Director, Communications and Government Relations

Essential Functions 

• In consultation with the CEO, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Development Officer, identifies and implements organizational advocacy and communications priorities, informed by LSSNCA programs and lived experience. 

• Oversees the development of marketing/communications content including newsletters, donor communications, annual reports, appeals, video and social media campaigns, and other giving and outreach efforts.  

• Develops a regional press strategy that elevates LSSNCA’s reputation as a leader in welcoming newcomers. Serves as the primary media contact for the organization. 

• Provides media training and technical assistance to prepare leadership for interviews and other media engagements.  

• Ensures messaging alignment across LSSNCA’s print and digital platforms, assists with editing and design support for publications and other external documents.  

• Oversees the strategy for building trusting and enduring relationships with federal and state government officials, Congressional representatives, and other key stakeholders to enhance exposure and opportunities for LSSNCA programs.  

• Provides public policy research and analysis on issues related to refugees, immigration, and unaccompanied children and monitors and analyzes related legislation, regulations, and policies.  

• Coordinates, leads, and attends advocacy meetings with congressional and executive branch staff to communicate and advance LSSNCA policy positions. 

• Responds to inquiries about refugees, asylum-seekers, victims of trafficking, unaccompanied children, and other populations of concern to LSSNCA from policymakers, partners and allies, and media. 

• Shares and develops advocacy materials related to LSSNCA priority issues to include testimony, comments, and other relevant materials. Leads logistical planning for events with key VIPs (i.e. legislative representatives, members of the administration, public officials, veteran’s groups and other key stakeholders).  

• Represents LSSNCA on panels, conferences, webinars, etc. 

• Supervises the Communications Manager.  

• Participates in the Stewardship Committee with the Board of Directors. 

• Other duties as assigned. 

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Qualifications and Education Requirements 

Skills 

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Policy, Government and Politics, or related field is required. Master’s degree preferred.  

• Minimum five years of experience as a full-time communications, marketing, or public relations professional with demonstrated success. 

• Excellent communicator and writer with experience as a spokesperson who can articulate messages to different audiences, including the media. 

• Experience working on federal legislative/regulatory issues. 

• Ability to operationalize vision, think strategically, creatively problem solve, exercise good judgment and lead change. 

• Successful track record of forging alliances, working in coalitions, and moving people to take collective action. 

• Experience working with diverse groups from various sectors ranging from grassroots to policy institutions. 

• Fundraising experience including building and developing relationships. 

• Strong supervisory skills and experience with proven ability to manage, coach and mentor staff and work collegially with management team members. 

• Knowledge of immigration issues, particularly as they pertain to refugees. 

• Experience navigating administrative and legislative processes.  

• Strong organization and multitasking skills. 

• Self-started with ability to work independently and as a member of a team. 

• Knowledge of and/or experience with one or more agency service areas (child welfare, employment, , immigration, refugee resettlement, youth development). 

• Personal and reliable means of transportation and valid driver’s license. 

Preferred Skills 

• Experience with public speaking and presentations to faith groups/congregations, political leaders, veteran service groups, and collegiate organizations a plus 

• Excellent writing, editing, presentation and communication skills 

• Excellent computer skills including knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Office Suite, including PowerPoint, and Adobe’s Creative Suite, familiarity with HTML a plus. 

• Familiarity with local organizations, communities, and resources. 

• Experience with resource or content development 

• Positive attitude, detail and customer oriented with good multitasking and organizational ability 

• Ability to interpret and implement tactics and lead the strategic vision for projects.