Senior Director, Communications

Overview

Emerson Collective blends philanthropy and targeted investments to generate and sustain groundbreaking initiatives. Our partners range from artists to scientists, educators to technologists across the United States and around the world.  We have a community of change-makers, diverse and disparate in backgrounds with a core belief that we should not accept the world as it is.

As with the whole of Emerson Collective, what matters most is that we work with people who are not only the very best at what they do, but also the kindest.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Communications Director to serve as the deputy to the Managing Director, Communications & Campaigns and play a pivotal role in envisioning and executing the strategic communications plan, managing day-to-day media relations, and collaborating with teams and external partners to effectively spotlight leaders, solutions, and programs that create lasting change. From time to time, this person will assist on crisis communications and reputation management. The ideal candidate will bring a wealth of experience in communications, a proven track record of successful media engagement, and the ability to contribute to overall organizational strategy.

This role reports to the MD, Communications & Campaigns and is based in Washington DC.

Role and Responsibilities

• Contribute to the creation and execution of Emerson Collective's strategic communications plan, aligning communications efforts with organizational goals.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all incoming media relations requests, ensuring timely and effective responses.
• Proactively develop and pitch compelling stories to enhance Emerson Collective's visibility, mission, and impact in the media landscape.
• Work closely with MDs to ensure that communications strategies are aligned and integrated into broader organizational initiatives.
• Develop and implement crisis communication plans to address potential issues swiftly and manage the organization's reputation effectively.
• Collaborate with the MD to create mini communications plans for selected leadership and key partners, ensuring consistent and impactful messaging.
• Provide strategic communications guidance to leaders and partners to enhance their public presence and support organizational goals.
• Manage internal communications in close collaboration with the MD, Communications Directors, Writer, Social Media Director, Brand Creative Studio, and other teams.
• Ensure consistent messaging and alignment across internal and external communications efforts.

Qualifications, Skills, and Requirements

• 10 years’ proven experience in strategic communications, media relations, and crisis communication at a mission-driven organization, on a campaign, in government, or at a social impact agency.
• Proven ability to develop and execute successful communications plans in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an eye for detail and accuracy.
• Deep understanding of a variety of issues and communications and a passion for following current events, advocacy, politics, societal conversation, and trends.
• Proven ability to act with utmost discretion, confidentiality, and diplomacy.
• Ability to juggle multiple projects and deadlines, manage competing projects and urgent deliverables in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Comfort working in an ambiguous environment with many different stakeholders and partners.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Alignment with EC’s mission and passion for social impact.