Director of Communications

Los Angeles Urban League

Founded in 1921, the Los Angeles Urban League is a 100-year-old, service organization that educates and empowers Black, African American, Latino, and other disadvantaged populations in Los Angeles to secure economic self-reliance and civil rights by providing targeted social programs and advocating for issues that benefit our communities. The Urban League works ensure our communities have access to careers with living wages, opportunities to start and grow successful businesses, and educational pathways to personal and professional growth. Learn more at www.laul.org

SUMMARY

The objective of this position is to strategically develop and implement an aggressive plan that will provide contacts, partnership funds, corporate linkages and major resources to support the Association. The Director of Communications is to provide leadership, team and financial support to all programs, activities and departments by providing both short and long term goals that lend support to the entire Association. Position requires marketing, public relations, advocacy, fund raising, donor cultivation, and public interactions that secure funding and donations that meet or exceed the financial requirements of the Los Angeles Urban League. This position is open to local candidates only as it will be based onsite in our Los Angeles office.

***As part of our application process, we ask that you submit a cover letter with your resume***

PRIMARY RELATIONSHIPS The Director of Communications has a primary working relationship with the Chief Operating Officer.

PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plans and implements the development of a comprehensive marketing plan that meets Association goals.
• Responsible for all external communications that enhance the image and successfulness of the Association.
• Ensures that the public relations of the Association are addressed through high visibility means and positive results orientated measures.
• To fully leverage development, marketing, and public relation activities by connecting the dots of all highly relevant entities.
• Implement a plan that enhances the perception of the Association by telling our story through major vehicles with wide distribution.
• Ensures the attainment of resources through viable contacts, collaboratives, external campaigns, major gifts and program incentives.
• Manages the Communications Department and staff, including responsibilities for overall success of department and attainment of goals.
• Plans and implements an advocacy program that addresses the concern of the LAUL, our participants and the public at large. Major involvement with any political figure or agency that promotes our mission.
• To develop linkages locally, statewide, and federal that will promote the Association and produce positive and profitable results.
• To promote the mission, image, philosophy and branding of the Association that results in immediate and positive recognition.
• Responsible for Association newsletter development, direction and distribution.
• Ensures the LAUL website is current and effective.
• Plans and supervises media presentations, exposure, projects and all public contact.
• Responsible for the development and distribution of Annual Report.
• Ensures that SEO is utilized to place the LAUL in best posture for any subject related to current programs.
• Provides the direct supervision of regular, consultant and contract staff, monitoring progress of internal and external assignments.
• Assist in the engagement of the Board of Directors as fundraisers, providing input and training as needed.
• Develops and implements activities associated with any comprehensive fund-raising program, in conjunction with the COO.
• Responsible for media website that promotes Association image.
• Seeks support of Association needs, ensuring no duplication of efforts.
• Plans and implements recognition system for major donors.
• Functions as assigned staff on committees of the Board of Directors and other volunteer groups as assigned.
• Develops and maintains working relations with key members of the philanthropic community and appropriate community groups, organizations, as appropriate to defined duties and goals.
• Submits narrative and statistical reports to COO as required and as requested.
• Participates in Association meetings and activities as required.
• Ensures the accurate maintenance of records and files to support the Communications Department.
• Functions as a productive member of the Management Team.
• Participates in the development and revision of Standard Operating Procedures for the Association, with direct responsibility for drafting those procedures relating to the Development Department.

SECONDARY DUTIES

• Upon delegation from the COO represents and speaks for the Association.
• Provides coverage in the event of absences or emergencies within the ranks of the Communication and Fund Development Department teams.
• When delegated, provides administrative backup to the COO.
• Performs other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• BS or BA from accredited college or university.
• Masters (MSW, M.Ed, MA) preferred
• Five years of progressively responsible and successful experience in managing development programs in non-profit organizations.
• Demonstrated success in Board/volunteer relations and staff management.
• Demonstrated short and long term planning skills.
• Excellent communication skills, written and oral.
• Knowledge of computer programs including Word, Access, Excel, MS Publisher and donor based software.

SPECIALIZED QUALIFICATIONS

• Thorough knowledge of donor cultivation, solicitation and recognition techniques.
• Demonstrated understanding and internalization of fundraising ethics.
• Ability to formulate written case statements and proposals for funding. Ensuring grants and collaborative projects are successful.

The ideal candidate supplements his/her/their education and experience by possessing a passion for communications and appreciating its impact on advancing the Los Angeles Urban League’s mission.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS The Director of Communication primarily works Monday -Friday during normal business hours. He/She/They should also be available to support special events on evenings and weekends, as needed.

Relocation assistance is not available at this time.

The Los Angeles Urban League is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status

Los Angeles Urban League