Director of Communications

Shield-Ayres Enterprise

Director of Communications

Job Description

The Director of Communications will support and enhance the external and internal communications of the entities that comprise the Shield-Ayres Enterprise:

Shield Land Stewardship Group (SLS): A passthrough management company providing comprehensive land and facilities management services for the Shield-Ayres-Bowen family ranchlands in Central and West Texas, investment properties in Travis and Hays Counties, and the Shield Ranch Foundation.

Shield Ranch Foundation (SRF): A nonprofit organization and private operating foundation offering year-round programming through the Campsite at Shield Ranch to fulfill its mission to share Shield Ranch Barton Creek in ways that educate, inspire, and transform.

Shield-Ayres Foundation (SAF): A nonprofit organization and private grantmaking foundation providing opportunities for the Shield-Ayres-Bowen family to support shared philanthropic interests.

The Director of Communications reports to Vera Ayres Bowen, President of Shield Ranch Foundation and Shield-Ayres Foundation and Vice President of Shield Land Stewardship Group.

Responsibilities

General

·      Establish and drive communications strategy

·      Manage all communications materials (digital and print)

·      Maintain brand integrity across all platforms

·      Tell our story

·      Refine messaging specific to the entities’ public profiles and audiences

·      Support entity executives and board leadership in their roles as ambassadors for their organizations

·      Lead communications for Shield Ranch Foundation programming, marketing and fundraising, including strategic initiatives

·      Support internal communication within the enterprise (multi-generational family and staff)

·      Participate in monthly meetings of the Shield-Ayres Enterprise Coordinating Council

Websites

·      Work closely with the executives of each entity to ensure that enterprise websites are effective in connecting with their intended audiences and current in content and design

·      Write or review new content for websites as requested by entity executives

·      Develop content for the Shield Ranch news section and coordinate with guest contributors

Social Media

·      Build and maintain an effective social media presence that supports Shield Ranch brand development

·      Make frequent posts to highlight current activities, successes, events, incorporating seasonal photos and videos

·      Direct and implement Camp El Ranchito social media content plan

Media Relations

·      Manage media relations and develop contacts with media members, influencers and community leaders

·      Actively seek and support the placement of timely news and information regarding enterprise entities in appropriate print and digital media

Design

·      Lead the design and visual storytelling efforts across all external communications platforms to ensure brand consistency and audience engagement

·      Create compelling visual content, including design for e-newsletter banners, program flyers, social media posts, digital invitations, one-pagers, interpretive materials, and web pages

·      Provide creative direction for public-facing materials and campaigns

·      Coordinate with photographers and videographers

Advocacy

·      Ensure advocacy communications are aligned with strategic goals and adapted to evolving priorities while protecting Shield Ranch’s brand reputation

·      Serve as primary point of contact for communications consultants supporting the advocacy of Shield Land Stewardship Group, Shield Ranch Foundation, and Shield-Ayres Foundation 

Fundraising

·      Support fundraising and donor relations efforts of the Shield Ranch Foundation through annual Impact Reports, fundraising campaigns, and materials.

Marketing

·      Support the marketing operations of the Shield Ranch Foundation, including the programming of the Campsite at Shield Ranch community use, events, and Camp El Ranchito

·      Support publicity around the grantmaking of the Shield-Ayres Foundation

·      Support the revenue-generating operations of Shield Land Stewardship Group

Crisis Management

·      Maintain a crisis management plan

·      Train staff and board leadership in crisis management plan and protocols

·      Support entity executives and board leadership in responding quickly and professionally to crises or challenging situations

·      Occasionally support/participate in programming including events, hosting groups, and camp tours

Qualifications

·      Demonstrated interest in and understanding of private land conservation, nonprofit community engagement and philanthropy

·      Clear passion for nature and the outdoors

·      Commitment to the vision, mission, and values of the Shield-Ayres Enterprise

·      Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

·      Demonstrated experience working in cross-cultural environments

·      Collaborative approach to work

·      Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in communications or a closely related field

·      Five years relevant experience in communications

·      Outstanding verbal and written communication skills

·      Demonstrated knowledge and proficiency with communications technologies

·      Familiarity with social media platforms and social media marketing

·      Aptitude for copywriting, graphic design, layout, and publishing

Hours: Full-time, hybrid work must be based in Austin metro area

Salary Range: $110K - $120K

Qualified applicants may send a cover letter and resume to info@shieldranch.com.