Communications Director

Archbright; Olympia (WA); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 161,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Vacation and sick leave accrual

Paid holidays

401(k) retirement plan

Life insurance

Flexible spending accounts

Job summary

Washington REALTORS® is seeking a strategic Communications Director to lead the development and execution of an integrated communications and public relations strategy that advances the Association’s mission and advocacy across Washington. The role partners with the CEO and senior staff, guiding media relations, member communications, and campaigns across email, social, video, and events.

Hybrid work in Olympia with travel up to 5% and a focus on DEI, stakeholder engagement, and industry

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, RTV, advertising, or related field or equivalent experience.
• Five (5) years of relevant media and communications experience.
• Excellent public speaking, writing, and verbal communication skills.
• Experience writing press releases, conducting press conferences, and crisis communications.
• Experience with marketing techniques, statistical data analysis and market trends, and administrating online social networking sites.
• Ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with internal/external stakeholders, government agencies, members, and the press.
• Experience with diverse customer groups.
• Ability to identify communication opportunities and create effective communications plans with leadership.
• Demonstrated strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of integrated communications and PR strategy.
• Provide strategic counsel to CEO and leadership; identify opportunities to strengthen the Association's voice.
• Direct member communications across multiple platforms (email, social, video).
• Collaborate across departments to align communications with advocacy, events, and education programs.
• Support local associations with communications and public relations efforts.
• Cultivate media relationships and represent the Association at meetings and programs.

Skills

Public speaking

Writing

Verbal communication

Crisis communications

Press releases

Stakeholder relations

Team leadership

Strategic communication

Travel readiness

DEI awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications or related field

Tools

Adobe Creative Cloud

Sitefinity CMS

Video production/editing

Microsoft Office

CRM systems (MS Dynamics)

Job description

Archbright is proud to be partnering with our member, Washington REALTORS®, to find their Communications Director.

About the Organization

Washington REALTORS® is a statewide trade association representing more than 18,000 REALTOR® members and industry affiliates across Washington. As a leading advocate for homeownership and private property rights, the organization represents the interests of home buyers, sellers, property owners, and real estate professionals throughout the state.

Washington REALTORS® is committed to advancing the real estate profession and supporting member success by providing resources, services, education, and advocacy that help members thrive.

Learn more at warealtor.org.

About the Role

Washington REALTORS® is seeking a strategic, forward-thinking Communications Director to lead the development and execution of an integrated communications and public relations strategy that advances the Association’s mission, strengthens its reputation, elevates its advocacy efforts, and enhances member engagement.

As a member of the Senior Staff Team, the Communications Director serves as a strategic partner to the CEO, leadership, and departments across the organization, helping to identify effective communications strategies and initiatives. This role provides strategic counsel to committees and leadership, identifies opportunities to strengthen the Association’s voice and influence, and develops and implements a statewide media and public relations strategy that positions Washington REALTORS® as a leading advocate for homeownership, private property rights, and the real estate profession.

The Communications Director leads the Association’s member communications across multiple platforms, including email marketing, social media, video, and other emerging channels. The position works collaboratively across departments to align communications with advocacy initiatives, education programs, conferences, events, and other organizational priorities. The Director also supports local associations in strengthening their communications and public relations efforts, cultivates media relationships throughout Washington, represents the Association at meetings and programs, and delivers presentations on Washington REALTORS®’ priorities, advocacy, and communications initiatives. In addition, the position establishes communications policies, standards, and guidance for departments and committees to ensure consistency, effectiveness, and alignment with the Association’s strategic direction.

This supervisory position leads a team of communications specialists and reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer. As a member of the Senior Staff Team, the Communications Director contributes to organizational strategy and decision-making, collaborates across departments, and ensures communications serves as a strategic function that advances the Association’s goals and strengthens its impact on members and the communities they serve.

Required Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, RTV, advertising, or a related field or equivalent experience.

• Five (5) years of relevant media and communications experience.

• Excellent public speaking, writing, and verbal communication skills, representing the Association professionally in appearance and manner.

• Experience writing press releases, conducting press conferences, and crisis communications.

• Experience with marketing techniques, statistical data analysis and market trends, and administrating online social networking sites.

• Ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders, government agencies, members, and the press.

• Experience working with diverse customer groups.

• Ability to identify communication opportunities and create effective communications plans to accomplish association objectives in collaboration with volunteer leadership and staff.

• Demonstrated strong organizational skills that reflect the ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to details and deadlines.

• Ability to travel to and attend meetings, conferences and seminars as directed by CEO or COO.

Computer Equipment and Software Experience Requirements

• Creative design and production tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud).

• Content Management Systems (e.g., Sitefinity CMS experience is a bonus).

• Proficiency in producing in-house videos, including directing, lighting and sound, editing software and converting video to various formats.

• MS Office suite programs (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).

Preferred Qualifications

• DEI Training and experience.

• Prior experience working with a professional trade organization or non-profit.

• Customer Relationship Management systems (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics CRM experience is a bonus).

• Email marketing platforms (e.g., ClickDimensions experience is a bonus)

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time, exempt position with an annual salary range of $95,057 - $161,250 DOE.

Washington REALTORS® offers a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, vacation and sick leave accrual, paid holidays, a 401(k)-retirement plan, life insurance, and flexible savings accounts.

Work Location

This position is hybrid, based in Olympia, Washington, with a minimum requirement of 3 days per week in the office. Please note that additional days onsite will be required during onboarding and during conferences and events. The standard schedule for this role is Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm. This position will require travel away from the office 5% of the time.

Questions?

If you require reasonable accommodation to complete the job application, participate in a job interview, or participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail]

Washington REALTORS® is an Equal Opportunity Employer.