Director of Corporate Communications

Description

Summary

The Director of Corporate Communications (DCC) is responsible for devising and executing a comprehensive strategy to enhance and uphold CSD’s brand and public image through consistent messaging and public relations efforts. This role entails close collaboration with the Leadership team, the Board of Directors, Committees and internal cross-functional teams to coordinate and promote corporate events, oversee the development and implementation of brand strategy and collateral, and formulate effective external communications and marketing strategies. Additionally, the DCC serves as a key liaison with media outlets, working to secure and manage exposure in local, national, and international media. The DCC plays a crucial role in fostering and maintaining productive relationships with the Board of Directors, ensuring alignment and support for corporate communications initiatives.

Essential Functions

• On behalf of the CEO and Board of Directors, creates and executes successful internal and external communications programs that strengthen leaders’, managers’, and employees’ engagement and understanding of CSD's brand, philosophy, values, and objectives, fostering a positive organizational tone.
• Defines and delivers global messaging and communications aligned with company strategy and values to ensure a clear understanding of organizational initiatives; provides communication materials to the Marketing team for distribution via social media and external communication channels.
• Identifies and capitalizes on opportunities to promote and positively represent the organization through internal and external communication efforts.
• Develops and implements policies and procedures for corporate communications that represent the corporate identity and support the organization’s mission.
• Coordinates external presentations and develops presentation materials on behalf of the CEO and Board of Directors.
• Seeks innovative methods and creative strategies to increase internal and external awareness of key events and organizational changes, including the launch of new products, special events, and local and global community service initiatives.
• Facilitates media requests on behalf of the corporation and collaborates on public relations with various CSD marketing teams.
• Actively monitors and curates corporate website content and CSD social media spaces to ensure all publicly available information is accurate and up-to-date; collaborates with marketing teams and Internal Communications on new corporate content development and distribution, addressing misinformation, and engaging with community concerns appropriately.
• Responds to community inquiries on behalf of the CEO and Board of Directors.
• Collaborates with marketing teams and Deaf Organizations Fund (DOF) on event sponsorships and other support requests received by CSD.
• Partners with Strategic Initiatives (SI) on internal company communication workflows, including communication structure, roles, and mediums.
• Coordinates crisis response planning on behalf of the CEO and Board of Directors, in close collaboration with marketing teams and the People and Culture department.
• Supports activities to promote the CSD brand and organization through certifications, awards, and other forms of recognition.
• Coordinates efforts to secure speaking engagements for the CSD leadership team and Board of Directors at high-profile events to advance the company profile and goals.
• Manages administrative duties related to Board relations for CSD and its subsidiaries, including planning, preparing, and distributing Board meeting agendas, meeting materials, minutes, and communication materials, and facilitating communication between the Board and executive team.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
  
  

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

To successfully perform the essential functions of this position, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Superlative written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to assimilate strategic information and convert it into clear and concise messages for different audiences and objectives. Strong listening and relationship-building skills.
• Expertise in copywriting and storytelling, with experience drafting compelling content creatively.
• Strong project management skills, including analysis, planning, prioritization, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to build and maintain working relationships with various cross-functional teams.
• Tact and professionalism, especially in times of extreme stress.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Photoshop, Microsoft Office, social media platforms, Google Analytics, and email software (e.g., Infusionsoft, Mailchimp).
• Ability to navigate considerable ambiguity, knowing when to consult versus when to make independent decisions.
• Adaptability in responding to difficult questions and issues.
• Effective problem-solving skills.
• Experience in creating, implementing, and managing a budget.
• Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL).
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations or related field from an accredited college or university; or equivalent professional experience (Masters Preferred)
• At least ten years of professional experience in corporate communication, organizational communication, public relations, or related communication field.
• At least ten years of professional experience working with and within Deaf communities
• Lived experience as a person with a disability strongly preferred
• Ability to communicate effectively using American Sign Language