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Job Announcement:  Director of Policy & Communications

 

About Washington Nonprofits

Washington Nonprofits is the state association for all nonprofits in Washington.  At Washington Nonprofits, we believe in the power of strong nonprofits to strengthen their communities. Our mission is to make sure nonprofits have what they need to succeed. Washington Nonprofits has three main goals: deliver high impact learning opportunities for nonprofits of all sizes, be a voice for nonprofits in public policy, and convene nonprofits in ways that strengthen their impact.  We achieve these goals with a strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and respect for regional differences.  Our organizational culture is fast-paced, entrepreneurial and results-oriented.  We value and support learning and professional growth and offer flexible hours and telecommuting options.

 

Position Summary

This position is a key member of the Washington Nonprofits leadership team.  The Director of Policy & Communications will lead Washington Nonprofits’ communications strategies and activities in support of our goals of advocating on behalf of nonprofits, growing membership, securing funding, and driving participation in learning events.   They will serve as the point person for our public policy advocacy, lobbying at the state and federal levels and supporting and mobilizing nonprofits in Washington to speak out on issues of common concern.

 

Between now and May 2020, top priorities for this position are our census outreach campaign, coordinating public policy activities during the legislative session, and managing marketing for our conferences in April and May.  Future goals include lobbying for passage of the revised Nonprofit Corporations Act, rebranding for the organization and developing powerful stories and messaging that communicate the value and impact of nonprofits in Washington.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

 

Public Policy Program Management

  • In collaboration with our board and membership, set Washington Nonprofits’ direction and focus in the area of public policy
  • Lobby on behalf of Washington Nonprofits in the Washington State Legislature and occasionally in Congress
  • Research, monitor, analyze and respond to federal, state and local issues that affect all 501(c)3 nonprofits in Washington state
  • Create and manage systems to track information about key issues and policymakers
  • Write policy updates, action alerts, position statements, testimony and research reports for members and other key stakeholders
  • Build relationships with and educate legislators and other policymakers regarding the scope and impact of the nonprofit sector and policy issues affecting nonprofit success
  • Plan special events such as the annual Nonprofit Legislative Reception
  • Organize and staff Washington Nonprofits Policy Committee and lead quarterly Policy Advisory Calls
  • Respond to requests for information from members, nonprofits, policymakers and stakeholders

 

Communications

·         Manage Washington Nonprofits’ brand, including brand integrity and visibility across the organization

·         Oversee design and editing of Washington Nonprofits’ print and electronic communications including e-newsletters, annual reports, research reports, other publications and collateral.

·         Manage quality control on print materials and website.

·         Manage strategy, design, and content development for Washington Nonprofits’ website and digital media.

·         Facilitate member learning and sharing through various electronic and social media tools.

·         Plan and implement marketing strategies to grow Washington Nonprofits’ membership

·         Manage marketing and promotion for the Washington State Nonprofit Conference and the Central Washington Conference for the Greater Good

·         Track progress and effectiveness of communications and marketing activities.

 

Public & Media Relations

·         Promote Washington Nonprofits to the nonprofit sector, policymakers and the public.

·         Develop and manage content and messaging about the nonprofit community for internal and external stakeholders.  

·         Develop and carry out media strategy, including developing and driving media calendar, media relations and tracking press coverage.

 

General

  • Participate on Washington Nonprofits’ leadership team
  • Support and coordinate with other programs, including participation in annual conference or other key events
  • As a member of the WN staff team, work on special projects throughout the year
  • Represent the organization at events, which may include some travel throughout Washington State

 

Desired Qualifications

If you possess some of the qualifications below and have a strong interest in learning about the other areas of the job, we encourage you to apply.

·         Belief in our mission and the power of nonprofits to strengthen communities and our democracy

·         Demonstrated commitment to racial equity

·         Strong written and oral communication skills including listening, persuasive writing and public speaking

·         Strong networking and relationship management skills

·         Project management, critical thinking and problem-solving skills

·         Work experience in public policy advocacy and/or communications

·         Experience working in nonprofit sector preferred

·         Strong comfort using technology, including cloud-based apps and software.  Experience with design software and WordPress preferred.

·         Understanding of how government works and interest in lobbying and organizing others to advocate

·         Experience in developing and maintaining brand identity throughout various communications channels

·         Experience leading teams and managing people

·         Experience raising funds or engaging community participation

·         Familiarity with Washington state communities, especially communities of color and/or rural communities

·         Willingness to register as a lobbyist in Washington State

·         Valid driver’s license and access to a car or ability to rent a car as needed for travel

 

General Skills and Requirements for all Washington Nonprofit Staff

·         Commitment to our mission and belief in the value of nonprofits as drivers of social justice, benefits, and change.

·         Excellent customer service skills.

·         Outstanding verbal/written communication skills.

·         Proficiency in Office Suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook) is required.  Experience with databases, MailChimp, and Salesforce preferred.

·         Ability to handle multiple tasks, projects, and priorities effectively and professionally.

·         Ability to travel within state.

 

Additional Information

Location:                           Seattle Office or work from home from another Washington State location

                                                Some travel required, including frequent trips to Olympia and Seattle

FLSA Classification:          Full-time, Exempt

Compensation:                 $60,000-70,000 annual salary, dependent on experience,

plus benefits including paid time off and health insurance. 

Position Reports to:       Executive Director

 

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter online. We will accept and review applications until the position is filled.

 

Washington Nonprofits is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create an inclusive and equitable workplace.  We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. 

 

Washington Nonprofits Equity Statement 

As part of our commitment to revolutionize nonprofits' place in our state and world, Washington Nonprofits is committed to be a champion and a leader in the quest for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the nonprofit sector. For us, this means using a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens in all the work we do, including looking at ourselves as a nonprofit. We know this means constant learning. If we err, we ask for grace and further discussion, so we can hold ourselves accountable to communities of color, rural communities and others who have been marginalized, and can continue learning and being challenged. We welcome the greater discussion, so we can make the strongest decisions for the issues that affect our membership and become a leader in learning and supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion for our state’s non-profit organizations. 

 

For more information about Washington Nonprofits, visit www.washingtonnonprofits.org.

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