Director of Communications

Description

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 The Director of Communications is a highly responsible executive position that promotes Anthem’s overall image, brand, communications goals, initiatives, customer service, special events, programs, and services, and ensures that all areas of communications and public affairs are strategically aligned with organizational priorities, programs, and action plans.  The Director of Communications reports to the Executive Director and has regular interaction with the ACC Board, committees, department heads, HOA managers, government and community partners, the news media, and Anthem residents.  Of critical importance is the Director of Communications’ capacity to bring a positive, collaborative, and solution-oriented leadership style to the Communications Department and organization, and to protect the credibility and public trust the ACC depends on.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS  

• Serves on the executive leadership team and works closely with the Executive Director to define and accomplish strategic communications goals and objectives; drafts and presents Board reports, memos, and presentations to the Board of Directors, committees, and the community. 
• Supervises the communications, customer service, and special events staff. 
• Hires, coaches, and develops staff; manages performance and builds a creative, responsive team that delivers consistent, high-quality communications and events. 
• Directs resident and internal communications, including digital and print communications, social media, marketing and promotion, graphic design and print services, and community and vendor relations; provides communications and marketing support to other ACC departments. 
• Ensures that all forms of communications are coordinated, timely, accurate, and “on message” in order to ensure credibility, public trust, and the best interests of the ACC and Anthem; reviews and approves digital and print materials, website content, and signage for all ACC departments. 
• Serves as the primary ACC spokesperson and point of contact with news media, government officials and agencies, community and civic leaders, and other stakeholders, and as liaison with Anthem’s HOA managers on communications to their residents, in coordination with the Executive Director. 
• Leads crisis and emergency communications, in coordination with the Executive Director. 
• Oversees customer service operations at the Civic Building, including front desk and business support services, and ensures a high level of service to residents, tenants, and visitors. 
• Oversees special events production and marketing, including large-scale ACC events and third-party events held in Anthem. 
• Oversees the Anthem Veterans Memorial, including paver brick sales, donations, grant acquisition, marketing, and ACC or AWF ceremonies and other activities at the memorial. 
• Oversees the activities, marketing, and fundraising of the Anthem Way Foundation (AWF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, including the annual Jim Martin STEM College Scholarship and Anthem Veterans Service Award. 
• Prepares, manages, and evaluates department and program budgets and resources; consults with other directors regarding common budget items; and collaborates with the executive leadership team. 
• Researches, creates, and enforces process improvements and policies including, but not limited to, media relations, website standards, crisis communications, social media, video/photography, department procedures, special events requirements, and customer service operations. 
• Performs other duties and special projects as assigned by the Executive Director.  

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS  

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred. 
• Experience: Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible and diverse experience in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Customer Service Operations, Event Management, or a related field, including leading and supervising multiple functions and employees. 
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Exceptional writing and editing skills, with proven experience in press releases, proofreading, script writing, digital marketing content, and other public-facing communications; strong time management skills and awareness of details; the ability to create presentations and summary documents and present them comfortably to the Board of Directors and the community; an understanding of customer service expectations and the basic operations of a master-planned community; event planning, including production, marketing and promotions, and vendor and sponsor sales; grant writing for a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization; and knowledge of military and veteran protocol as it pertains to the Anthem Veterans Memorial. 
• Computer Skills: Proficiency in the Microsoft 365 Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and website design software; knowledge of email distribution and CRM software, photography, and videography a plus. 
• Must possess a valid AZ Driver’s License. 
• Must have a high level of initiative to manage multiple priorities, facilitate positive outcomes, and engender the trust and confidence of employees, the Board, and the community.  Must be a strategic thinker who can assess complex issues and chart a course forward while consistently exercising good judgment.  Self-awareness, the willingness to take ownership when things do not go as planned, and the courage to face difficult issues and decisions are essential.  Must always be a consummate professional and positive representative of the organization and community.  A genuine desire to help staff grow professionally and feel empowered and appreciated is essential. 
• Above all, the Director must always lead by example and model the Anthem Way Values, with a leadership style that is open, encouraging and collaborative. 

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Must be able to operate a computer, printer, phone, and other routine office equipment. 
• Ability to see well enough to read faint or partially obscured writing or printing.  
• Must be able to speak, read and write English so that various types of communication may be conducted with people of various levels of education and capabilities both in-person and over the phone. 
• Must be able to sit for extended periods, and to stand, walk, reach, bend, and stoop as needed for office work, meetings, and community events. 
• Position requires the ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds. 
• Must be able to transport oneself around the office, community, facilities, and grounds as needed. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT  

• Must be able to work efficiently on more than one assignment at a time with frequent interruptions, changes, and delays. 
• Must remain alert to working conditions and safety, health, and environmental concerns. 
• Must be able to work effectively with a positive attitude and demeanor in an environment which may be stressful due to the nature of the position.  
• The position will primarily be working indoors in a controlled climate but may include working in an outdoor setting throughout the year. 

HOURS/WORK LOCATION  

Official hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Must also be available to be flexible and work additional hours to ensure proper execution of job responsibilities including attending Board of Directors meetings, committee meetings, external meetings, special events, and non-traditional hours handling priority or emergency communications.  Special events require regular evening, weekend, and holiday work.