Senior Director, Communications and Spokesperson

Summary

Description

UnidosUS
Senior Director, Communications and Spokesperson
Location: Washington, DC (hybrid)
Compensation: $149,000 – $166,500

ABOUT UNIDOSUS

UnidosUS, previously known as NCLR (National Council of La Raza), is the nation’s largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization. Through its unique combination of expert research, advocacy, programs, and an Affiliate Network of nearly 300 community-based organizations across the United States and Puerto Rico, UnidosUS simultaneously challenges the social, economic, and political barriers that affect Latinos at the national and local levels. For more than 55 years, UnidosUS has united communities and different groups seeking common ground through collaboration and that share a desire to make our community stronger. For more information on UnidosUS, visit www.unidosus.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

POSITION SUMMARY

UnidosUS seeks a Senior Director, Communications and Spokesperson, to develop and oversee the organization’s day-to-day communication efforts across platforms. This leader will be responsible for the daily execution of UnidosUS’ communication strategy, focused on crafting timely and compelling communications to navigate the political and media landscapes effectively.

Reporting to the Vice President, Communications and Marketing (VP) and overseeing the media relations, social media, and executive communications teams, the Senior Director will oversee the creation and dissemination of daily content, manage real-time media engagement, and help develop robust, rapid response capabilities to effectively address emerging issues and opportunities to advance UnidosUS’ mission, enhance organizational brand reputation, and drive engagement with key stakeholders.

The Senior Director also serves as a primary spokesperson for UnidosUS, and oversees the three teams to ensure daily consistent and compelling messaging across all media platforms. They will help plan and execute strategies to reach national, statewide, and local Latino and general audiences and assist in managing external communications with press, surrogates and Unidos affiliates to ensure accurate and consistent representation of the organization’s work. The Senior Director will work to elevate the Latino perspective in the public dialogue during high-stakes media moments in service of the organization’s strategy to grow the wealth, health, and power of the Latino community. 

The Senior Director combines excellence in  communications and team leadership with the willingness to contribute individually as needed across projects. This position requires a deep understanding of the Latino community, the current political landscape, and best practices in political and rapid response communications and media relations. Additionally, this leader will demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively across departments.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Strategic Communications and Messaging: 

• Manage and execute daily external communications, public and media relations, and messaging strategies for UnidosUS to support the organization’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities.
• Develop, refine, and execute key messaging strategies across the Media Relations, Social Media, and Executive Communications teams, in partnership with the VP, that elevate UnidosUS’ brand with national and local Hispanic, general market audiences, and other key stakeholders and Affiliates to align with the organization's strategic goals.
• Oversee the development of key communication materials, including press releases, talking points, speeches, social media content, and other messaging tools.
• Engage with communications staff to gather and effectively translate program information into compelling messaging.
• Collaborate with the VP and relevant teams to help coordinate communications with UnidosUS Affiliates and stakeholders and to ensure consistent messaging across platforms.

Communications & Rapid Response:

• In collaboration with the VP, help lead UnidosUS rapid response activities across functions, including message development, content creation, and implementation through UnidosUS communications channels.
• Develop and maintain a robust, rapid response plan to address emerging issues, crises, and  press promptly and effectively.
• Serve as a key spokesperson during crisis situations, ensuring clear, consistent, and accurate communication.
• Proactively monitor traditional media and social media, with the relevant teams, for potential issues and develop proactive communication strategies to mitigate risks.

Media Relations & Spokesperson:

• Serve as a primary spokesperson for the organization, responsible for delivering statements and responding to media inquiries, both print and on-camera, in coordination with the VP.
• Oversee the team's ongoing efforts which include cultivating relationships with journalists, pitching stories, and responding to media inquiries.
• Represent UnidosUS externally to ensure the Latino perspective is inserted into the media and public dialogue when there is breaking news, current affairs, or crises related or adjacent to UnidosUS strategy and priorities.
• Demonstrate deep familiarity with UnidosUS’ goals, programs, and impact areas and convey them compellingly and clearly.

Team Leadership:

• Manage, mentor, and provide strategic support to the leads for media relations, social media, and executive communications teams, creating opportunities for staff growth and development.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability aligned with UnidosUS’ strategic priorities, mission, and audiences.
• Strengthen team structure, processes, and skills to support the organization’s communications needs, ensuring the team has the tools and training needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Minimum of 8 years of relevant strategic communications, public relations, media relations, and/or journalism experience at an issue-based, advocacy, social justice organization or in government.
• Strong experience executing media campaigns across various channels – print, broadcast, and social – as well as the national and local general market and Hispanic media.
• Experience serving as a spokesperson on camera and in print with local and national Hispanic and general market media, and familiarity with media interview best practices.
• Deep understanding of the national political landscape and a clear understanding of policy implications for the Latino community.
• Significant experience developing political, advocacy, and policy-related communications, including rapid response management.
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful communications strategies that achieve organizational goals.
• Experience translating complex policy issues into distilled and digestible messaging for media and other audiences.
• Experience working successfully within a fast-paced environment.
• A steadfast commitment to the UnidosUS mission, vision, and values (Excellence, Respect, and Accountability).
• Familiarity with the U.S. Hispanic community, Hispanic nonprofit organizations, and the Hispanic market and consumer.

Skills and Abilities 

• Full professional fluency in Spanish and English and exceptional public speaking and presentation skills in both languages.
• Proven ability to shape overarching vision and strategic direction while also effectively managing and contributing to day-to-day execution as needed. 
• Proven ability to implement media relations, social media, executive communication, and rapid response strategies, and a strong understanding of communications trends and best practices in these areas.
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills, with the proven ability to build, motivate, and mentor a highly dedicated team.
• Strong executive presence and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to build authentic, trust-based relationships across functions and with peers, colleagues, and direct reports.
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with an ability to deliver high-quality writing under tight deadlines.
• Proficient in project management software tools, ideally Monday.com and Microsoft 365 Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, One Note, Teams SharePoint).
• Ability to work off-hours and/or weekends, as required.

Competencies 

• Strategic Thinking—Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; Analyzes market and competition; Identifies external threats and opportunities; Adapts strategy to changing conditions.
• Leadership—Exhibits confidence in self and others; inspires and motivates others to perform well; effectively influences actions and opinions of others; accepts feedback from others; and gives appropriate recognition to others.
• Teamwork—Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Interpersonal Skills—Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Oral Communication—Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Written Communication—Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Judgment—Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision- making process; Makes timely decisions.
• Professionalism—Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Adaptability—Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.

HOW TO APPLY

UnidosUs has retained the executive search firm LeaderFit to manage this search. Interested candidates should upload a resume and a cover letter here.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Employment with UnidosUS is contingent upon the successful completion of a background screen.

If you require reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process, please contact steyssier@leaderfit.org.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, marital status, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, personal appearance, family responsibilities, political affiliation, or enrollment in a college, university, technical school, or adult education.

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