Chief Communications Officer

CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER POSITION DESCRIPTION POSITION TYPE: Full-Time In Office CLASSIFICATION: Exempt LOCATION: Bethesda, MD POSITION SUMMARY: As a member of Scouting America National Capital Area Council’s (NCAC) Executive Cabinet, the Chief Communications Officer (C.C.O.) provides leadership to advance the Council’s mission by ensuring positive brand amplification through communications, marketing, and public relations efforts. The C.C.O. builds and sustains the Council’s reputation for quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction while handling all communication sent to the public current/potential members, and current/potential donors. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Strategic Plan: Assist with development and execution of a forward-looking, comprehensive marketing and communications strategy for NCAC and contribute to the Council’s vision by building trust around a shared narrative and amplifying the mission with creativity and clarity. Provide perspective and guidance on current and emerging opportunities and challenges that influence NCAC’s ability to fulfill its mission and meet its goals. Develop and execute plans supporting high-priority initiatives as well as support the other Strategic Plan goals as they relate to marketing and communication for long-term impact. 2. Branding and Design: Ensure brand positioning and brand management, including for the NCAC website, social media sites, recruiting material, marketing and departmental communication collateral, and fundraising materials. Design and produce collateral promotional materials as needed across all channels including the annual report, board documents, and other projects. Support all departments in handling inquiries and requests related to the Scouting America and NCAC brands. 3. Quality Control: Enforce consistent messaging of the Scouting America and NCAC brand. It is the responsibility of the C.C.O. to ensure all communication produced by the Council is reflective of the high quality of NCAC and its constituents. 4. Media Relations and Issues Management: Establish and maintain relationships with local media to increase media coverage of priority initiatives and respond to inquiries. Draft, edit and review statements, FAQs, and other media materials, as well as working with team members and partner agencies to ensure widespread distribution and follow-through. Serves as a public spokesperson as needed. Trains other spokespeople, including volunteers, with media training, coaching and support. Ensures that NCAC’s Cabinet and Board are appropriately advised and supported. 5. Crisis Management: Be prepared to address crisis issues quickly, effectively, and accurately, through the quick assimilation and distribution of complex material. 6. Systems and Digital Footprint: Establish a best-in-class online presence that drives organizational impact, financial donations, and volunteer support. Oversee design, maintenance, content and control of Council website, social media sites, and other internal and external Council communication tools. Create an impactful social media presence that empowers stakeholders to spread mission virally. The position works closely with other leaders to effectively communicate information clearly, consistently, concisely, and in a timely manner while always on the lookout for opportunities to increase the Council’s visibility and profile in the community. 7. Volunteer Leadership: Serve as staff advisor for the Marketing Committee(s). Provide support to NCAC’s Executive Committee as needed. Train and assist in recruiting Marketing Vice Chairs for all Districts. 8. Staff Leadership: Manage, guide, and coach members of the communication team and ensure the group is structured and resourced to accommodate the needs of NCAC. 9. Council Support: Other duties as assigned based on short and long-term needs of the Council. RESPONSIBILITY FOR STAFF SUPERVISION: Give staff leadership, with emphasis both on results and staff member development, to the Marketing Director and additional staff if department expands. MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT USED: 100% of time Motor vehicle, computer, copier, telephone, smartphone, audio-visual equipment. PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND REQUIREMENTS: 100% of time This position involves both sedentary office work and active duties at events and camps. While in the office, work is primarily sedentary and requires the ability to sit for extended periods, operate a computer keyboard, and perform repetitive and stretching motions. Essential functions include reaching, standing, walking, fingering, grasping, lifting, feeling, talking, hearing, and computer keyboarding. Occasional lifting of boxes, files, and equipment weighing up to 35 pounds is required in the office. The position also requires maintaining a valid driver’s license and current automotive insurance, as well as the ability to drive a personal motor vehicle for Council business, with mileage reimbursement provided. MENTAL DEMANDS: 100% of time Reading, detailed work, confidentiality, stress, problem solving, language, training, math, reasoning, verbal communication, written communication, customer contact, multiple concurrent tasks, frequent interruptions in a fast-paced environment, continual change. WORKING CONDITIONS: 100% of time This position operates in a professional office setting with work hours are 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required, along with limited travel. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required, along with limited travel. The employee is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions. When visiting Council camps, the employee may be exposed to some special adverse environmental conditions. WORKING RELATIONSHIPS, SUPERVISION, VOLUNTEER RELATIONS: 100% of time Recognize the importance of a good working relationship with other staff members. Recognize the importance of a close and harmonious working relationship with all volunteers. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education: Educational Level: Bachelor’s Degree Experience: Marketing, Advertising & Public Relations: 10 years (Preferred) Strategic Planning: 5 years (Preferred) Management Experience ESSENTIAL SKILLS REQUIRED: Polished ability to communicate with clear, consistent messaging. Ability to utilize analytic tools and research to uncover trends and determine new digital strategies. Competent organization and time management skills with the ability to work to deadlines. Ability to manage multiple, simultaneous projects from start to completion. Project tracking. Advanced proofreading/editing abilities. Ability to represent the organization in public. Customer service. Adaptability and team mindset. Demonstrated expertise, savvy, and passion for social media optimization that inspires audiences. Strong photography and video skills with editing ability. Proficiency in Wordpress, Elementor, Canva, Adobe Suite, and Microsoft Office. Knowledge of project and email systems such as Basecamp and iContact. #J-18808-Ljbffr