Communications Manager

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

About if, A Foundation for Radical Possibility

if, A Foundation for Radical Possibility envisions Black people and people of the global majority living powerfully, abundantly, and beautifully in healthy, self-determined communities free of social, economic, and ideological violence.

We achieve our vision by centering the leadership and expertise of Black people and people of the global majority in the Washington, DC region who live at the sharpest intersection of systems of oppression, in particular race, class and gender identity.

We carry out our work by adhering to the following values:

„ We believe that truth-telling is a part of healing and that acknowledging past and current racial atrocities is integral to justice.

„ We build trusting authentic relationships with communities, partners, and colleagues where knowledge, power and resources are shared equitably.

„ We are committed to innovation and risk-taking and embrace bold ideas that disrupt the status quo.

„ We stand firmly with communities that have been most harmed by systems of oppression and support their ability to exercise power.

„ We prioritize radical learning and share lessons to make way for progress and effective action.

„ We acknowledge the inconsistencies and contradictions inherent in the philanthropic enterprise and aim to model the vision we believe is possible by ensuring that our own policies, practices, and operations are transformative and reflect the values we hold.

Position Overview

We are seeking a candidate to serve as the Communications Manager of the foundation. The Communications Manager will design and implement if’s overall communications goal of attracting and engaging new and existing partners to advance our strategic plan and financial strategy. This entails: 1) building brand awareness in organized philanthropy and individual donor circles and demonstrating our role in the nonprofit ecosystem;2) nurturing an engaged community of community members, financial partners, and social media followers who are advocates for if’s approach to racial justice; and 3) increasing knowledge of community member and grantee partner stories, our theory of change and our programmatic work.

Ideal candidates will demonstrate a commitment to the vision, mission, and values of the foundation, and to community centered transformation; and will have demonstrated expertise in building and managing a comprehensive communications strategy. The Communications Manager will report directly to one of the co-CEOs and supervise the Foundation’s Visual and Engagement Strategist.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

„ Develop a modern communications framework and set of strategies that align with the Foundation’s 10-year strategic plan and financial strategy, and lead the implementation of the foundation’s communications strategies;

„ Supervise the Visual and Engagement Strategist and take an active role in their professional development through training to enhance their contribution to the Foundation’s mission.

„ Produce an annual editorial calendar to implement the Foundation’s strategic communications;

„ Participate in program team meetings and identify opportunities to share lessons and elevate the voices of staff members and community members with lived experience;

„ Work with internal colleagues and external partners to identify existing content and generate original content that supports the goals of the strategic communications plan;

„ Collaborate with the Foundation’s fundraising and development team to ensure that communications strategies advance if’s financial strategy.

„ Serve as editor and content manager of the Foundation’s website, ensuring that content is updated regularly according to the editorial calendar and that all information remains accurate and up to date;

„ Develop easy-to-use tools that will allow others to engage with the Foundation and make requests for consulting/coaching, technical assistance, grant consideration, capacity building etc.;

„ Supervise the management of the Foundation’s social media work across all platforms, and leverage social media outlets for furthering if’s thought leadership; compose and schedule regular updates on behalf of the Foundation, engage with social media audiences, and train and support other staff in their use of social media; monitor and review new and changing social media platforms and make recommendations on their use;

„ Manage media relations in collaboration with the Co-CEOs, including responding to incoming media calls, publishing press releases, and cultivating relationships with media representatives;

„ Ensure that if’s digital library of images and videos is up to date and well organized or archived, as appropriate; work with grantees, staff, photographers, designers, and videographers to expand available images and content resources;

„ Maintain organizational brand and identity standards across multiple platforms;

„ Ensure digital and online security as we engage controversial issues that might attract hate groups and others with strong opposing opinions;

„ Develop and track relevant communications metrics to determine the effectiveness of if’s communications strategies;

„ Manage freelance photographers, designers, writers and other consultants supporting the communications efforts of the Foundation; and

„ Provide research, writing, and editorial assistance to the staff, as needed.

Demonstrated Skills and Qualifications

„ Minimum 3-5 years of relevant work experience in communications, journalism or public relations;

„ Ability to think critically, innovatively, and across disciplines to develop the communications framework and overall strategy for the Foundation;

„ Technological bravery and competence;

„ Proficiency in social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram) and willingness to learn new applications.

„ Proficient with a graphic design platform (i.e., Canva, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, CorelDraw, etc.).

„ Creative, forward-thinking and willing to challenge traditional communications norms;

„ Committed to racial justice and the Foundation’s vision, mission, values and strategic goal areas, in particular the facilitation of platforms for community members with lived experience to tell their own truths;

„ Willingness to engage in self-reflection around tensions inherent in the philanthropic enterprise;

„ Excellent and effective communication skills, both written and oral;

„ Strong organizational skills, with attention to the details necessary for successful implementation of communications activities;

„ Self-disciplined, self-starting style, accustomed to minimum supervision;

„ Flexible and able to handle a range of tasks and responsibilities in a remote work environment; and

„ Strong interpersonal skills, including proven ability to work with a diverse group of people and as part of a team.

Compensation

„ Salary range for this position is $90,000 - $105,000; final salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

„ Position is a full-time, exempt position.

„ Benefits included: Health, dental and vision insurance, paid time off, holiday pay, retirement plan (including matching contributions), and disability and life insurance.

Application Process

„ Resumes (including a cover letter) should be emailed to hr@iffdn.org no later than

February 28, 2023.

„ Please direct any questions regarding the position or application to hr@iffdn.org.

if is an Equal Opportunity Employer and firmly supports the principal and philosophy of equal opportunity for all individuals, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category pursuant to applicable federal, state, or local law.