Communications Director

Job Title

Status

Full-time

Reports to

Executive Director

Location

North Carolina; hybrid-remote with occasional travel within the state

Direct Reports

1-2

Position Overview

The Communications Director is a member of the organization’s senior staff, reporting to the Executive Director. Working closely with Equality NC’s leadership cross-team, the Communications Director develops the organization's communications strategy, shapes the voices of the organization, manages all media relations, and utilizes traditional, new and social media to promote LGBTQ+ equality in service of racial and social justice throughout North Carolina.

Anticipated start date in October 2025.

Responsibilities

Communications Strategy, Vision, Leadership

Develop and implement an integrated, organization-wide strategic communications plan to broaden awareness of our mission in the nonprofit sector and strengthen Equality NC’s brand identity across key stakeholder audiences.
Create a brand/marketing/public relations strategy that will allow Equality NC executive and board leadership to cultivate and enhance meaningful relationships with targeted, high level external audiences, including the media, public officials and key influencers.
Identify challenges and emerging issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community and organization.
Work with the board and staff to recognize internal and external communications opportunities and solutions, and define and execute appropriate strategies to support them.
Attend Equality NC functions; this may include monthly committee meetings, days of action at the NC Legislature, quarterly Board meetings, and other in-person events.
Support Development operations within Communications scoop; for example donor communications including online donation mechanisms, direct communication, solicitation, confirmation and renewal efforts in partnership with the development team.

Communications Operations

Oversee the continued development and use of the Equality NC brand
Oversee all copy intended for public consumption to ensure its alignment with the strategic communications plan
Oversee, or execute as needed, the development of all print and branded materials
Oversee electronic communications, including Equality NC’s website and monthly electronic newsletter
Curate content and increase audience engagement on Equality NC’s social media channels
Exercise judgment to prioritize media opportunities, and prepare talking points, speeches, presentations and other supporting material as needed
Serve as lead point person on media interactions that help promote and/or impact the organization and actively cultivate and manage press relationships to ensure coverage of issues of strategic importance to the LGBTQ+ community, as well as Equality NC’s programs, special events, public announcements, and other projects
In partnership with the Deputy Director, manage relationships with any communications related vendors or consultants

Team Development & Management

Recruit and manage a communications team to support the development and execution of the communications strategy
Mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach on a consistent basis, promoting a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to equality

Public Education and Media Relations

Spearhead multi-media public education campaigns to extend the impact of our advocacy
Work with local, regional and national press to pitch stories, maximize media coverage, and Equality NC’s visibility in communities statewide
Draft and edit all press materials, including press releases, media advisories, and memos
Conduct press outreach in collaboration with the organization’s local chapters.

Campaigns

- Oversee and execute rapid response campaigns tied to events or legislation that negatively impact the LGBTQ+ community or communities of color.
- Work with Development Department to create and implement fundraising appeals and campaigns; which may include manage direct and indirect donor communications

Qualifications/Experience

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or related field is required, management experience is preferred.
Minimum of three years in strategic communications, media relations or journalism, ideally in an “in-house” role within a nonprofit or media organization.
A profound, sincere, and well-articulated commitment to LGBTQ+ and BIPOC equality; Understanding of core LGBTQ+ policy issues through an intersectional lens.
Outstanding and extensive writing and editing experience with a variety of print and online communications media, as well as experience working with media outlets.
A rich understanding of the landscape of social media and how to effectively build a communications strategy around Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok
Demonstrated skill and comfort in proactively building relationships with diverse audiences, including reporters and editors, elected officials, community leaders, coalition partners and the public.
Experience creating advocacy and membership materials including newsletters and content for member/activist email alerts, blog, and website is preferred.
A keen eye for design, page layout, font, and general aesthetic presentation.
Excellent communications skills, both written and oral.
Superb organization skills; detail-oriented with strong follow-through and the ability to meet tight deadlines.
Computer proficiency, including content management systems, web development, and graphic design programs.
Strong level of comfort in offering thought leadership and direction to staff.

Work Environment

Thrive in an intense, do-it-yourself, start-up environment. Ability to work well remotely, within a cross-functional team environment and with diverse communities. Equality NC is a rapid response organization, the Communications Director may hold irregular hours, especially when the NC Legislature is in session.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time exempt role with a hiring salary of $68,000
Equality NC pays 80% of employee Health and 100% dental, vision, long-term disability, short-term disability, and life insurance
15 days of PTO with an increase at year one and again at year three; 16 paid holidays annually; end of year office closure
Option to enroll in 403(b)plan upon hire, with employer match of 3% after 3 months

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume, letter of interest, and 2-3 writing samples to hr@equalitync.org. Please note that due to the complexity of this position the hiring process may be protracted and will be extensive. Applications will be accepted and reviewed until the position is filled.

Equality NC is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive work environment and to building a team that reflects the rich diversity of our community. BIPOC, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual orientations, gender expressions, and identities are encouraged to apply.