Communications Manager

Description

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability status in employment. Individuals of Indian ancestry will be given preference by law in initial employment or re-employment.

Position Purpose:

The Tribal Communications Manager will oversee and implement comprehensive communication strategies for the tribe, ensuring clear, consistent, and culturally respectful messaging internally and externally. This role will be responsible for promoting the tribe’s initiatives, preserving cultural heritage, and facilitating effective communication with tribal members, governmental agencies, and the broader community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop Communication Strategies: Design and implement communication plans that align with the tribe's mission, vision, and values. Ensure that strategies effectively address the needs of the tribe's members and support the tribe's goals.
• Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity: Ensure all communications reflect and respect the tribe’s culture, language, and traditions. Engage with tribal elders, cultural advisors, and community leaders to maintain accuracy and respect for cultural heritage in messaging.
• Internal Communications: Facilitate clear communication between tribal leadership, departments, and employees. Ensure that important updates, initiatives, and changes are communicated promptly and clearly to internal stakeholders.
• External Communications: Serve as the primary point of contact for all external communications. Manage relationships with local media, governmental agencies, non-profits, and other stakeholders. Draft press releases, talking points, and reports.
• Community Engagement: Organize and manage communication efforts that promote community engagement, outreach programs, and events that strengthen tribal identity and unity. Foster relationships with key community partners.
• Content Creation & Management: Oversee the creation of newsletters, social media posts, website content, brochures, and other communication materials. Ensure consistency of messaging across all platforms.
• Crisis Communication: Provide strategic guidance and support during crises, ensuring effective messaging and protecting the tribe's reputation.
• Tribal Member Communication: Regularly engage with tribal members using accessible communication methods to keep them informed of key news, events, and initiatives.
• Project Management: Oversee communication projects from planning to execution, ensuring timely delivery within budget and aligned with strategic objectives.
• Media Relations: Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with local and regional media outlets. Respond to media inquiries, arrange interviews, and manage press conferences when necessary.
• Monitoring & Reporting: Track the effectiveness of communication strategies and campaigns. Provide regular reports to leadership on the impact of communications efforts.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Native American Studies, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in communications, public relations, or a related field, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• A deep understanding of advertising, social media, PR, internal communication, websites, and events.
• Proven success in capitalizing on market trends and understanding the dynamics of all media.
• Ability to collaborate with shared marketing services.
• Proven leadership skills and comfortable in a team setting.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; strong interface and presentation skills are mandatory.
• Solid writing, proofing, and editing skills.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Teamwork and the ability to lead and motivate staff to produce high-level, brand-driven content.
• Written, verbal, and digital communication skills.
• Ability to understand and articulate the tribe’s culture, values, and priorities.
• Analytical skills to solve problems and find the best way to convey a message.
• The creativity to produce exciting and interesting content.
• Organizational skills and the ability to multitask and prioritize projects while working on a deadline or in a fast-paced environment.
• The technological ability to work on a variety of digital platforms and create web and mobile content.

Certifications:

• Valid Driver’s License and Insurance.

Confidentiality:

• Confidentiality is an absolute must for this position and is cause for immediate termination if not followed to the highest standard.

Conditions of Employment:

• The Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma operates a drug-free workplace.
• May be required to submit to and pass applicable drug test and background check.
• Adhere to all work rules, policies & procedures, and safety standards.

Requirements

Position involves prolonged sitting, standing, stooping, or bending, lifting, or carrying 30 pounds on a daily basis. Work is generally performed in an office environment with varying levels of lighting, air quality, noise, and / or temperature.