Regional Communications Director

Job Description:

WHY CHOOSE US?
As one of the nation's premier humanitarian organizations, the American Red Cross is dedicated to helping people in need throughout the United States and, in association with other Red Cross networks, throughout the world. When you join our team, you have a direct impact on a meaningful mission, and you can help save lives every day. If you share our passion for helping people, join us in this excellent career opportunity. Work where your career is a force for good.

We are committed to the diversity of our workforce and to delivering our programs and services in a culturally competent manner reflecting the communities we serve. Our work environment is collaborative, respectful, and inclusive with a focus on building allyship and a culture of belonging that empowers all team members. Come to learn, grow, and succeed while sharing your passion for making a difference.

The Red Cross supports a variety of cultural and community resource groups for employees and volunteers. From the Ability Network, our Asian American & Pacific Islander Resource Group, the Latino Resource Group, and Red Cross PRIDE, to the Umoja African American Resource Group, our Veterans+ Resource Group, and the Women's Resource Group, these networks provide connections, mentoring and help give voice to important concerns and opinions. At the American Red Cross, your uniqueness can shine!

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW (Job Overview):

Guide and oversee communication, media, and public relations activities to drive business objectives and results, publicize the mission of the Red Cross, support revenue generation, and educate the public about how to access Red Cross services. Establish and maintain strong media relationships to drive positive media and brand exposure. Provide strategic leadership to counsel, influence, and manage communications processes and technologies. Collaborate cross-functionally to provide communication and marketing support as needed. Provide support, development and/or leadership guidance to all volunteers.

We are seeking a Regional Communications Director in the Arizona and New Mexico Region who not only possesses the necessary skills and experience but also embraces our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, helping us create a culturally sensitive and appropriate environment for our clients and communities. Must be able to report to the office 3 times a week (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, subject to change)

WHERE YOUR CAREER IS A FORCE GOOD (Key Responsibilities):

• Execute a strategic communication and public relations plan that is aligned with the organizational communications and marketing strategies to support service delivery and revenue generation efforts across all lines of business. Identify and leverage communication opportunities and provide input to develop marketing and communication strategies.
• Develop and execute determined media relations and social media strategy, including social media platform maintenance, media contact management, news release distributions, pitching, etc. Respond to local media inquiries by coordinating interviews and providing Red Cross approved information, as appropriate. Review media support requests and execute an effective communications strategy to ensure a consistent ARC image and message to the public and enhance media responsiveness during emergency conditions. Monitor and analyze public relations and social engagement data.
• Support public affairs activities to develop and implement communications strategies. Train and prepare staff and volunteer spokespersons for interviews, hearings, meetings, etc.
• Develop and implement internal communications strategies and initiatives.
• Stay abreast of emerging business news topics and trends, competitor news and developing media issues to ensure Red Cross initiatives are consistent with industry's best practices.
• May be required to deploy physically or virtually and provide public affairs and media support including serving as a spokesperson.
• Manage staff to include daily activities, performance goals, and achievements. Build volunteer engagement.

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Scope

Interpret and administer policies, process, and procedures that may affect sections and subordinate units.

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED (Minimum Qualifications):

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, journalism, Public Relations, or related field required.

• Experience: Minimum 5 years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and related experience required.

• Management Experience: 3 years of management experience.

• Skills & Abilities: Outstanding oral and written communication skills required, with proven knowledge of AP Style. Ability to manage experienced professionals and fully proficient in work and industry. Strong organizational, multi-tasking skills with ability to meet deadlines. Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite. Familiarity with Cision/TrendKite or other media monitoring software. Experience managing professional social media accounts. Strong teamwork and collaboration required. Willingness to serve as a media spokesperson required, experience as a spokesperson preferred. Ability to work on a team.

• Travel: Travel may be required 10-25%. A valid driver's license is required.

*Combination of candidate's education and general experience satisfies requirements so long as the total years equate to description's minimum education and general experience years combined (Management experience cannot be substituted).

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to handle or feel;and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 15pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 30pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The work environment will consist of moderate noise (i.e. business office with computers, phones and printers, light traffic). The employee must have the ability to work in asmall cubicle andhave the ability tosit at a computer terminal for an extended period of time.

WHAT WILL GIVE YOU THE COMPETITIVE EDGE (Preferred Qualifications):

• Digital Fluency: In addition, we are looking for a candidate with social media savviness and a deep understanding of emerging communication trends, including podcasts, livestreaming, and content production. This expertise is vital to ensure that we can effectively and rapidly disseminate critical emergency information to our communities, keeping pace with the urgency and velocity required during times of crisis.

• Language Skills: Proficiency in English and Spanish is preferred to meet the communication needs of our diverse region.

• Experience managing multilingual communications to ensure inclusive and effective outreach across diverse language groups

• Experience as a media spokesperson highly preferred.

• Cultural Humility and DEI Understanding: Demonstrated cultural humility and a deep understanding of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) priorities. (The American Red Cross serves a diverse range of clients, volunteers, employees, donors, and suppliers. We are committed to embracing this rich diversity, and we seek a candidate who shares our commitment to cultivating a culturally competent and inclusive American Red Cross).

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

BENEFITS FOR YOU:
We take care of you, while you take care of others. As a mission-based organization, we believe our team needs great support to do great work. Our comprehensive benefits help you in balancing home and work. With our resources and perks, you have amazing possibilities at the American Red Cross to advance the learn.

* Medical, Dental Vision plans

* Health Spending Accounts & Flexible Spending Accounts

* PTO + Holidays

* 401K with 6% match

* Paid Family Leave

* Employee Assistance

* Disability and Insurance: Short + Long Term

* Service Awards and recognition

The American Red Cross is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, San Diego Fair Chance Ordinance, the California Fair Chance Act and any other applicable state and local laws.

AmeriCorps, the federal agency that brings people together through service, and its partners - the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps Alums, National Peace Corps Association, and the Service Year Alliance - launched Employers of National Service to connect national service alumni with opportunities in the workforce.American Red Cross is proud to be an EONS partner and share our employment opportunities with the network of organizations.

Interested in Volunteering? Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to learn more, including our most-needed volunteer positions.

To view the EEOC Summary of Rights, click here: Summary of Rights