Director Of Communications

Description

DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:

Holt International finds and supports permanent, loving families for children who are orphaned, abandoned or at serious risk of separation from their family. Holt's model of child-centered care provides services for vulnerable children to ensure they will grow and develop to their fullest potential.

The Philanthropy & Communications Department develops the brand of Holt International, secures the financial and other resources to accomplish our long-term program objectives and crafts the messaging for our external audiences. Within the department, the Relationship Development Team (RDT) cultivates, solicits and stewards individual and organizational donors who make major gifts to Holt. As such the RDT helps P&C strengthen relationships that produce benevolent giving and generate new donation revenue for exceptional programs that draw greater interest and support for Holt International welfare work overseas.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Communications for Holt International is a dynamic and strategic leader responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive communication strategy. This role will oversee all forms of internal and external communication, with the goal of increasing public awareness, engaging donors, and advancing the mission of our child welfare and adoption services. The ideal candidate will have experience in nonprofit communications, digital and social marketing, and donor relations, while also possessing strong skills in storytelling, media relations, and brand management.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Communication Planning:

• Lead Holt's communications team and collaborate closely with Holt's program/department leaders and CPCO to recruit more families for children, grow Holt's philanthropic revenue and improve sponsor and donor retention.
• Develop and execute an overarching communication plan that aligns with the agency's mission, vision, and goals
• Build consistent messaging across all platforms, including print, digital, social media, and in-person engagements
• Collaborate with the leadership team to ensure communication strategies that reflect key organizational priorities and respond to emerging needs
• Develop communications strategies in support of key objectives on defined issues and initiatives, with an eye to communicating effectively with Holt's diverse constituent groups.

Public Education & Awareness:

• Craft clear, impactful messaging that educates the general public about child welfare, adoption services, and related global issues
• Continually scan the landscape to seize proactive news-making and storytelling opportunities on key issues and initiatives.
• Develop informational campaigns to raise awareness and inspire engagement and action from various audiences
• Guide, draft and/or contribute to the writing, production, art direction, storytelling and dissemination of a wide variety of communications pieces.

Donor Communication & Fundraising Support:

• Collaborate with the development team to create compelling content for donor communication, including emails, newsletters, and fundraising appeals
• Support the development team in ensuring consistent and personalized communication with major and minor donors, and creating tailored materials for stewardship and engagement
• Support grant proposal writing and reporting to foundations, institutional donors, and individual contributors

Digital Marketing & Social Media:

• Lead the digital marketing strategy, including managing website content, social media platforms and email campaigns
• Oversee social media presence, ensuring regular, engaging posts that highlight stories, campaigns, and agency updates
• Analyze performance metrics and refine strategies to increase engagement and reach on digital platforms

Media Relations & Crisis Communication

• Act as the primary point of contact for media inquiries and build and manage relationships with journalists, bloggers, and influencers
• Develop press releases, media kits, and articles to promote the agency's initiatives, success stories, and events
• Handle sensitive communications and ensure effective messaging in times of crisis or high-profile issues

Print & Direct Mail Campaigns:

• Oversee the design and distribution of print collateral, including annual reports, brochures, donor mailers, and event invitations
• Support direct mail fundraising efforts, collaborating with the omnichannel marketing manager and senior director of donor pipeline, engagement and growth to ensure on-time and cost-effective productions that clearly communicate the need, reflect Holt's brand and mission, and effectively raise funds to support Holt programs

Team Leadership & Collaboration:

• Manages a productive and collaborative team, which includes hiring and managing staff, serving as a mentor and a coach to develop staff, and connecting them with opportunities for growth and professional development.
• Supervise and mentor communications team members, freelancers, and contractors (e.g., writers, designers)
• Foster a collaborative relationship with program staff, understanding the needs of each department to craft tailored communication
• Ensure internal communication keeps staff informed and aligned with agency priorities and updates.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE (MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS):

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or related field. Master's degree preferred. Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in communications, preferably within the nonprofit sector. Demonstrated success in digital marketing, public relations, and managing donor communications. Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to adapt messages for different audiences. Knowledge of social media platforms, SEO, Google Analytics, and email marketing tools. Proven experience in media relations, including creating press materials and managing media contacts. Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with attention to detail and deadlines. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining strategic focus. Passion for child welfare, adoption, and global humanitarian issues.

SUCCESS FACTORS:

• Experience working in an international or cross-cultural context
• Proficiency in design software (Adobe Creative Suite or similar) and website CMS management
• Experience working with CRM and fundraising platforms like Blackbaud

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plan, and generous paid time off
• Professional development opportunities and the chance to work with a passionate, mission-driven team

IMPACT OF RESULTS:

Meeting contact goals and securing gift commitments is the principal method through which Holt funds programs that strengthen families and help meet the health, physical, nutritional, social, and emotional needs of the children and families served. Meeting and exceeding goals increases the revenue available for programs, allowing Holt to expand service opportunities and enhance the reputation and integrity of the organization.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None

DESCRIBE CONTROLS: Reports to the Director of Development who provides direction and evaluates work for effectiveness, accuracy and results obtained.

NOTE: A valid driver's license is required as this position will require driving for donor meetings and other events.