Director of Communications

Schedule: Full Time (exempt), benefits eligible!
Pay: $50000 - $77000 / yr

Benefits - Approximate full-time benefits package value = $24,000:

• Low-cost medical, dental, and vision coverage. Health savings account. 403b retirement plan with employer match (50% match up to 3%).
• Employee Assistance Program for all employees
• 33 paid days off: 11 observed paid holidays, 12 sick days, and 10 vacation days to start. Vacation increases to 12 days after 1 year, 15 days after 2 years, and more at 5 and 9 years of service.
  • Sick and vacation time accrue hourly per pay period.
• $50,000 in employer-paid life insurance; additional coverage available.
• $1,200 annual employer contribution to your Health Savings Account (paid quarterly).
• Employee Referral Program including cash bonuses and paid time off.

Volunteers of America, Utah provides community-supported paths for those who are vulnerable to improve their lives and increase their self-reliance. In alignment with our mission, VOA Utah encourages individuals with lived experience to apply. We recognize that a person’s life experiences can provide firsthand knowledge relevant to being successful in the work that we do.

Volunteers of America, Utah (VOA Utah) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing essential services to vulnerable populations in our community. Our mission is to uplift and empower individuals and families by offering critical support and fostering lasting change. We focus on various programs, including homeless services, addiction recovery, mental health support, and youth outreach.

Position Overview:
The Director of Communications will lead and manage all aspects of VOA Utah's communication strategy, ensuring that our organization's story is effectively captured, articulated, and shared with the public, press, media, volunteers, and donors. This role is vital in building and maintaining the organization's reputation, increasing awareness of our mission, and driving engagement across various platforms. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker, an excellent storyteller, and a skilled communicator with a deep commitment to our mission.

This role reports to the Chief Development Officer and collaborates with various stakeholders, including the External Relations leadership team, senior management, Division/Department Directors, and the CEO and President. 

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Communications Planning:
  • Develop and implement a communications strategy that aligns with the organization's mission, goals, and objectives.
  • With the CDO, identify key messages and stories that reflect the impact of VOA Utah's programs and services.
  • Oversee creating an annual communications plan that includes media relations, digital marketing, social media, and community engagement initiatives.
• Storytelling and Content Creation:
  • Lead the creation and curation of compelling content that tells the story of VOA Utah's work, including client success stories, volunteer experiences, and staff and program impact.
  • Collaborate with program management and staff to gather and develop narratives highlighting the organization's impact on clients and the community.
  • Produce and oversee the production of high-quality written content for various channels, including the website, social media, newsletters, and press releases, and collaborate with the CDO on other forms of storytelling media.
• Media Relations:
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for all media inquiries and build strong relationships with local media outlets.
  • Develop and distribute press releases and other media materials to promote VOA Utah's programs and initiatives.
  • Monitor media coverage and manage the organization's response to press inquiries and coverage.
  • Update VOA Utah's crisis management plan and be prepared to coach, participate, and sometimes lead our response to a crisis.
• Public Relations and Community Engagement:
  • In partnership with the CDO, participate as a spokesperson at public events, press conferences, and community meetings.
  • Build and maintain relationships with key community stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, partners, and government officials.
  • Coordinate public relations activities and events to increase the visibility and understanding of VOA Utah's mission and impact.
• Digital and Social Media Management:
  • Partner with the CDO to maintain the organization's digital presence, including the website, social media platforms, and email marketing.
  • Develop and implement strategies to grow and engage online audiences, including targeted campaigns and content initiatives.
• Internal Communications:
  • Ensure consistent and effective internal communication from the ER team to keep staff, volunteers, and board members informed and engaged.
  • Develop communication materials and tools to support internal initiatives and foster a robust organizational culture.
• Fundraising and Donor Communications:
  • Collaborate with the development team to create compelling donor communications highlighting the impact of their contributions.
  • Support fundraising campaigns with targeted messaging and storytelling that resonates with potential and existing donors.
  • Assist in the planning and promotion of fundraising events and initiatives.

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field, or related career experience in nonprofit communications.
• 3-5 years of experience in a communications or public relations role, with 2 years in a leadership position, preferably within the nonprofit sector.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with a proven ability to craft compelling narratives.
• Strong understanding of media relations, digital marketing, and social media strategies.
• Experience managing websites, social media platforms, and content management systems is preferred.
• Excellent public speaking and presentation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Passion for VOA Utah's mission and a deep understanding of the issues facing vulnerable populations in our community.
• Understanding of marginalized and underrepresented communities and a desire to help lift them through storytelling and engagement. 
• High level of professionalism and ethical standards for handling confidential information.
• Must be at least 21 years of age, possess a current driver’s license, have a good driving record and be insurable on the agency liability policy. 

• Ability to lift and carry 20 pounds
• Work is generally performed in an office environment. May entail using a computer for extended periods of time.
• ​​​​​​​Ability to work in various environments, including program facilities, event spaces, and outdoor areas with varying noise, temperatures, and terrain.