Department: Communications Reports To: Director of Publications and Internal, Communications FSLA Status: EXEMPT SUMMARY The successful candidate will develop and execute communications strategies to ensure message alignment and facilitate two-way communications throughout the Communities In Schools network of state offices and local affiliates. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Develop and execute communications strategies to ensure message alignment and facilitate communication throughout the Communities In Schools network of state offices and local affiliates. • Proactively create opportunities to increase the CIS network of state offices’ and local affiliates’ understanding of an effective internal communications strategy. Create agreement among constituents about the procedures and goals related to the communications plan, and facilitate processes in support of it. • Build and foster collaborative relationships with the CIS Communications Leadership Team, hosting meetings and facilitating two-way communication between the national office and several of the organization’s high-performing affiliates in order to improve the effectiveness of internal communications. • Oversee the coordination and ongoing development of various internal communication vehicles and tools, especially the organization’s intranet. • Oversee media relations efforts that must be coordinated with multiple CIS offices across the country. • Provide communication expertise and counsel to senior staff and executives. • Periodically contribute articles to CIS national publications, such as the quarterly newsletter and annual report, in addition to producing a monthly online publication for internal use by the CIS network. • Provide support for print coordination and publication production as required. • Act as the primary point of contact with the Communities in Schools network of 200 affiliates, providing background information, resources, counsel and support for media relations, branding, message development and the development of collateral material. This is an essential position and the employee is domiciled in the Arlington office. This position is exempt from telecommuting status unless otherwise determined necessary. The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position, but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload. Other duties may be assigned by the Vice President, Communications as required. QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university with a concentration in journalism, public relations, English or a related field. A minimum of 7-10 years of experience in public relations or corporate communications. A minimum of 4-6 years of experience managing others or functioning as a senior level project manager preferred. LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS Ability to read, analyze, and interpret financial reports, general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to express ideas concisely and clearly both orally and in writing. COGNITIVE REASONING ABILITY Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of instructions and deal with abstract and concrete variables. PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 5 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus. TRAVEL A minimum of three trips to CIS State Director’s Meetings; other travel for media events, focus groups, etc. as needed. Regular and satisfactory attendance and punctuality are required. TO APPLY To apply, send a letter of interest, resume and salary history to jobs@cisnet.org. Compensation will be market based, corresponding to the experience level, credentials and personal characteristics of the candidate.