Director of Communications

Department: Marketing and Communications

REPORTS TO: Vice President of Communications

FLSA STATUS: Full Time / Exempt

BACKGROUND

The National Constitution Center is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization devoted to teaching about the Constitution. Located on Philadelphia’s historic Independence Mall, steps from where the Constitution was drafted and signed, it serves as America’s leading platform for constitutional education and debate, fulfilling its congressional charter “to disseminate information about the U.S. Constitution on a nonpartisan basis in order to increase awareness and understanding of the Constitution among the American people.”

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Vice President of Communications, the Director of Communications is responsible for managing media relations and public affairs efforts that elevate the National Constitution Center’s national profile and increase awareness of its programming, resources, and impact. This includes media outreach, writing, editing, and disseminating a broad range of internal and external communications, and otherwise supporting the goals of the organization through strategic communications.

This position is based in Philadelphia with flexible remote work opportunities. Some in person work is required.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Support the Vice President of Communications in the organization’s earned media strategy, promoting the organization and protecting its reputation
  • Research, write, and edit a wide range of public-facing communications including emails, website and social media copy, press releases and media alerts, senior-level remarks and talking points, and other institutional materials
  • Create and execute broad communications and media relations plans for Center initiatives and events aimed at engaging audiences through exhibits, programming, educational resources, and timely content
  • Serve as key public relations representative, distributing press releases and alerts, drafting responses to media inquiries and interview requests, proactively pitching stories to local and national press, serving as a spokesperson for the NCC when assigned
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with national, regional, and niche media in education and cultural sectors
  • Collaborate with internal departments to ensure consistency in voice, tone, style, and messaging in communications across a variety of formats and channels and for a diverse set of audiences
  • Review a range of digital content, including social media/marketing graphics, promotional and educational videos, and paid/unpaid social content to align messaging across social media, web, and email platforms
  • Routinely audit new and existing webpages and identify edits, including for podcasts, adult and educational programs, learning materials, exhibits, etc.
  • Develop and maintain network of local and national media contacts
  • Track press clips on regular basis, identifying how to share best internally and externally, and otherwise report out on successes of media outreach and other communications strategies
  • Serve as point person for all filming and photography on site, coordinating with partner organizations, internal departments, and film crews in accordance with policies
  • Help manage relationships with external agency partners, including PR agencies
  • Manage public relations department budget and other organizational duties
  • Perform other duties as assigned
  • Please note that the Center may change specific job duties with or without prior notice based on the needs of the organization

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism or related field
  • 7-10 years of progressive experience in communications, public relations, or journalism, ideally in a nonprofit, civic, cultural, or educational setting
  • Demonstrated experience securing national and regional media coverage
  • Strong strategic instincts, sound judgment, and attention to detail required
  • Excellent writing, communication, organizational and time management skills required
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment under tight deadlines with multiple priorities
  • Experience working with senior leadership and high-profile speakers or public figures a plus
  • Passion for constitutional education; familiarity with American history, government, or legal topics preferred
  • Ability to work some early mornings, nights, holidays, and weekends

TO APPLY

Salary: $95,000 to $110,000 Annually

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