Director of Communications
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force builds the power of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community from the ground up. The Task Force is the country’s premier social justice organization fighting to improve the lives of LGBT people, and working to create positive, lasting change and opportunity for all.
Director of Communications
Position Location: Washington, D.C.
Reports to: Executive Director
Position Summary
The Director of Communications is responsible for ensuring a robust and dynamic public presence for the Task Force’s work through print, video, online and on screen communications. This position oversees the organization’s communications staff and activities. This position must respond quickly and with good judgment in a fast-paced environment. As a confidential employee, this position is exempt from the union bargaining unit.
Responsibilities
- Oversee the proactive and responsive communication of Task Force policies and positions to media, constituents and other audiences;
- Develop and implement an annual strategic communications plan;
- Develop and implement proactive, comprehensive media campaigns;
- Direct media outlets to appropriate Task Force spokespeople, respond to media inquiries and fulfill requests for information;
- Write/distribute press releases, press kits and other news materials;
- Cultivate relationships with media to ensure Task Force coverage;
- Conduct press conferences and other media activities as needed;
- Supervise communications department staff;
- Develop and oversee Communications Department budget;
- Develop and oversee Task Force archive of audio, video, and press clips, and photographs;
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- A minimum of 4 years in a senior level communications position;
- A proven record in the creation and implementation of a proactive communications plan;
- A proven record in developing and implementing comprehensive media and online campaigns;
- Possess substantive relationships with media including reporters, editors, bloggers and producers covering LGBT and progressive issues;
- Ability to clearly and quickly articulate complex political issues for a range of audiences;
- Proven record in managing staff;
- Excellent writing, proofreading, editing, verbal and interpersonal skills;
- Experience directing and understanding of, the value of social media in communicating to various audiences;
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects effectively under deadline;
- Must be exceptionally organized and detail-oriented, able to manage multiple tasks and work independently with consistent follow through;
- Ability to maintain the highest degree of professionalism when working with others—both internal and external to the organization; and
- Experience working in a multi-cultural environment where commitment to diversity based on race, ethnic origin, gender, age, physical ability, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression is an important institutional value; and ability to work cross-department to implement activities;
Applications
Salary commensurate with experience plus excellent benefits. Please submit a cover letter, resume and three writing samples related to your experience with the above responsibilities and describing your interest in being a member of the Task Force staff. If possible, please submit the names and affiliations of three references. We will accept applications via email for this position at hr@theTaskForce.org; please write "Director of Communications” in the subject line. No phone calls, please.
Or, submit a hard copy cover letter and resume to:
Human Resources Department
Attn: Director of Communications
1325 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Suite 600
Washington, DC 20005
The Task Force is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, personal appearance, family responsibility, political affiliation or any other status protected by applicable law. Women, transgender people, veterans and people of color are encouraged to apply.
