COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Application deadline: October 19, 2012

The Advocates for Human Rights (The Advocates) is seeking a Communications Director. The Advocates is a volunteer based, non-governmental, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the promotion and protection of internationally recognized human rights. The Advocates’ programming focuses on women’s rights, including freedom from violence; migrant and refugee rights, including both advocacy and legal services; peace-building in post-conflict societies; due process and freedom from persecution; and economic and social rights. The Advocates works to bring about systems change, reinforce accountability mechanisms, raise awareness, foster tolerance, and help individuals more fully realize their inherent rights.

Position

The Communications Director will guide the strategy for all external communications—messages, tools, and supporting materials—to consistently and effectively articulate The Advocates’ mission. The Communications Director will position The Advocates as a recognized primary source and conduit of information and resources within its diverse network and constituent base. The Communications Director reports to the Executive Director.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, evaluate and refine the annual communications plan across the organization’s programs and projects in collaboration with the The Advocates’ board and management team
• Create momentum and awareness.
• Test the effectiveness of communications activities
• Leverage social media, print, and other materials to maximize impact
• Manage development, distribution, and maintenance of all communications materials, including newsletters, brochures, annual reports, videos, e-newsletters, websites, blog, Facebook, Twitter, and other electronic and social media
• Actively coordinate webpage and social media updates to refresh and synchronize information (e.g., article links, stories, events)
• Craft talking points and statements for dissemination to media and the public
• Keep the management team and the board informed on critical and sensitive issues
• Manage all media contacts
• Field incoming media inquiries and assemble relevant background materials

Qualifications

The successful candidate will be a skilled public relations or communications professional with at least five years of related experience. Proficiency in all aspects of media relations and project management is required. A thorough understanding of a variety of communication methods, including written, graphic, and electronic communication is essential. Experience or demonstrated familiarity with non-profit communications is preferred.

• Highly collaborative style
• Committed to collaborate with all constituent groups, including staff, board members, volunteers, donors, program participants, and other supporters
• Experience developing and implementing communications strategies
• Excellent writing/editing and verbal communication skills
• Ability to balance and prioritize competing demands
• High energy, maturity, and leadership with the ability to position communications discussions at both the strategic and tactical levels
• Self-starter, able to work independently, and entrepreneurial; enjoys creating and implementing new initiatives
• Flexible, able to adapt to new issues and new methods and tools of communication
• Experience in working with volunteers and diverse groups of people
• Demonstrated commitment to human rights and social justice

TERMS: This is a full-time position with a competitive benefits package. Compensation is commensurate with experience and similar nonprofit organizations.

To apply, please mail cover letter and resume to:

Communications Director Search
The Advocates for Human Rights
330 2nd Avenue South, Suite 800
Minneapolis, MN 55401-2211

No e-mail applications accepted.
NO PHONE CALLS OR E-MAIL INQURIES PLEASE.

The Advocates is committed to cultural diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability or any other legally protected status.