embodies the values in their work and interactions with residents, vendors, co-workers, supervisors, board members, community members, and other stakeholders.

2. Leadership | Provides direction to people and/or projects by clearly and effectively setting course of action for the assigned department staff and tasks; manages the planning, execution, and achievement of assigned department goals.

3. Customer Service | Responds with Compassion in a professional manner to the expectations and needs of internal and external customers; is friendly and helpful to all customers, fostering positive relationships while providing Excellent service.

4. Effective Use of Information | Communicates important information to those who need to know clearly, securely, effectively, orally and/or in writing; proactively exchanges accurate and timely information.

5. Commitment and Continuous Improvement | Sets the standard for Excellence by proactively pursuing innovation through systematic experimentation and learning.  Corrects mistakes by assessing appropriate processes, proposing adjustments, and prioritizing long-term solutions.

6. Teamwork | Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits Compassion, objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; supports everyone's efforts of Excellence; attends, supports, and participates in the organization’s team building events.

7. Responsiveness and Accountability | Demonstrates a high level of Excellence and holds oneself personally responsible for one's own work; complies with procedures and directives and understands the importance of maintaining and managing confidential information; recognizes and anticipates issues and provides a responsive resolution in a timely manner.

Education

Required

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field.

Experience

Required

• Ten (10) years of experience in public relations, corporate communications, or marketing with a focus on public & digital communications, social media and multi-media strategies. Strong writing, interview and verbal skills required 

• Must have the ability to learn and use cloud applications such as the Google GSuite applications, including but not limited to, Google Chrome Browser, Gmail, Drive, Calendar, Docs, Sheets, and Slides. Understand document sharing and collaboration in the cloud. Experience and proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, cloud-accessible applications including but not limited to One Drive, Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, or MAC or PC desktop equivalent, is acceptable. 

• Successful completion of a criminal history background check, education, and work history verification, and drug screening test.

Preferred Education and Experience 

• Spanish language fluency (reading, writing, speaking).

• Ability to learn cloud technologies such as LucidChart for diagram, workflow and chart drawing. Experience with Vizio or equivalent is acceptable. Basic understanding of Virtual Private Network (VPN) access to connect to internal business systems.

Required

• Texas Class “C” driver’s license at the time of placement and insurable by the organization’s fleet and liability insurance carrier.

• Must have the ability to earn certifications as required by assigned tasks.

Technical Skills

To perform this job successfully, the employee should have

• Knowledge of fundamental supervisory responsibilities to include mentoring, delegating, supporting, and course-correcting.

• Ability to lead, supervise and support direct reports

• In-depth knowledge of public relations and media relations principles and best practices.

• Operational expertise in Microsoft Office products to transfer knowledge to the Google Platform 

• Knowledge of design and publishing software, data measurement and reporting tools, and website content management systems.

• Experience managing external consultants such as graphic designers and writers.

• Ability to multi-task and complete numerous priority assignments is essential.

• Knowledge of journalism, printing processes, photography and design.

• Knowledge of advertising, branding, marketing and promotional strategies and objectives.

• Knowledge of all aspects of government, the community, attractions, hotels, civic organizations, art groups, etc.

• Knowledge of print, digital, and social media.

• The ability to successfully and independently plan and manage strategic and operational projects within prescribed deadlines.

• Superb written and oral communication skills.

• Ability to establish effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors and the general public.

• Extensive research, interview, writing, editing and verbal skills that demonstrate an ability to comprehend and explain to the general public, stakeholders, and other influencers complex issues of research findings, educational programs, and institutional policies.

• Established media relationships and proficiency in The Associated Press Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

To perform this job successfully, the employee is frequently required to remain in a stationary position. Daily movements include sitting, standing, operating computers and other office equipment, walking and moving about the office and/or community property, and attending onsite and offsite meetings. The employee must be able to complete data entry, utilize various portals, and communicate via email and verbally via telephone. Will need the ability to walk large properties and climb stairs. The employee must occasionally transport up to 25 pounds. 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Office Environment

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

• High level of interaction with external/internal clients.

• May be transferred or be required to work at different properties or sites for interim periods in order to support business needs. 

Outside Environment

• Subject to environmental elements when conducting visits to various sites or participating in outside events. 

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the organization will make reasonable accommodations to the known disability of a qualified applicant or employee to enable people with disabilities to enjoy equal employment opportunities if it would not impose an “undue hardship” on the operation of the employer’s business.

As a public agency, the organization is committed to maintaining the highest of ethical standards. Applicants selected for employment are expected to perform work responsibilities with the highest degree of integrity, professionalism, and honesty to merit the respect of our co-workers, clients, partners, vendors, and the general public. Applicants selected for employment are also expected to serve the public with dedication, concern, courtesy, and responsiveness.  

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 

Opportunity Home is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information, marital status, veteran status, arrest record or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Opportunity Home is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment.

The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. This position specification is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this position specification at any time without notice.

Salary : $90,897