Overview

Status: Full-time, exempt

Work location: Hybrid, with option to be fully remote

Department: External Affairs

Reports to: Chief External Affairs Officer

Supervisory Responsibilities: Communications Department

For 15 years, Welcoming America has worked with members and partners across the globe to build inclusive communities where everyone belongs. As Director of Strategic Communications, you will play a leadership role with our organization and the movement of welcoming communities to shape and amplify a narrative that elevates the role of welcoming in advancing healthy democracies, while also elevating Welcoming America's mission, brand, thought leadership and programs.

The Director of Strategic Communications will help shepherd Welcoming America's narrative and communication strategies, amplifying the organization’s visibility and impact. In partnership with the Chief External Affairs Officer (CEAO), this position is responsible for all communications and marketing functions of the organization, including supervision of two communications managers.

We are seeking candidates that are creative, resourceful, team-oriented, and able to interact with diverse constituencies. Candidates should have strong written and oral communications skills and demonstrated success in communications strategy and execution. A knowledge of the immigration and immigrant inclusion field are preferred but not required.

About Welcoming America

Welcoming America is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that leads a movement of inclusive communities becoming more prosperous by ensuring everyone belongs. We believe that all people, including immigrants, are valued contributors and vital to the success of our communities and shared future.

Responsibilities

Strategic Communications and Marketing

• Work with senior leadership and key stakeholders to define key narrative strategies, messages and campaigns, leveraging the power of the Welcoming Network to advance prosocial immigration and belonging narratives, and to elevate thought leadership from communities.

• Engage with narrative partners to incorporate the experiences and power of welcoming community leaders in broader frameworks that address issues such as democracy, climate, migration and social connectedness. 

• Develop and implement comprehensive communications and marketing strategies aligned with Welcoming America's mission and objectives.

• Serve as the primary steward of Welcoming America's brand identity, ensuring consistency and effectiveness across all communication channels.

• Set strategy and vision to help the communications team create and disseminate compelling day-to-day content, including press releases, articles, op-eds, social media posts, and marketing materials.

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with media outlets, key stakeholders, and partners to promote Welcoming America's initiatives and messages.

• Set strategy and vision to the organization's digital presence strategy, including website management, social media engagement, and email marketing campaigns.

• Provide guidance and support to staff and partners on communications best practices and messaging.

• Monitor and analyze communication metrics to assess the effectiveness of strategies and make data-driven recommendations for improvement.

• Collaborate with the CEAO and other senior leaders to align communications efforts with broader organizational goals and priorities.

• Stay informed about narratives, trends, and developments in the immigrant inclusion and belonging field to inform Welcoming America's messaging and advocacy efforts.

Effective Management and Cross Functional Ownership

• Supervise and manage staff members responsible for communications and marketing functions.

• Provide leadership, guidance, and professional development opportunities to the communications team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.

• Set clear expectations and performance goals for team members, conducting regular check-ins and performance evaluations to assess progress and provide feedback.

• Coordinate with the CEAO and other department heads to ensure effective cross-functional collaboration and alignment of communication efforts with organizational priorities.

• Oversee the hiring, onboarding, and management of contractors and freelancers as needed to support specific communication projects or initiatives.

• Foster a positive and inclusive work environment where all team members feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute their best work.

• Other projects as needed, and as assigned

Qualifications and Experience

• Commitment to Welcoming America's mission and values of inclusivity, diversity, and equity.

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or related field; advanced degree preferred.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in strategic communications, public relations, or marketing, with a track record of success in developing and executing communication strategies.

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages for diverse audiences.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders.

• Creative and innovative thinker with the ability to generate new ideas and approaches.

• Familiarity with digital communication tools and platforms, including social media, content management systems, and email marketing software.

• Knowledge of the immigration and immigrant inclusion field is preferred but not required.

• Experience in supervising a team of communications professionals

• Strong PR/Media experience with a focus on crisis management and rapid response communications. 

• Flexible and adaptable style; a leader who can positively impact both strategic and tactical communications and marketing initiatives

Attributes

Welcoming America is a small but dynamic team that values collaboration, empathy, and a willingness to pitch in and find solutions. Candidates who have these attributes, as well as those listed below, are desired:

• Proactive, organized, deadline and detail-oriented, with flexibility and adaptability to evolving circumstances

• A genuine believer in doing things together to produce better results

• Ability to seek or extract information to fill information gaps

• Motivated to learn new tools and strategies, and strengthen skills through professional development

• Comfortable with remote work and occasional work travel

Work Environment

Welcoming America operates in a hybrid work environment in which Atlanta-based staff are able to work on site in our offices or remotely as the position allows. To work remotely, you must have access to a reliable internet connection. A laptop will be provided. 

This position can be based anywhere in the U.S. with the ability to work either Eastern Time or Central Time zones. 

Occasional travel will be required.

Salary & Benefits

The salary floor for this position is $74,000.00 (minimum). Final salary offer will be based on a number of factors including commensurate experience, qualifications, and attributes. Our salaries are complemented by an extensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and work-life balance. These benefits include: 

• Health, dental, and vision insurance covered 100%

• 401(k) retirement plan options

• Flexible remote work policy

• 15 days paid vacation time annually

• 13 sick days paid annually

• 12 weeks paid parental leave

• Paid time off for civic duties and volunteering

• Supplemental work-from-home benefit

• Summer Fridays

Application Process

To apply, please submit a resume and a cover letter. We encourage applicants to describe their interest in this position and include any relevant links to writing, media, or other communications related portfolio/products. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Welcoming America is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.