Communications Director

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Western Organization of Resource Councils (WORC) seeks an experienced Communications Director to join our team. The ideal candidate for this position has experience crafting communications strategy to support community organizing and building grassroots power; demonstrated ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with regional and national media outlets; interest in sharing knowledge through designing and facilitating trainings on topics related to grassroots communications; and understanding of, or connection to, issues impacting rural and Tribal communities across the West. If you are a skilled communications professional who believes in the power of community organizing, is passionate about elevating the voices of those traditionally silenced, and is committed to building broad-based regional power in the West, this job is for you. 

WHO WE ARE

Formed in 1979, Western Organization of Resource Councils is a multicultural network of ten grassroots organizations serving over 22,750 members in eight western states and Tribal communities. Our mission is to advance a vision of a democratic, sustainable, and just society through community action. For over four decades, WORC and our member groups have been creating long-term, ground-up change by organizing rural westerners to address long-term issues affecting their families, communities, and quality of life. WORC is nationally respected for its experience winning campaigns on clean energy, natural resources, food, and farm issues through community organizing, training, leadership development, and voter engagement. Learn more about us here. 

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The Communications Director would be responsible for the following:

• Strategy: Lead WORC’s communications efforts, including developing communications strategy and organizational identity.
• Message development: Work with member groups to develop winning messages and coach members into effective spokespeople
• Press strategy: Build trusting relationships with national reporters and press outlets to ensure WORC’s messaging reaches target audiences.
• Management and Program Execution: Supervise a communications team, manage competing priorities, and develop and maintain program budget. 

• Networking and relationships: Support building and maintaining collaborative relationships across the WORC staff, network, and with other state, Tribal, and national partners. 
• Support network member organizations: Provide strategic advice, support, training, and tools to WORC’s ten member groups.

WHO YOU ARE

• 3+ years of communications experience, preferably centered around grassroots organizing, political campaigns, or social justice nonprofit work
• Experience developing press strategy and building relationships with media
• 3+ years of management-level experience
• Highly motivated, proactive work style and excellent organizational and project management skills
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills including experience developing and maintaining strong, collaborative relationships with a diverse group of individuals
• Enjoy sharing your knowledge with others, experience creating and facilitating communications trainings a plus 
• Able to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Experience working with diverse communities
• Ability to work effectively with remote teams
• Committed to building long-term grassroots power through member-led community organizing and embracing WORC’s mission and guiding principles
• Experience with Meltwater or other press management tool a plus

We understand that the right candidate may have experience in different areas. If you don’t meet all the requirements above but have an interest in learning, we encourage you to apply.

WORC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to staff diversity and cultivating and preserving a work environment that is built on the premise of equity. We invite qualified people of all backgrounds and abilities to apply. For more information about WORC, and to view our Equity Statement, visit our website at www.worc.org. 

• Preferably based in Billings, MT. A remote location within WORC’s region (CO, ID, MT, ND, NE, MT, OR, SD or WY) will be considered for the right candidate. 
• You must be comfortable being managed and building relationships with our team remotely. 

This is a full time, exempt position. The salary range for this position is $70,000-$80,000, based on experience with generous benefits including:

• 100% employer-paid health and dental insurance for employee and dependents, and optional employee-paid vision insurance and flexible spending account
• 20 paid vacation days
• 12 days sick/wellness leave
• 10 paid holidays
• Three months paid parental leave
• Opportunity to apply for a sabbatical after five years of employment
• Ongoing professional development opportunities
• 401K with employer contribution
• Cell phone reimbursement

TO APPLY

In your cover letter, please tell us where you heard about the opening, what excites you about the job, your preferred work location, your most relevant experience, areas you may need to grow into, and any connections you have to WORC and the people in our network. We will review applications on a rolling basis, but priority will be given to applications received by January 17th. The position will remain open until filled. For more information, please see www.worc.org.