COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

SUMMARY

The Communications Director serves as a senior leader responsible for advancing Fairbanks Native Association’s (FNA) mission, brand identity, and community engagement. This position oversees all integrated marketing and communication efforts—including strategic public relations, media management, graphic design, photography, social media, and digital platforms (website and intranet). Working closely with the executive leadership team, the Communications Director plays a critical role in articulating FNA’s vision, managing public information, and cultivating high-value relationships across the community and key stakeholder groups.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Communications & Brand Management

• Develop and execute an integrated, organization-wide marketing and communications strategy to broaden public awareness of FNA services and strengthen brand identity across key audiences.


• Serve as the guardian of the FNA brand, ensuring consistent messaging, visual tone, and values across all internal and external touchpoints.


• Advise executive leadership on messaging, crisis communications, press statements, and public appearances. Write speeches, talking points, and op-eds as needed.

Media Relations & Public Information

• Act as a key media contact and spokesperson for FNA; cultivate and manage relationships with local, regional, and national media, public officials, and community influencers.


• Write and distribute press releases, media advisories, and official statements. Pitch positive stories highlighting FNA programs, community impact, and success stories.


• Help manage reputation risk and guide clear, timely messaging during high-stakes or emergency situations.

Digital Strategy, Websites & Graphic Design

• Manage and continuously update the official FNA public website, internal intranet, and digital communication tools to ensure modern usability, accessibility, and fresh content.


• Oversee or directly produce visual assets, photography, graphic design, video content, and marketing collateral (brochures, flyers, annual reports, quarterly newsletters).


• Manage digital marketing campaigns, digital signs, official social media accounts, and electronic outreach to engage community members and stakeholders.


• Lead the strategy, creation, scheduling, and community management for all official FNA social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube). Monitor engagement, respond to community inquiries, and track performance metrics.

Community Outreach & Event Promotion

• Plan, promote, and document major organizational and community events, including the annual FNA Potlatch, annual membership meetings, program launches, and community forums.


• Actively gather insights and feedback from staff, community members, consumers, and elders to ensure messaging remains authentic and culturally aligned with FNA's mission.


• Represent FNA at public forums, agency meetings, and community gatherings as requested by executive leadership.


• Photograph and live stream as needed.

Administrative & Strategic Leadership

• Partner with Program Directors and department leads to capture success stories and promote specific FNA programs internally and externally.


• Support executive leadership.


• Manage communications-related projects and perform other duties as assigned by executive leadership.

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITY

• Proficiency with Content Management Systems (CMS like WordPress), email marketing tools, graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva), basic photography/videography, and digital media analytics.


• Strong understanding of Native culture, community dynamics, and tribal/non-profit health and human services organizations in Alaska.


• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, strong public speaking ability, sharp creative vision, and proven crisis management skills.


• Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with other employees


• Ability to work independently as well as with teams.


• Ability to report to work in a timely manner

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education & Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration or related field


• Four (4) years executive-level administrative experience


• Two (2) years of supervisory experience


• A combination of experience, education, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may substitute for degree requirements