Position Description
 
Position Title: Associate Director of Storytelling and Communications
Location: Remote (Based in the United States)
Reports to: Director of Communications and Storytelling
Status: Full-time, Exempt
 
Position Summary
Reporting to the Director of Communications and Storytelling, the Associate Director of Storytelling and Communications will play a crucial role in supporting IllumiNative’s strategic communications and storytelling initiatives. This role involves collaborating closely with the Director to implement and manage communications projects across multiple platforms, including digital, print, and multimedia that support organizational initiatives and areas of focus. The Associate Director of Storytelling and Communications will also contribute to developing IllumiNative’s narrative change strategies, enhancing the organization’s brand voice and presence, and promoting its mission through compelling storytelling.  

As a key contributor to the Narrative, Power, and Impact team, the Associate Director will work closely with the Creative Team, outside consultants, and across the organization to ensure that all communications are aligned with IllumiNative’s tone, voice, and strategic objectives. The Associate Director directly oversees the Social Media Manager, guiding IllumiNative’s social strategy and execution in support of organizational initiatives, including ongoing content pillars, campaign specific messaging, and events.

This position offers the opportunity to engage in a range of activities from content creation and media monitoring to supporting rapid response communications and managing critical aspects of the organization's communications plan.

Organization Summary
IllumiNative is a national, Native woman-led racial and social justice organization. Our mission is to build power for Native peoples by amplifying contemporary Native voices, stories, and issues to advance justice, equity, and self-determination. We utilize research, narrative and culture change strategies, movement-building, and digital organizing to dismantle white supremacy and mobilize public support for Native issues. To learn more about our work, visit www.illuminatives.org.

​​Reporting Relationships:
The Associate Director of Storytelling and Communications reports to the Director of Storytelling and Communications. The Associate Director of Storytelling and Communications supervises the Social Media Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and executing comprehensive communication strategies for IllumiNative’s owned channels including the website, newsletter and social media to keep them current and engaging. 
• In coordination with the Director of Communications, gather and monitor national press and social channels for information impacting Native communities and assist in identifying trends relevant to IllumiNative’s mission and advancing narratives authored by and for Native peoples. 
• Internalize and guard the organization’s voice and tone to ensure consistency across IllumiNative’s communications.
• Support the leadership with communication needs, including developing presentations, talking points, and speeches.
• Help draft and disseminate external communication materials such as press releases, opinion pieces, and talking points; and copy for social media, the website, podcast and longform and short form storytelling formats. 
• Writing, proofing, and editing for IllumiNative print and online content for a variety of strategic audiences, prospective and current donors, and external constituents.
• Set the strategy for the quarterly social media calendar and develop and oversee social media community management and engagement policies and practices.
• Provide regular updates to the Director on team achievements, challenges, and ideas to enhance efficiency and impact.
• Serve as day-to-day manager to the Social Media Manager and Story Producer, including monitoring their performance, organizational and individual performance goals, and providing coaching and ideas for improvement when necessary.
• Assist in managing the performance and development of the Storytelling and Communications team, including setting goals, conducting evaluations, and offering professional development guidance.
• Represent IllumiNative at events and in various forums as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Director of Communications and Storytelling.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in communications, media, or a related area, with at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Deep understanding and commitment to social justice, Native peoples, and digital organizing preferred.
• Experience working with teams and in building consensus, optimism, and confidence in the face of significant external challenges and pressures.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement communications strategies that effectively convey an organization’s mission and impact.
• Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with digital media, content management systems, and social media strategy.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Proficiency in multimedia content development.
• Experience in leading campaigns and projects in a remote setting.
• Ability to build strong interpersonal and partnership relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate with internal as well as external partners and other organizations.
• Commitment to producing quality work against competing deadlines and strategic objectives.
• Integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed with demonstrated passion for IllumiNative’s mission and commitment to working collaboratively with a management team of senior professionals.
• A team player, who can interrelate and operate effectively with peers and other associates within a collegial, yet demanding, work environment.
• Excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Self-reliant, good problem solver, solutions oriented.
• Openness to embracing a flexible and unique schedule, with some availability during nights and weekends for timely responses when needed.
• Ability to make decisions in a changing environment and anticipate future needs.

All employees of IllumiNative are required to complete timesheets.

How to Apply
Please use the JazzHR portal to send a resume, cover letter, and references:
https://illuminative.applytojob.com/apply/6pbwp9GeiI/Associate-Director-Of-Storytelling-And-Communications

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary range:  $83,000-$88,000
 
Benefits:
Comprehensive benefits package that includes 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance, 3% automatic employer 401k contribution and 3% employer match on 401k contributions, 17 paid holidays, generous paid time off and volunteer time, employer-funded HRA, flexible spending accounts, $200.00 cell phone replacement stipend every 2 years, up to $75.00 monthly cell phone bill reimbursement, and a $75.00 monthly fitness benefit.

Hiring Statement
IllumiNative is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining exceptional people, and to creating a work environment that is dynamic, and rewarding and enables each of us to realize our potential. IllumiNative’s work environment is safe and open to all employees and partners, respecting the full spectrum of race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other classifications protected by law in the locality and/or state in which you are working.

COVID-19 Policy
To center the safety and well-being of its employees, IllumiNative requires that any employee who is required to conduct in-person activities for their job must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 within four weeks of their start date.  This position may require candidates to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.  Accommodations may be sought and approved in accordance with the law by contacting human resources at hr@illuminatives.org.