Director of Communications

Voices for a Safer Tennessee

Apply

Job Summary

Voices for a Safer Tennessee (Safer TN) is seeking an experienced communications professional to lead key aspects of the organization’s communications strategy in an effort to reduce preventable firearm deaths and injuries in Tennessee. In this newly created position, the Director of Communications will be responsible for developing and executing a multichannel communications, public relations, and media strategy aimed at growing our coalition; advancing state policies and practices that support firearm safety; educating the public about the pressing need for evidence-based, pragmatic policies; and activating our members to be effective advocates and informed voters. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Communications will manage at least one other communications team member, manage multiple external consultants, and collaborate with the organization’s leadership team and key volunteers to advance Safer TN’s priorities. This position is based in Nashville and primarily remote, with frequent in-person meetings and presence at the state Capitol required. For this reason, a resident of Middle Tennessee is strongly preferred. The target start date is October 14.

Job Responsibilities

• Partner closely with the Executive Director and public relations consultants to lead Safer TN’s communications strategy, including developing and executing multichannel communications, public relations, and media strategy focused on advancing the organization’s mission and priorities.
• Manage one other paid communications team member and the organization’s communications consultants.
• Serve as media spokesperson as needed.
• Develop and/or edit collateral, talking points, digital content, and other strategies to support the work of Safer TN’s outreach to coalition members, policymakers, donors, and the public.
• Serve as the custodian of Safer TN’s brand identity and voice, ensuring consistency and coherence across all communications channels and materials. Oversee brand guidelines and standards for internal and external use and monitor adherence to these guidelines.
• Develop and manage Safer TN’s editorial calendar, ensuring a consistent cadence of relevant content that engages key audiences across the organization’s communications platforms, including social media, mass email communications, the organization’s website, videos, and other channels.
• Manage the production, design process, and editing of major reports, policy documents, external newsletters, and other key communications and policy material; work collaboratively with the Executive Director, Policy Director, and key volunteers on content.
• Maintain a deep understanding of the local, state, and national media narrative around firearm safety issues and ensure that Safer TN’s voice is advancing our priorities within that context.
• Oversee strategy for Safer TN’s digital channels, including the organization’s website and social media accounts.
• Serve as project manager for outsourced video productions.

Qualifications

• Strong alignment with Safer TN’s mission and education and demonstrated commitment to our core values
• Outstanding writing, editing, and proofreading skills across a variety of communications channels, including written reports, social media, and email communications
• Outstanding oral communication skills and experience speaking on-the-record with the media
• Previous experience in journalism, public relations, or corporate, public-sector or nonprofit communications
• Demonstrated ability to work in a nimble, resilient, and responsive way, understanding that communications needs can rapidly evolve
• Track record of designing, developing, executing, and assessing communications campaigns
• Understanding of the world of advocacy and politics
• Experience in issues management and crisis communications
• Ability to synthesize data and perspectives quickly to formulate insights, draw conclusions, and communicate complex information to a wide range of audiences
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple projects at once and prioritize work appropriately — balancing needs for strategy and execution
• Prior management or coaching experience preferred

Additional Information

Benefits

How to Apply

To apply, please complete the application at this link.

Details

• Date Posted: September 4, 2024
• Type: Full-Time
• Job Function: Communications / Marketing / PR
• Service Area: Education
• Start Date: 10/14/2024
• Salary Range: $60,000-$80,000
• Working Hours: 40 hrs/wk; M-F, 8:00am - 4:30pm, occasional nights/weekends