Narrative Communications Lead Job In Quebec

Job Description

Link to Position Description and Application Portal: https://invest-stl.prismhr-hire.com/job/835692/narrative-communications-lead

Invest STL is expanding its team and investing in hiring its first Communications Lead. The position focuses on communications strategy, media strategy and relations, and evolving Invest STL’s communications function. This role is responsible for managing all communications activities, building and elevating external relationships with various stakeholders (Board, staff, partners), and leveraging assets to build the organization’s visibility and resources.

Applications will be accepted through September 15, 2024.

Background

Invest STL facilitates investment in the power of people and their neighborhoods to create communities of justice and opportunity in places that continue to endure the legacy of systemic anti-Black racism. We seek to do this by generating trust-based, community-driven, neighborhood-based investments; investing in the regional community and economic development system; influencing policies and decision-making that advance equitable development; and reframing prevailing narratives in our region about predominantly Black neighborhoods and the people, power, challenges and dreams that they hold.

The Narrative + Communications Lead will play a key leadership role on the team and will be responsible for expanding and leading all aspects of Invest STL’s communication strategy and developing and implementing an integrated communications plan focused on promoting and advancing the organization’s mission. This role will supervise two full-time team members.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an integrated strategic communications plan to advance Invest STL’s brand identity and visibility within key channels; broaden awareness of its initiatives and priorities.
• Lead Invest STL’s overall narrative strategy using primarily owned and earned media, placing a key emphasis on social media.
• Advise and support Invest STL Leadership in topics related to communications and marketing, including identifying proactive solutions to any internal or external communications opportunities.
• Oversee and support the development of all Invest STL print and digital communications including the annual report, marketing collateral materials and electronic communications including Invest STL’s website and new media; manage relationships with associated vendors.
• Maintain brand and messaging consistency, advancement of brand awareness, and visibility efforts in the field and across platforms and various mediums.
• Regularly measure and communicate performance of communications plans and initiatives with particular attention to metrics that drive awareness, engagement and financial support.
• Develop and implement a public relations strategy that will allow Invest STL Leadership to cultivate and enhance meaningful relationships with specific high-level external audiences, including the media, donors, and ecosystem actors and influencers.
• Actively engage, cultivate and manage press relationships to ensure coverage surrounding Invest STL initiatives, special events, public announcements, and partner efforts.
• Serve as lead coordinator on media interactions that help promote and/or impact the organization.
• Exercise judgment to prioritize media opportunities, and shape talking points, presentations, and other supporting material as needed.
• Leverage partner relationships and events to create opportunities for earned media, campaigns, and promotions at our partners’ requests.
• Lead the communications team to support the development and implementation of the communications strategy.
• Promote a culture of intention, creativity, and excellence rooted in learning and iterating for growth.
• Mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach on a consistent basis.
• Oversee the day-to-day activities of the communications function including planning, editorial calendar, and staff development.
• Be available for occasional night and weekend events.
• Contribute to building out the culture of Invest STL in collaboration with the team.
• Serve as a thought partner by informing and contributing to Invest STL’s evolving ways of working and commitment to embracing our guiding principles – and calling us in when intent and impact are not aligned.
• Carry out special projects as organizational needs and individual interest/expertise align.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will possess the following experience and characteristics:

• 5+ years’ experience of strategic communications experience (which may include journalism, communications within the non-profit, social enterprise or agency setting), including 2+ years in a leadership role.
• 3+ years experience successfully shaping and navigating messaging and communication in support of complex policy, social, and people-centered campaigns or narratives.
• 3+ years of experience implementing successful external multi-media campaigns, particularly within the digital environment.
• Proven track record of creating / implementing strong media relations programs – identifying and securing opportunities to increase organizational visibility.
• Excellent written and verbal communications experience.
• Creative and thoughtful on how new media technologies can be used to increase organizational visibility, coalition building, and financial support.
• Experience as both an effective strategic and innovative thinker while being able to translate strategy into actionable plans and output.
• Experience building, mentoring, and coaching a communications team; ability to influence and engage direct and indirect reports and peers.

Additionally, we are seeking out candidates that are competent in and have the mindset for:

• Fulfilling Invest STL’s mission and vision for the St. Louis region.
• Being a proactive and resourceful problem solver and motivated vs. halted by complexity in systems, relationships, and work products.
• Building relationships with humility, leading with a listening and learning posture, and operating with discretion.
• Engaging productively and with grace in a team environment.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this full-time position is $85,000 – 98,000. The starting salary range is $85,000 – 96,700. To support pay equity, the starting salary will be our highest and best offer based on experience, qualifications, and record of achievement without negotiations. Medical, dental, vision, unlimited PTO, 401k, an individual professional development budget, and additional benefits are part of the total compensation package.

Team Culture

We are a small team growing from startup to stand out. We do our best, and sometimes we fall short. We aim to be thoughtful and courageous in our work. We relish a work environment that inspires and supports us to grow personally and professionally. We understand that our work, which we are deeply committed to, is but one component of our multifaceted lives.

We maintain a hybrid work schedule, operating from our office, homes, and elsewhere as the work permits. We meet as a full team in person on Thursdays. We are a highly collaborative team. Our culture is best suited for team members who are able to receive direction on work scope and expectations, then enjoy having the space to design, manage, and be accountable for their own approach to meeting expectations within an agreed upon timeline. We use Trello, Google Workspace, Outlook, and Teams to manage workflows and progress towards quarterly and annual work plans.

Application and Additional Information

Please submit:

• A resume or statement of qualifications.
• 3 samples, including one writing sample, to showcase different aspects of your work and experience.

We will evaluate candidates in three rounds from September 16 – October 11 with the most aligned candidates for our needs progressing each round. An initial anonymized review of all applications will occur, followed by two rounds of interviews. We anticipate our new team member to start on, or near, November 4th.

In alignment with Invest STL’s intent on building the capacity and strength of partnering organizations, Invest STL will not recruit personnel from organizations that are active partners or recipients of funding from Invest STL. Exceptions to this principle, though rare, may be individually considered.

Invest STL prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to team members and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Invest STL conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations. Invest STL prioritizes diversity in many forms in the workplace and celebrates it in our community.