Assistant Director of Communications

TITLE OF POSITION: Assistant Director of Communications

DEPARTMENT: Communications

REPORTS TO: Director of Communications

FLSA STATUS: Exempt 

LOCATION: Boulder, CO; Anchorage, AK; or Washington, D.C. (hybrid position, must be located within commutable distance of the selected office)

The Native American Rights Fund (NARF) is a non-profit national Indian law firm representing Indian tribes, organizations, and individuals in Indian law matters of major significance. NARF’s main office is in Boulder, Colorado, with additional offices in Washington, D.C., and Anchorage, Alaska. NARF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians are encouraged to apply. 

SUMMARY: The Assistant Director of Communications supports the Director of Communications in managing external communications, developing strategies, and overseeing content creation across multiple platforms. This position manages a team of communication professionals to ensure that editorial calendar deadlines are met and that all published content furthers the Native American Rights Fund’s (NARF’s) mission and goals and meets the organization’s high-quality standards.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Strategic Communications Planning. Provide strategic oversight of NARF’s editorial calendar and content creation to ensure that the Comms team consistently creates relevant and impactful content.
2. Campaign Development. Design and lead innovative, high-impact communications campaigns and strategies that further NARF’s mission.
3. Content Creation and Management. Work in collaboration with storytelling manager and other members of the team to create a consistent flow of compelling written content that will help NARF reach its goals, including rapid response and real-time messaging across press, digital, and print channels.
4. Editorial Oversight. Review and revise content for publication — including reports, periodicals, websites, and advocacy materials — to ensure high quality, accuracy, and adherence to AP style guidelines.
5. Team Leadership. Manage team dynamics and workflows to ensure projects are completed on time and within scope. Work in partnership with the Director of Communications to identify and support professional development opportunities for Communications staff.
6. Data Analytics. Collect, analyze, and report performance metrics working with the Director of Communications. Suggest ways to improve operations based on performance metrics.
7. Departmental Liaison. Act as a departmental liaison and Communications champion for assigned Legal/ Development teams and projects. Attend team meetings and identify communications opportunities.
8. Professional Growth and Development. Engage in professional development to ensure current, expert knowledge of strategic communications for nonprofit organizations and legal advocacy. Report back to the Communications Department on current best practices and trends.
9. Team Responsibilities. Primary responsibilities will focus on the above, but other responsibilities may be assigned, as needed and in line with the Communication team’s responsibilities, such as: 1) Create compelling content for online and print publications, 2) Take and maintain photos of NARF staff, Board of Directors, clients and events, 3) Manage and create video content, 4) Update and maintain NARF’s stable of websites in HTML and WordPress, and 5) Collaborate on projects across the communications spectrum as needed, which could include copywriting, website design, media relations, crisis communications, donor relations, etc.
10. Other duties as assigned by the Director of Communications

SUPERVISORY DUTIES: Graphic Design & Brand Manager, Digital Engagement & Outreach Manager, Media Relations & Storytelling Manager. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

1. Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field, preferred.
2. 5+ years professional experience in related fields including content development and communications management, social media, marketing, and public relations.
3. Experience with developing communications strategies and overseeing a strategic, multi-channel editorial calendar.
4. Experience in managing staff performance, preferred.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

1. Ability to write clearly, concisely, and logically. Expertise in AP style and legal writing, preferred.
2. Strong project and team management skills and an ability to lead under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
3. Proven track record of strategic planning and project management. Ability to plan and implement communication goals and prioritize and organize time to meet those goals.
4. Innovative thinking, with a documented record for translating strategic thinking into action plans and outreach materials.
5. Efficient work habits such as meeting deadlines and honoring schedules. 
6. Must exercise strong judgment, sensitivity, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. 
7. Ability to analyze and report performance metrics across a variety of channels.
8. Works with a high degree of autonomy and independence.
9. Excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to work cooperatively, effectively, and diplomatically with a wide range of constituencies including co-workers, attorneys, donors, vendors, NARF board of directors, and Tribal leaders. ,
10. Highly organized self-starter who is comfortable in a fast-moving organization. 
11. An understanding of Indian Law and Tribal-U.S. relations, preferred. 
12. Familiarity with Native American culture and/or experience working with Tribal Nations or Indigenous Peoples, preferred.
13. The work environment is a fast-paced, high-pressure, professional office environment. Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed. Some travel, locally and nationally, is required.
14. Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, which include extended periods of sitting, use of computer and peripheral equipment, occasional stooping, standing or carrying, occasional lifting up to 50lbs., with assistance. 

The above is intended to describe the representative content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities or requirements. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

The salary range is $119,533 to $144,200 annually. This salary range is based on five (5) to fifteen plus (15+) years of experience in the Denver Metro market. Actual salary will depend on years of experience. Generous benefits package includes health, dental, and vision insurance, and paid time off including vacation leave, sick leave, family leave, and medical/disability leave. Additionally, there is an employer contribution to employee 401K plan, employer paid group life insurance, accident insurance, and short-term and long-term disability insurance. 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: 

Upload the following documents 1) a cover letter, 2) complete resume, and 3) the names, contact information, and job titles of three professional references.

Examples of writing and/or communications strategic planning may be required after initial review of applications.