THIS POSITION IS HYBRID. THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL NEED TO LIVE IN THE BAY AREA. THE COMMON COUNSEL FOUNDATION OFFICE IS LOCATED IN OAKLAND, CA.

ABOUT COMMON COUNSEL FOUNDATION

Common Counsel Foundation has practiced progressive philanthropy, funding grassroots social movements and centering the leadership of communities that have historically been marginalized by intersecting systems of oppression for over 35 years. We partner with families and individual donors and are home to multi-funder collaborative initiatives, all with the goal to expand philanthropic resources for progressive social movements.

For more information, please visit https://www.commoncounsel.org.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Common Counsel Foundation (CCF) seeks its first full-time Director of Communications (DOC) to join its senior leadership team. Reporting to and working closely with the Senior Director of Development and Communications this high-performing, visionary individual will be responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive communications strategy across the organization. They will play a pivotal role in revolutionizing CCF's external brand understanding and storytelling to advance the Foundation’s mission and vision and help mobilize resources, amplify impact, and increase visibility.

The ideal candidate has a strong, value-based background in social justice communications, including a deep understanding of and commitment to racial and economic justice, collaborative-funded initiatives and social justice movements. They have a record of leading communications strategy for a mission-driven organization and building organization-wide communications strategies from the ground up and are collaborative, resourceful, reliable, creative, and systems-smart. They are at a stage in their career where they can leverage their extensive multi-channel experience to rapidly address current communication needs while simultaneously laying the groundwork for a new strategic communication approach that connects people, programs, and purpose to sustainably grow the impact of CCF.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

The position reports to the Senior Director of Development & Communications.

YOU ARE A/AN:

• Experienced communications leader deeply committed to social justice and racial justice movements.

• Equal parts strategic and creative, visionary, and detailed, you excel in developing impactful branding, messaging, and communication systems.

• Natural connector and collaborator, you build trusting relationships with ease.

• Articulate communicator and active listener who can bring a nuanced analysis of CCF’s work to find stories that elevate voices and issues.

SALARY/BENEFITS

• Salary range is $150,000-$170,000

• Benefits include:

o   Medical, Dental and Vision for employees and their dependents

o   Flexible spending accounts

o   Health & travel reimbursement

o   Life and Disability insurance

o   Non-elective 401(k) plan contributions

o   Generous sick and vacation paid time off plus thirteen paid holidays per year

o   The opportunity to support and center social justice and equity movements to transform communities in need

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate closely with the Executive Director, Sr. Director of Development & Communications, and program directors to develop and implement long and short-term strategic communications plans to achieve organizational and programmatic goals.

• Lead the strategy and implementation for communications throughout the organization.

• Support the Executive Director in representing the organization to funders, partners, media and other stakeholders.

• Develop and implement brand and messaging guidelines to ensure brand consistency across teams, and materials to expand donor partnerships.

• Work closely with Program Directors to develop and implement strategic communications campaigns that amplify partner organizations’ work and stories.

• Execute communications plans for key events such as funder briefings, webinars, and convenings.

• Ensure cross-collaboration between communications and other departments and ensure adequate support from communications is provided for priority projects and campaigns.

• Create a content calendar that showcases CCF’s work, impact, people, and grantee stories to deepen funder relationships and expand education about the philanthropic field.

• Develop a PR and media relations plan to expand regional and national presence, including writing and distributing press releases, blog posts, op-eds and other materials.

• Facilitate collaborative communications opportunities with partners, funders, foundations and public officials.

• Collaborate closely with the Senior Director of Development & Communications to create innovative, engaging marketing campaigns for financial donors to support new revenue opportunities and goals.

• Implement and manage all digital marketing activities, including CCF’s social media channels, email, and website.

• Oversee content creation from graphics and videos to annual reports.

• Serve as a strategic partner, content creator, and thought partner for CCF’s program staff and leadership.

• Develop and manage a communications budget, and identify and manage external resources (i.e., consultants and vendors) to help deliver marketing programs.

• Actively support and help develop CCF’s culture and values.

• Compile data to analyze, monitor, and review strategies and tactics to strengthen the impact of communications.

• Participate in full staff meetings and retreats, and occasionally participate in internally focused work groups to improve organizational processes and culture.

• Build collaborative and positive working relationships with colleagues and prioritize productive communication.

• Other assignments as requested.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelor’s degree in related fields such as communications, marketing, journalism, English, business, or public relations.

• Seven plus years of communications experience with similar responsibilities and proven success building strategic communications initiatives, developing content, and managing multiple media platforms to advance organizational and campaign goals.

• Five plus years in a leadership role.

• Experience with, and a deep commitment to, social justice and economic justice movements.

• Experience working with foundation funded collaborative initiatives and/or in related philanthropic fields.

• Experience in optimizing fundraising opportunities and building donor relations through strategic communications.

REQUIRED SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• Exceptional writing, editing, and presentation skills for a wide variety of external and internal audiences, including but not limited to funders, individual donors, grantees, external partners, and allies.

• Ability to craft powerful messages to move people and the public narrative forward on social justice issues, including power building, community organizing, housing justice, community ownership, economic justice, etc.

• Ability to distill detailed programmatic information, research, issues, and challenges to reconstruct stories for different audiences.

• Socially and emotionally mature with strong people management and listening skills.

• Bold, results-oriented strategic and creative thinker with a hands-on attitude.

• Collaborative leader with the ability to build trust and inspire team members across departments.

• Organized, accountable, and transparent; able to manage expectations, prioritize, and make decisions while building consensus.

• Ability to collaborate with colleagues in a respectful manner, with patience, and a willingness to learn from the diverse histories and experiences of CCF colleagues.

• Ability to contribute to and support CCF’s organizational culture by being self-reflective and providing thoughtful and constructive feedback to colleagues.

• Ability to effectively cope with and adapt to ongoing change and emerging needs.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and other relevant marketing, communications, fundraising, and project management software applications.

• Excellent project management skills and magnetic interpersonal skills.

EQUITY STATEMENT

Common Counsel Foundation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees, volunteers and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

All positions at Common Counsel involve frequent use of a computer and telephone. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with differing abilities to perform the essential functions of their position.

TO APPLY

To apply for this position, or for additional information on the opportunity, please send a copy of your resume with a cover letter to Kate Harle at apply@cooksilverman.com. Alternatively, please upload your documents here.

All applications and inquiries will receive a response and be kept strictly confidential.