Social Action & Advocacy

Job Title: Director of Communications

Reports To: Chief Development Officer

Department: Development and Communications

Job Type: Full-time

Objective of Role: The Director of Communications works within the GOSO Development and Communications Department and reports to the Chief Development Officer (CDO). The Director of Communications is a leader and manager who oversees communications functions within the organization, including media, social media, website content, printed materials, internal communications, and more. Through oversight, coordination, and strategy development, the Director will build GOSO’s profile and reputation among the general public, supporters, elected officials,and additional audiences. The Director will work with the Director of Development and other team members to ensure communications are maximized for fundraising purposes. In addition, the Director or Communications will be responsible for maintaining clear and consistent internal communications among GOSO staff and other internal constituencies. The Director is an excellent writer, skilled communicator, and project manager, developing and implementing a robust communications plan that uses multiple mediums for a variety of audiences. Managing and working with other members of the Development and Communications team are critical aspects of this role.

Job Responsibilities:

Design, develop, manage, and implement a communications plan that encompasses media, social media, and other communications channels.
Oversee the development and implementation of GOSO’s editorial policy, branding strategy, and style guide.
Prepare and manage all written and printed communications materials, as well as digital and video content.
In coordination with outside consultant, serve as liaison between media and GOSO staff, volunteers, and participants.
Track engagement among various online platforms, using data to ensure growth in social media influence and donor conversion.
Facilitate internal corporate communications among GOSO staff.
Serve as an ambassador for GOSO at events, including making presentations and/or facilitating the presentation of others on GOSO’s behalf.
Provide leadership and support for all public events, including fundraising events, donor cultivation events, community events, and more.
Lead, manage and develop a high-performing communications team to carry out the objectives set forth in the communications plan.
All other responsibilities as assigned.

Essential job skills:

Strong writing, research, interpersonal, and presentation skills
Critical thinker, analytical, and detail-oriented
Creative, strategic, and results oriented
Team player, flexible, and agile with the ability to work in a complex and fast-paced environment and  manage multiple projects under deadlines

Core Competencies:

Excellent work ethic
Commitment to working in a mission driven organization
Demonstrated personal ethics and values
Cross-team collaboration and cooperation
Team-player who works well with a diverse group of people

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in communications, business administration, marketing, or related field preferred
7+ years of communications, media relations, and management experience in a non-profit setting
Success developing effective communications through multiple channels to diverse audiences.
Experience with media relations, social media, volunteer management, and special events
Project and team management skills
A demonstrated and deep appreciation for GOSO’s mission, and the population it serves

Compensation & Benefits:

Salary commensurate with experience. GOSO offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Please send a resume with cover letter to: [email protected]. Resumes without a cover letter will not be considered.

GOSO is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

About GOSO: Getting Out and Staying Out has a vision of a world where neither a person’s race nor their prior contact with the legal system determines their future. To work toward that vision, we partner with young people impacted by arrest or incarceration on a journey of education, employment, and emotional well-being. For many of our participants, that journey begins while they are detained or incarcerated, on Rikers Island or in youth detention centers. We work with all interested individuals, regardless of the charges that they face, engaging them in future planning through programing focused on education, employment, and emotional well-being while helping to meet their immediate needs, whether physical (warm clothing, commissary supplies), psychological (correspondence and communication to help maintain links to the outside world), or legal (coordinating with public defense attorneys on courtroom advocacy). Among the major programs that are under the GOSO umbrella are Stand Against Violence East Harlem (SAVE), GOSOWorks, and multiple education programs (including Pathways-to-Graduation, a high school equivalency program). GOSO served its participants and the Harlem community throughout the Pandemic and, in fact, expanded its budget in the past few years. We are currently building our external relations functions, including development, in order to position GOSO for continued growth and expanded impact on those at the heart of our mission.