Job Description

Strategic Communications Officer

First 5 Alameda County

Salary: $112,398.78 – $155,474.80 annually, DOE/DOQ

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

First 5 Alameda County (First 5) seeks a Strategic Communications Officer to lead the communication of the Agency’s approach and role. First 5 is a public agency focused on the First five years of a child’s life. First 5 works to build an early childhood system of care that centers equity, narrows disparities rooted in racism and classism, and ensures all children enter kindergarten ready to succeed.  We use a Place, People Policy framework to advance strategies, programs, and partnerships that improve child and family conditions related to Neighborhoods, Health & Well-Being, Learning and Care, and Family. As part of our commitment to equity, we incorporate diverse voices and experiences in our work through partnership with parents/caregivers, providers, and community-based organizations.

Under the general direction of the Chief of Staff, or CEO, the Strategic Communications Officer will oversee a team of communications staff developing and implementing First 5’s communications strategy to advance the Agency’s goals. Successful candidates will have had experience with strategic communications to continue to maximize organizational impact, facilitate equity centered public system building, support organizational-wide change and initiatives, help to secure resources, and create key audience-focused messaging for public policy advocacy. As a participant of the Executive Leadership Team, this individual must have executive leadership experience, and a collaborative approach. This position will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Agency Directors, and Senior Leadership Teams to support internal communication and change management. The ideal candidate will have a background in media relations along with experience in creating consistent messaging, branding, developing processes, and overseeing communication operations, including the communications team and contracted functions. Understanding and being committed to equity and social justice is integral for this position, as the Strategic Communications Officer must understand how equity, social, racial, and economic justice will impact First 5’s communications. If you want to be a part of an organization that has a passion for children and their families and wants to help First5 Alameda County continue to support the community, apply today!

See the full recruitment brochure: https://indd.adobe.com/view/7f7a1e53-6002-45d9-9ac5-8943f7af8b23

THE JOB / THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The Strategic Communications Officer will oversee a team of communications staff, fellows, interns, consultants, and other individuals as needed. This position should have a deep understanding of and commitment to equity to guide and evolve communications. They will provide the vision, direction, and execution of internal and external communications that promote and articulate FSAC’s strategic initiatives. They will serve as the lead strategist for developing communication plans that cultivate the public face of First 5 as well as support internal alignment with agency vision and strategies.  This individual will have technical knowledge of media, marketing, and communications, using this knowledge to advance internal communications strategies to support change management as well as policy advocacy for the organization. The Strategic Communications Officer will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Leadership Team to provide targeted messaging, marketing plans, resource development planning, and strategic communication direction to facilitate identification and implementation of the Agency’s mission, vision, and goals. They will draft press releases, newsroom posts, statements, messaging guides, Op-Eds, and other communications materials that require strong writing skills. The Officer will oversee all press activities, such as pitching stories that highlight the organization’s programs and partnerships and responding to reporters’ inquiries. This position will also strategically focus on brand messaging that will advance early childhood issues and racial and economic justice for the community and clarify First 5’s approach and role in the early childhood system. First 5 is looking for someone who can use their background in strategic marketing and communications to support the alignment and clarity of the organization’s vision.

The ideal candidate will be a strong project manager, working with and inspiring their team to spearhead simultaneous projects and campaigns. They will be a natural storyteller, using their creativity and strategic thinking to craft a variety of deliverables, such as videos, social media campaigns, website refreshes, and annual reports. They will highlight key milestones of the organization and culturally relevant moments across various media channels.

Along with strong interpersonal communication skills, successful applicants will have a strong technical knowledge of professional communication software, tools, and presentation formats. Being a proactive leader is important while ensuring staff members are getting the support and guidance they need to enhance the overall communications and image of the organization. Successful candidates will be highly organized individuals and innovative thinkers, identifying promising strategies and phasing out others. They must also understand the concepts of change management and be able to translate those concepts by developing strategic internal communications plans and messaging. The Strategic Communications Officer must understand how equity, social, racial, and economic justice will impact First 5’s communications.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. The combination of training and experience must clearly demonstrate possession of the required knowledge and abilities. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• Track 1: Minimum eleven years of full-time progressively responsible experience in communications, public/government affairs, journalism, and/or community/corporate relations or a related field; OR
• Track 2: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, or related field and a minimum of seven years of full-time progressively responsible experience in a related field; OR
• Track 3: Master’s degree in Communications, Marketing, or related field and minimum of five years of full-time progressively responsible experience in a related field

Desired:

• Strongly prefer experience supervising professional-level staff

Salary and Benefits 

The annual salary range is: $112,398.78– $155,474.80 annually DOE/DOQ. In addition, First 5 offers a comprehensive benefits package: https://wbcpinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2022-Candidate-Benefits-Guide.pdf

Please contact your recruiter, Wendi Brown, with any questions:

• Email to: we***@wb*****.com
• 541-664-0376
• 866-929-WBCP (9227) – toll-free

Save the Dates:

• The first and second rounds of interviews will be virtual via Zoom and take place on November 2^nd & 4^th. The final round of interviews will take place in person on November 14^th.

How to Apply

Job Categories: Equal Opportunities. Job Types: Full-Time. Salaries: 100,000 and above.

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