Director of Communications

Director of Communications

The LeadingAge Minnesota  seeks a dynamic individual with a proven communications and public relations background to serve as our next Director of Communications. LeadingAge Minnesota is a network of mission-driven organizations serving older adults in all the places they call home. Our mission is to transform and enhance the experience of aging, which we accomplish through:

• Advocacy for public policy that supports increased access and quality of care to seniors and elevates the profession of caregiving;
• Education and resources to build member capacity and performance;
• Convening and facilitation of connections among professionals in the field; and
• Identifying new ideas, concepts, and practices to advance the field.

This is an exciting time to join LeadingAge Minnesota! As the Director of Communications, you will manage all aspects of the organization’s  communications. You will join our talented team of professionals focused on supporting our members, telling our story, and creating catalytic change in the field of older adult services.

As the Director of Communications, you will develop, execute, and evaluate LeadingAge Minnesota’s organization-wide strategy concerning internal and external communications, media relations, and brand advancement. In this leadership role, you will develop compelling messaging, create promotional and informative materials, and distribute such materials across multi-media channels (social, print, digital, web, and video). You will be expected to engage a cross-functional team, and the strategy will be informed by member input, external communications consultants (as needed), and the senior leadership team. You will foster and maintain relationships with news media editors/reporters, members, community leaders, and partner organizations involved with the Association.

What you need to be successful:

• Bachelor's degree; or 5+ years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Solid communications experience working across various communications channels (earned media, paid media, social media, internal/external), including crisis communication management.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication and presentation skills necessary to communicate effectively with media, members, staff, stakeholders, and vendors—including knowledge of Associated Press guidelines for writing style.
• Experience in elevating organization brand recognition.
• A keen ability to tailor and connect messaging to various audiences.
• Mastery of Microsoft Office Suite and PowerPoint required; experience with Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Canva, and AMS/CRM preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills to gather and communicate meaningful and accurate information.
• Experience working with a membership association, knowledge/experience of the Minnesota legislature/political environment, and knowledge/experience of the senior care sector are pluses. 

LeadingAge Minnesota operates in a hybrid work environment that requires in-office attendance three days per week and the option of working remotely on Mondays and Fridays if desired.

What you’ll do as the Director of Communications:

Strategic Communications

• Under the direction of the President/CEO, create and execute an integrated marketing and communications strategy/plan designed to support and promote the annual strategic priorities of the association and its subsidiaries. The annual plan will incorporate communications to internal (member) and external (media, lawmakers, stakeholders) audiences. 
• Coordinate with internal advocacy staff and partners to develop, coordinate, and execute messaging and communications strategies designed to promote the public policy priorities of LeadingAge Minnesota.
• Provide strategic communications counsel to the President/CEO and assist in developing communications to the Association’s membership..

Brand and Communications Asset Management

• Design and implement media, brand, and crisis communications training for staff, members, and key leadership.

• Serve as the “brand manager” for LeadingAge MN and ensure consistent adherence to design, branding, and style guides for all of the Association’scommunications materials and tools. Seek opportunities to advance LeadingAge MN’s  desire for greater inclusivity and improve the Association’s communications' relevance to target audiences.
• Oversee contractor relationships that support communications, public affairs, and public relations strategies.
• Develop and maintain relationships with other vital communications and outreach partners, including communication leads in member organizations and key stakeholders.
• Serve as the editor-in-chief of LeadingAge MN  publications, including facilitating editorial meetings, writing and editing content, managing style guidelines, and analyzing metrics to determine efficacy.
• Provide leadership and management of social media goals, objectives, and content to promote and advance the LeadingAge Minnesota brand.
• Maintain the association’s website using analytics and feedback to refine, drive traffic, and keep updated.

Media Relations and Public Relations

• Respond to media, stakeholder, and public inquiries in a manner that adequately conveys information and creates/maintains a positive public image for the Association and its members. When called upon and at the direction of the President/CEO, serve as spokesperson for the Association.
• Coordinate and cultivate media relations activities to ensure the older adult services spectrum is understood. Research, write, and pitch story ideas to the media promptly. Coordinate and promote news conferences as needed. Cross-promote media relations activities on social media platforms.

Best-in-Class Benefits and Perks:

We value our employees’ time and efforts. Our commitment to your success is enhanced by competitive compensation of $110,000-$130,000 annually, depending on experience, and an extensive benefits package including:

• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance provided
• Robust retirement planning: 401(k) plan available with employer matching
• Financial security: Life and disability insurance for added protection
• Flexible financial options: Health savings and flexible spending accounts offered
• Well-being and work-life balance: Paid time off and a hybrid work environment that supports remote work on Monday and Friday.

LeadingAge Minnesota strives to maintain the best environment for our employees, where people can learn and grow. We strive to provide a collaborative, creative environment where everyone feels encouraged to contribute to our processes, decisions, planning, and culture.

Ready to embark on a journey where your work truly matters?

Join us in shaping a brighter future. Your passion and our purpose can create a world of endless possibilities. Apply today and be the spark that ignites change! Please email your resume and cover letter  to nsquire@leadingagemn.org.

We are an equal-opportunity employer that welcomes and encourages diversity in the workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.