POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT: Director of Communications
LOCATED IN: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
BACKGROUND
The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation (ZSR) is a statewide, private, family foundation dedicated to improving the quality of life for all North Carolinians. The Foundation was established in 1936 as a memorial to Z. Smith Reynolds, the youngest son of R.J. Reynolds. For more than 85 years, the Foundation has been engaged in forward-thinking philanthropy with contributions of more than $647 million in North Carolina.
The Foundation’s current All For NC Framework for Grantmaking and Learning includes the following strategies:
- A State-Level Systemic Change Strategy, to improve state-level systems and structures to remove barriers and create opportunities;
- A Community-Based Strategy, to leverage the unique assets, knowledge, experience, and connections in communities to create meaningful change; and
- An Exploratory, Visionary Ideas Strategy, to invest in the bold ideas of North Carolinians.
Alongside these three main strategies, the Foundation has also expressed its commitment to:
- Augment its participation in its hometown of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County;
- Use a racial equity lens to underpin all of its work; and
- Continue to be a learning organization.
The intent of the Foundation’s Framework for Grantmaking and Learning is to provide different strategies that meet people and communities where they are, as well as to break down silos, allow more flexibility in our grantmaking and provide multiple entry points for potential applicants. The Foundation recognizes that not all the work that is funded will fit neatly into these three strategies; rather, there is work that lives in between them. Therefore, the Foundation wants to remain flexible to foster those areas of intersection.
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS JOB DESCRIPTION
The Director of Communications is responsible for the following: (1) building awareness within North Carolina of ZSR and its mission, core values, grantmaking and programs; (2) providing appropriate information to various stakeholders, and (3) furthering the role of ZSR as a leader on issues of importance to North Carolina.
Duties include, but are not limited to:
Leading the Foundation in developing and implementing strategic communications plans for ZSR’s strategies, programs and initiatives;
Developing marketing and communications materials (e.g., grant opportunities and grant awards) to provide information about the Foundation’s work to various audiences;
Providing information to media across North Carolina to promote the Foundation’s work;
Maintaining segmented contact lists and the Foundation’s media list;
Updating ZSR’s website;
Coordinating social media efforts;
Producing videos and other multimedia to convey stories about the Foundation’s work and its grantees;
Finding and developing communications opportunities for Foundation staff and Trustees;
Developing talking points and related visuals for use by Foundation staff and Trustees;
Developing responses to public statements about the Foundation;
Leading the development and implementation of a ZSR brand strategy.
The Director of Communications reports to the Executive Director and works cooperatively with all Foundation staff.
QUALIFICATIONS
The successful candidate will be a strategic, analytical, detail oriented, intellectually curious thought leader with excellent interpersonal and communication skills. This individual will share the Foundation’s core values and commitment to racial equity.
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college is required, and an advanced degree or equivalent experience is preferred. Five years of related work experience is desired.
Exceptional writing and communication skills are required, along with the ability to assimilate information quickly, work under pressure and meet deadlines. A fundamental knowledge of the State of North Carolina, humility, self-confidence, and a sense of humor are helpful and preferred.
The position is based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and requires extensive statewide travel. The Director of Communications is not required to live in Winston-Salem but should be available to be present in the Winston-Salem office one to two days per week.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Armstrong McGuire & Associates, based in Raleigh, NC, is conducting this search in partnership with ZSR’s leadership team. To apply, click on the link to the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation Director of Communications position profile at ArmstrongMcGuire.com/apply. You will see instructions for uploading your cover letter, resume, and three professional references. Please provide all requested information to be considered. In case of any technical problems, contact melvin@armstrongmcguire.com.
The salary range for this position is $84,000 to $94,000 based upon the candidate’s level of knowledge, education, skill, and experience. The Foundation provides an exemplary benefits package.
The deadline for applications is 5:00 PM, October 15, 2022.
Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from people of all races, genders, religions, ethnicities, nationalities, and sexual orientation.