Sr. Director Outreach and Advocacy

Location:                                          TOLEDO OFFICE, HYBRID

FLSA Job Status:                           FULL TIME, EXEMPT

Salary Range:                                     $60,000 – $67,000

Organizational  Relationships:

Reports to:                                   VICE PRESIDENT, IMPACT & OUTREACH

Supervises:                                  MANAGER, ENGAGEMENT & OUTREACH COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

 

STATEMENT  OF  THE  JOB:

The Senior Director of Outreach and Advocacy works within the Department of Impact & Outreach, reporting directly to the Vice President of Impact & Outreach. The primary function of the role is to serve as the communications lead and public relations strategist for the organization, deepening partnerships with stakeholders such as fellow nonprofits, elected officials, donors, media and the community at-large. Additionally, this role will be charged in overseeing United Way’s advocacy strategy and mobilizing community members around issues that positively or negatively influence our impact areas of education, financial stability, health and housing.

 

ESSENTIAL  FUNCTIONS:

In this role, you must be a strong communicator, writer, problem-solver and collaborator. You will also oversee three staffers who manage United Way’s in-person and digital engagement, and communications efforts. Given your placement within the Impact & Outreach department, which oversees all United Way’s granted partners, implemented community strategies, etc., you are expected to be a “knowledge holder” and information officer for the organization, for internal and external purposes alike.

External Communications

  • Oversee United Way’s comprehensive communications and publicity efforts
  • Manage communication projects or communication / marketing launches for various initiatives
  • Expected to present on key community issues and topics to donors, corporate partners or fellow nonprofits
  • Ensures the organization’s values and brand is continuously elevated and represented in a positive light

Internal Communications

  • Develop talking points, briefs, one-pagers, etc. for all internal staff and management team
  • Serve as a communications and knowledge resource for staff when developing presentations, emails or engagement opportunities

Public Policy and Advocacy

  • Stay up-to-date on legislation and policy changes that impact the individuals United Way is committed to serve
  • Actively engage and maintain relationships with elected officials and their staffers
  • Be well-versed in, and understanding of, the local, state and federal-level government systems
  • Mobilize volunteers to write letters, organize roundtables and phone calls with elected officials to discuss important policy changes or legislation
  • Design United Way’s annual public policy platform, as well as track elected official contacts and what is being communicated to their offices

 

QUALIFICATIONS  AND  EXPERIENCE:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Public Affairs, Political Science or related field
  • 5-8 years of progressive experience in any of the qualifications listed above
  • Experience in the nonprofit sector is preferred; however, candidates will be “graded” predominately on experience, meaning, those who hold a GED/H.S. diploma will also be considered

 

KNOWLEDGE  /  SKILLS  /  ABILITIES:

  • Superb communication skills, presentation skills and ability to excite or mobilize individuals around certain issues or topics
  • Ability to summarize complex issues or systems concisely and in an easy-to-understand manner
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills
  • Self-starter and willing to take initiative; detail oriented with a keen eye for details
  • Creative problem-solving skills
  • Willingness to go “back to the drawing board” to ensure the best product for community is brought forward

 

EXPECTED  COMMITMENTS

As a representative within the Department of Impact & Outreach, you are expected to uphold our organizational values on diversity, equity and inclusion. To increase access to education, financial stability, health and housing services, we must accurately understand the role in which racism, homophobia, xenophobia, ageism, ableism, classism, etc. has restricted a person’s ability to receive the human services they deserve. This knowledge and understanding allows the department to better advocate for those in our community, as well as appropriately tell their stories.

 

Email resumes and cover letters to [email protected]