Director, Communications & Engagement

ORGANIZATION: The Texas Trees (Texas Trees) serves as a catalyst in creating a new green legacy for North Texas through transformational, research-based plans that educate and mobilize the public to activate the social, economic, environmental, and health benefits that trees and urban forestry provide for a better quality of life.

POSITION OVERVIEW: Reporting to the Chief Strategy and Operations Officer (CSOO), the Director of Communications & Engagement is a senior leader responsible for shaping and directing all of Texas Trees’ external communications across channels and audiences.  

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES

• Manage and steward Texas Trees’ brand identity and positioning – internally and externally.
• Develops messaging for use with variety of external audiences including donors, corporate partners, public officials, community partners, and volunteers. o       Ensure all communications are aligned across key target audiences and in service of larger organizational goals.
  • Through experience, engage diverse audiences with a high degree of cultural competency.
• Lead Texas Trees’ external communications, including website/newsletter/social, media relations, and community engagement. Writes and edits all written and electronic promotional materials of significance (graphic design is separate; however, skills in Adobe Photoshop a plus), including:
  • News releases and FAQ/fact sheets o General promotional collateral materials o   Special event collateral o Content/updates for website o           Social media strategy and creation over all social media channels o             Newsletters, email blasts, and other direct communications o    Annual report content/production
• Act as in-house media contact for press inquiries and facilitate and/or conduct annual training for staff members on how to effectively engage the press.
• Develop and implement a Strategic Marketing/Communications Plan and Annual Marketing/Communications Plans, working closely with the CEO and CSOO and external consultant(s).
• Lead the Communication and Engagement team of 3-4, including staff development, budgeting, and contracts.
  • Oversee Asst. Mgr., Community Engagement manager, codeveloping community engagement strategy and ensuring execution of the Strategy. o Oversee Development Manager & Coordinator, providing day-to-day oversight of fundraising activities shaped primarily by the CEO and Development team.
  • Recruit, train, and oversee a Marketing Coordinator to implement the Annual Communications Plan.
  • Provide mentoring and coaching to support performance and professional development on team.
  • Manage, track and report on department budget and performance measures.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Minimum 7-9 years direct experience in non-profit communications and marketing; development/fundraising communications and public policy experience a plus
• Direct experience in messaging, content creation, communications strategies and overseeing design (Adobe Photoshop experience not required, but a plus)
• Attention to detail and exceptional writing/proofreading skills
• Experience using an integrated, multi-channel approach including social media, SEO, events, direct mail, PR, and marketing. Demonstrated mastery of social platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
• Computer: Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.). Ability to become proficient in Asana (project management software). Demonstrated proficiency or ability to obtain proficiency within a year with platforms such as Google Analytics, Google AdWords, and other digital analytics software
• Budgeting: Experience formulating budgets and monitoring spending levels on a monthly basis.
• Project Management: Demonstrated exemplary program and project management skills.

ESSENTIAL QUALITIES

You will succeed at this role if:

• You are passionate about the mission of Texas Trees Foundation and the causes of nature, community, and health.
• You are a persuasive and self-aware communicator
• You have a thorough understanding of communications and marketing best practices
• You bring a collaborative approach to internal team management, cross-program collaboration, and external partnerships.
• You are welcoming, engaging, and respectful in external and community relations.
• You are committed to service and to achieving Texas Trees’ program goals.

Work Hours/Compensation: This is a full-time position, which provides competitive pay commensurate with experience; 75% health insurance coverage; vacation; and a supportive and engaging work environment with opportunities for professional development. Flexible schedule.