Director of Communications

Northern Virginia Association of REALTORS® just created a seat at the table for a Director of Communications!

Are you a seasoned communications professional with a keen eye for detail? Do you pride yourself on your ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment? Are you a goal-oriented, results-driven, self-starting leader who brings the best out of your team? Do you consider yourself an expert on the many facets of organizational communications?

We may be looking for you!

Northern Virginia Association of REALTORS® is seeking a Director of Communications to be responsible for leading and strategically overseeing multiple cross-functional teams, managing staff development, and enhancing the organization’s brand.

We are looking for a highly organized and determined individual with meticulous attention to detail with a passion for expressing a brand’s value. The ideal candidate demonstrates robust self-management skills and adapts seamlessly to dynamic project environments. Determination, flexibility, and a strong focus on achieving measurable outcomes are essential qualities for this role. The individual we select will demonstrate resiliency along with the ability to hold themselves and others accountable. If you have a passion for delivering quality and engaging content, a thirst for learning, and believe in carrying out the mission and traditions of an organization, this position

could be for you!

Join NVAR, a USA Great Place to Work® certified workplace, for a career where our CEO genuinely cares about your success and fosters a supportive, fun environment. We take pride in our work, understanding our role within the big picture. Internally, experience a community where management and colleagues champion your professional growth. Externally, be part of a growing association delivering exceptional value strategically and efficiently. Join us for a fulfilling and enjoyable career at the forefront of our industry.

Responsibilities include:

• Leading, managing, and providing strategic oversight to the work of multiple marketing, communications, public relations, and other cross-functional and cross-organizational teams
• Guiding, leading, reviewing, verifying, observing, and managing the work of people reporting directly and indirectly to the Director of Communications
• Performing needs analysis, arranging, coordinating, delivering, evaluating, and monitoring staff development
• Developing, implementing, and continuously improving the Association’s brand throughout all areas of the organization and industry
• Proactively identifying story ideas, trends/issues, and shaping key messages to generate positive coverage of the Association, and position NVAR as the industry leader and spokesperson within and beyond Northern Virginia
• Providing leadership and oversight for all aspects of communications with an emphasis on media relations, brand position, public awareness, and perception of the association
• Identifying opportunities to leverage strategic executive presence and communications in external public relations to strengthen NVAR’s presence in the business community, including regional, state, national, and global industry affairs
• Partnering with the Operation Department management team leaders to collaboratively develop several refreshed and strengthened digital communications delivery platforms to include refreshing/redesigning the NVAR website and assisting external partners with the development, management, and rollout of an NVAR App
• Expanding social media accounts into mature, robust messaging platforms while growing engagement rates. Identifies new platforms to build and introduce to the Association’s social media portfolio
• Pursuing national, state, regional, and local media strategies, each clearly defined with distinct approaches
• Developing a rapport with members of the media outlets for paid and earned opportunities for television, radio, digital publications, podcasts, and other channel exposure
• Actively and regularly partnering with the National Association of Realtors® (and where appropriate, Virginia Realtors®) to advance relevant national member, media, and public awareness campaigns
• Preparing internal and external correspondence on behalf of the NVAR Office of the Chief Executive Officer and the NVAR Board of Directors for distribution to target audiences
• Advising and assisting the CEO in coordinating communication in critical and at times sensitive messaging to the membership and various other stakeholders
• Ensuring accountability for the performance and results of all communications and marketing campaigns
• Directing the strategic planning, goal setting, and direction for the division and multiple subordinate functional areas
• Coordinating communications between the Association and the NVAR leaders, members, strategic partners, elected officials, media, and community members
• Ensuring all divisional and departmental leaders have consistent messaging and clarity on talking points in advance of any important Association Executive messages being delivered to members and stakeholder groups
• Developing and implementing an annual comprehensive communications plan, including processes to measure the effectiveness of communication strategies and activities
• Proactively anticipating communication needs throughout each calendar year and preparing executive messaging matched with the appropriate voices and leaders
• Developing and maintaining an integrated crisis response plan including communication templates and strategies talking points, media statements, FAQs, internal updates, social media response plans
• Responding to sensitive media relations situations and leading crisis management communication response teams as needed
• Designing, establishing, and maintaining an organizational structure and staffing with the necessary expertise to effectively accomplish the organization’s goals and objectives; overseeing recruiting, training, supervision, and evaluation of divisional departmental staff

Knowledge and skills required:

• Exceptional editing skills
• Microsoft Office Professional (or similar application)
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Constant Contact (direct email platform)
• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, After Effects, Premiere Pro, Illustrator)
• Fluent in social media: posting, updating, and editing

Experience:

We are looking for an individual with over 5 years of experience managing a team of 3-5 full-time staff, demonstrating a proven track record of mentoring team members to develop goal-setting plans, and sharing knowledge and experiences. The ideal candidate will also have experience supporting weekly external programs and events, as well as managing and directing all communications via the website, social media, and emails. Experience in policy (market analysis), creative writing, presenting to groups, and individual coaching and counseling skills are a plus!

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Media/Production, or Public Relations required
• Advanced degree (e.g. MBA, MPA, MPP) preferred
• RCE or CAE a plus!

Salary and Benefits:

The salary range is $110,000-$120,000 yearly depending on experience. The compensation package includes a 401(k) with match, Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance,

To arrange a confidential interview, send a Resume by responding to this ad or contact [email protected]

About Northern Virginia Association of REALTORS®:

The Northern Virginia Association of Realtors® (NVAR) was established in 1921 as the Alexandria-Arlington-Fairfax Real Estate Board. With about 40 members, the association served a population of 60,250 at that time. NVAR has grown to over 12,500 Realtor® and affiliate business members. This group of Realtors® closes more than 22,000 transactions each year, with a dollar volume totaling more than $15 billion, in a community of more than two-million residents. A premier local association, NVAR is one of the hundreds of associations that comprise the National Association of Realtors®, which boasts more than 1 million members. NVAR is among the largest local associations nationwide.

NVAR membership consists of: sales agents, brokers, property managers, appraisers and others engaged in all aspects of the real estate industry. NVAR’s geographic region includes Arlington County, Fairfax County, City of Fairfax, City of Falls Church, Town of Vienna, and City of Alexandria, although members live and work throughout the DC-Metropolitan area.

NVAR – Northern Virginia Association of REALTORS®