Senior Director, Communications and Spokesperson

LeaderFit; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 149,000 - 167,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a Senior Director of Communications to lead strategic messaging and media relations. This role is pivotal in shaping the organization’s communication strategy, enhancing its brand, and navigating the political landscape effectively. The ideal candidate will oversee content creation, manage media engagement, and act as a primary spokesperson, ensuring consistent messaging across platforms. This position offers an exciting opportunity to elevate the Latino perspective during critical media moments and drive impactful communication efforts that resonate with diverse audiences.

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of the Latino community and political landscape.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily external communications and media relations.
• Serve as a primary spokesperson during crises.
• Lead rapid response activities for emerging issues.

Skills

Strategic Communications

Media Relations

Crisis Communication

Content Creation

Public Speaking

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Communications or related field

Master's Degree (preferred)

Job description

UnidosUS
Senior Director, Communications and Spokesperson
Location: Washington, DC (hybrid)
Compensation: $149,000 - $166,500

ABOUT UNIDOSUS

UnidosUS, previously known as NCLR (National Council of La Raza), is the nation’s largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization. Through its unique combination of expert research, advocacy, programs, and an Affiliate Network of nearly 300 community-based organizations across the United States and Puerto Rico, UnidosUS challenges social, economic, and political barriers affecting Latinos at both national and local levels. For over 55 years, UnidosUS has united communities and diverse groups seeking common ground through collaboration to strengthen our community. For more information, visit www.unidosus.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

POSITION SUMMARY

UnidosUS seeks a Senior Director, Communications and Spokesperson, to develop and oversee the organization’s daily communication efforts across platforms. This leader will be responsible for executing UnidosUS’ communication strategy, focusing on crafting timely and compelling communications to navigate the political and media landscapes effectively.

Reporting to the Vice President, Communications and Marketing (VP), and overseeing the media relations, social media, and executive communications teams, the Senior Director will oversee content creation, manage real-time media engagement, and develop rapid response capabilities to address emerging issues and opportunities, enhancing UnidosUS’s mission, organizational brand, and stakeholder engagement.

The Senior Director also serves as a primary spokesperson and ensures consistent messaging across all media platforms. They will plan and execute strategies to reach diverse audiences and manage external communications with press, surrogates, and affiliates to ensure accurate representation of the organization’s work. The role aims to elevate the Latino perspective during high-stakes media moments, supporting the organization’s strategy to grow the wealth, health, and power of the Latino community.

This position requires a deep understanding of the Latino community, political landscape, and best practices in political and rapid response communications. The leader must demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills and collaborate effectively across departments.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Strategic Communications and Messaging:

• Manage daily external communications, media relations, and messaging strategies supporting UnidosUS’s mission and priorities.
• Develop and refine key messaging strategies with the VP, to elevate UnidosUS’ brand across audiences and stakeholders.
• Oversee creation of communication materials like press releases, talking points, speeches, and social media content.
• Translate program information into compelling messages in collaboration with communications staff.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to ensure consistent messaging across platforms.

Communications & Rapid Response:

• Lead rapid response activities, including message development and content creation.
• Develop and maintain a rapid response plan for emerging issues and crises.
• Serve as a spokesperson during crises, ensuring clear and accurate communication.
• Monitor media for potential issues and develop mitigation strategies.

Media Relations & Spokesperson:

• Act as a primary spokesperson, responding to media inquiries and delivering statements.
• Build relationships with journalists, pitch stories, and respond to media requests.
• Represent UnidosUS externally to highlight the Latino perspective in media and public dialogue.
• Convey UnidosUS’s goals, programs, and impact compellingly and clearly.

Team Leadership:

• Manage and mentor media relations, social media, and executive communications teams.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
• Enhance team structure, processes, and skills to meet organizational communication needs.