Communications Director - Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation

The Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation (AAACF) is a $220 million dollar community foundation focused on enriching the quality of life in Washtenaw County. Their assets have doubled since 2015 and now AAACF is one of the 20 fastest-growing community foundations in the US.

Founded in 1963, AAACF administers over 600 charitable funds. Through a core team of 17 Trustees, 14 employees, and 400+ volunteers, AAACF works to connect people, charitable causes, and permanent capital for community impact.

As frequently cited statistics note that communities of color, women and other marginalized groups apply to positions only if they completely meet qualifications, we encourage you to upend those statistics and apply to this position. We excitedly anticipate your application, and cover letter detailing why you are interested, how you are exceptional, and in what ways AAACF's values align with yours.

Overview:

The Communications Director will build the communications function that delivers communications tools for internal (staff, volunteers, donors) and external (grantees, nonprofits, community leaders, and the public) audiences. This team member also supports all departments with communications strategy and executes projects that advance our strategic plan goals.

Reporting to the President & CEO, and working closely with all leadership team members, the Communications Director will both contribute to organizational strategy and support long-term organizational success as well as lead and execute communications projects within a complex and evolving organization.

Our description of a person who will succeed in this role:

First, and most importantly, you believe, and want to accomplish, AAACF's vision and mission. Equity is a core value that you hold, and leveraging communications to increase equity and shift narratives is your passion. In fact, you believe that communications could achieve so much more in shifting narratives and shaping opinions, and actively seek new ways to leverage its power.

You are known as an intuitive, communications professional with a passion and talent for writing. You have gained meaningful experience in the nonprofit sector, but also have an eye to what's happening in for-profit and government. You are curious and search for inspiration and knowledge from a wide variety of inputs and have an appetite for continuous learning. You refuse to accept the status quo when it comes to your role and look for opportunities to innovate in how, where, when and what you communicate.

You partner easily and effectively with other teams because you believe collaboration leads to better ideas. You are a self-starter, needing minimal oversight, but appreciate direct and candid check-ins with the team on a regular basis. You are equally comfortable in the digital environment and pride yourself on staying current on new communication techniques and channels.

You understand the importance of speed and nuance when it comes to the development and distribution of content. You are comfortable with tight deadlines. You can go deep into issues, understanding that researching all sides of a story is key to creating informed opinions. You have the ability to streamline multiple message points into unified, cohesive communications.

Key components of the role:

• Develop and execute upon the organization's overall communications strategy, including strategic messaging and key communication platforms.
• Develop and oversee execution of key internal and external communications projects serving as a project manager and lead content developer, including strategic messaging and key communication platforms.
• Oversee the management of select vendors and partners as appropriate.
• Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing oversight of the Foundation's website. Serve as a partner to senior leadership to advance the organization's goals and objectives in support of all departments' initiatives and events.
• Stay informed of trends and best practices, evaluating communications needs against stated objectives and strive for continuous improvement.

A successful candidate will exhibit many of the following experiences, attributes and competencies:

• Proven experience as a strategic partner and an implementer, leading projects and building systems within a complex organization.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong, collaborative relationships at all levels, drawing on a high degree of emotional intelligence and the ability to foster mutual trust and respect.
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing racial equity in their professional role, valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive work environment.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work flexibly and creatively within a fast-moving, changing, and complex environment.
• Ability to envision possibilities, with an eye towards aligning opportunities with the priorities of the Foundations.

Interested in Applying?

Please answer the following questions in your cover letter and submit along with your resume:

1. What makes you an exceptional candidate for this position?
2. Why do you want to work at AAACF?
3. Which, if any, of our Core Values resonates with you?

*Candidates who advance will be asked to submit a minimum of two writing samples.

AAACF is an equal opportunity employer.

Current Openings for Communications Director Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation Jobs at Karen Andrews Group