Job Information
American Institutes for Research Director of Communications, Equity Initiative in United States
Overview
AIR is currently seeking a Director of Communications for theEquity Initiative (EI) (https://www.air.org/air-equity-initiative/our-team-air-equity-initiative) . The ideal candidate is experienced in applying communications best practices to inform, engage, and inspire action with internal and external audiences. They should be an experienced strategist, innovator, and team player with deep experience in building and implementing evidence dissemination strategies and multi-faceted outreach campaigns.
Fueled by our mission, the AIR Equity Initiative aims to build bridges between evidence, policy, and technical assistance to improve the lives of people and communities. The Initiative funds inclusive and collaborative research and technical assistance efforts that engage partners from the outset to encourage approaches leading to relevant solutions and long-term change in education, workforce development, public safety and policing, and community health and well-being. The Director of Communications will develop and lead the implementation of an integrated communications strategy and tactical plan supporting communications across EI program areas and guide eminence-building efforts for EI’s place-based engagement with communities across the United States.
Reporting directly to the Chief Communications Officer and Senior Vice President of Communications & Public Affairs, this is an individual contributor role that will have dotted line reporting into the Vice President and Executive Director of the AIR Equity Initiative. The role will serve as a trusted advisor and consultant to the Equity Initiative Team.
This position has the flexibility to work remote within the United States (U.S.) or from one of our U.S. office locations (https://www.air.org/locations#alloffices) . This does not include U.S. territories.
About AIR:
Established in 1946, with headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, AIR is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit institution that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to solve some of the most urgent challenges in the U.S. and around the world. We advance evidence in the areas of education, health, the workforce, human services, and international development to create a better, more equitable world.
AIR’s commitment to diversity goes beyond legal compliance to its full integration in our strategy, operations, and work environment. At AIR, we define diversity broadly, considering everyone’s unique life and community experiences. We believe that embracing diverse perspectives, abilities/disabilities, racial/ethnic and cultural backgrounds, styles, ages, genders, gender identities and expressions, education backgrounds, and life stories drives innovation and employee engagement. Learn more about AIR's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategy and hear from our staff by clicking here (https://www.air.org/our-commitment-diversity-equity-and-inclusion) .
Responsibilities
The responsibilities for the position include:
Internal Communications
Provide internal communications advice and counsel for Equity Initiative senior leadership.
Develop, drive, and lead the communications strategy for EI that is aligned with strategic outcomes of facilitating staff awareness, engagement and recognition, and guiding staff through change.
Establish an EI communications cadence and framework inclusive of building communications channels, e.g., webinars, web content, newsletters, town halls, etc.
Lead writer, editor and content developer for internal-facing EI messages.
Provide continuity in the voice and visual branding of EI internal communications deliverables, ensuring a cohesive look and feel as well as a strategic purpose.
Work across the Communications team to ensure that internal outreach activities are synchronized and mutually beneficial.
Develop and implement appropriate metrics to monitor the success and impact of internal communications strategies to continuously improve communications and messages, keeping EI leadership informed.
External Communications
Collaborate with EI team to identify and execute plans for eminence building related to EI’s priority places across the United States.
Work with the EI team to develop an editorial calendar to support eminence-building, utilization of evidence, and marketing efforts in priority places.
Partner with EI experts, researchers, and technical consultants to develop policy briefs, statements, public comments, letters, and memoranda that summarize, interpret, and apply research for a range of audiences.
Lead writer, editor, and content developer for external-facing EI messages.
In partnership with the Senior Managers, Public Affairs, seeks external opportunities to promote AIR's work and staff across related topical policy discussions, boosting AIR’s reputation and visibility, and helping to advance its mission.
In partnership with the Managing Director, Corporate Communications, write and review news releases, advisories, key message documents and other external messaging, such as op-eds and commentaries.
Travel to EI’s priority places to help build eminence with community-based organizations, anchor institutions, policymakers, and media.
Qualifications
Education, Knowledge, and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in communications or similar liberal arts major required (journalism, corporate affairs, marketing/PR, etc.); advanced degree strongly preferred.
Minimum 10-15 years of experience in communications (e.g., supporting corporate functions, managing media relations, policy, public affairs, etc.) in a complex organization with geographically dispersed diverse staff.
Demonstrated experience in providing direct support to senior executives, Fellows, and other senior staff, specifically partnering with them to execute their role in a broader communications plan.
Experience working in local communities and with community-based organizations, policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels, and local and national media.
Experience with developing and implementing results-driven internal and external communications strategies that align with business goals and objectives and measuring their effectiveness.
Experience and comfort working in a fast-paced environment where decisions must be made, and work done in real-time while planning for longer-lead assignments.
Working knowledge of national or regional topical issues in improving educational experiences, enhancing justice in public safety and policing, strengthening economic mobility, and improving health outcomes for underserved communities is a plus.
Skills:
Proven ability to manage complex projects involving multiple stakeholders. Excellent writing skills are a must.
Writing samples should be made available upon request and a writing test will be administered as a part of the interview process.
Proven ability to research, write, edit, and proofread internal communications (including talking points, intranet stories, PowerPoint presentations, and emails).
Strong and demonstrated organizational skills with high level of attention to detail.
Demonstrated interpersonal, networking, negotiation, and influencing skills. Proven teamwork and collaboration skills.
Disclosures:
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis. Employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) is not available for this position. Depending on project work, qualified candidates may need to meet certain residency requirements.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.
AIR adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo reference and background checks.
AIR’s Total Rewards Program , is designed to reward our staff competitively and motivate them to achieve our critical mission. This position offers an anticipated annual salary of $148,000-$168,000. Salary offers are made based on internal equity within the institution and external equity with competitive markets. Please note this is the annual salary range for candidates that are based in the United States.
AIR maintains a drug-free work environment (https://www.air.org/sites/default/files/2023-05/Workplace-Drug-Policy-2023.pdf) .
Fraudulent Job Scams Warning & Disclaimer:
AIR is aware of individuals falsely presenting themselves as AIR representatives. Fraudulent job scams seek to extract sensitive information or money from victims. To protect yourself, please be aware that AIR recruitment will only email you from an “@air.org” domain. Please take extra caution while examining the email address, for example jdoe @air.org is correct and jdoe @aircareers.org is not a legitimate AIR email address . If you are unsure of the legitimacy of a communication you have received, please reach out to recruitment@air.org .
If you see a job scam, or lose money to one, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov . You can also report it to your state attorney general . Find out more about how to avoid scams at ftc.gov/scams .
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Submit an interest application (https://jobs-airdc.icims.com/jobs/13051/director-of-communications%2c-equity-initiative/job?mode=apply&apply=yes&in_iframe=1&hashed=1374627785)
Please note, each section of the application is required in order for you to be considered for this opportunity. If you do not complete the required screening questions, or if you close your browser before completing each section of the application, your application will not be submitted for this position.
American Institutes for Research is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to excellence through diversity. Minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.
American Institutes for Research’s commitment to Diversity goes beyond legal compliance to its full integration in our strategy, operations and work environment. Diversity is valued and Inclusion is reflected in all efforts to recruit, develop, and engage the diverse staff needed to accomplish our mission.
ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE: If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please send an email to Taliba Boone at tboone@air.org or call 202.403.5000.
Job Location US-Remote
Job ID 13051
Job Location United States
Category Communications/Marketing/Public Relations