Director, Communications and Public Relations

Description

Position:                     Director, Communications and Public Relations

Location:                    Remote

Category:                    Full time, Exempt 

Reports to:                 VP, Advancement

Direct Reports:           Marketing Communications Specialist

About Benetech  

Benetech believes that equitable access to education is a human right. Our technology and services break down systemic barriers and empower all learners regardless of ability. Around the world, we partner with local communities to expand inclusive and equitable education opportunities. To date we have delivered more than 20 million accessible books helping over 1.5 million students, jobseekers, and adults to read, learn, and pursue their dreams. People at Benetech believe strongly in the mission, and we work hard to embody our Truths each day.

Attracting candidates from all backgrounds  

Our Benetech team reflects the diversity of the people we impact. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, including members of historically marginalized or oppressed communities because it makes our organization stronger. 

 
Research shows that individuals only apply to jobs if they meet all of the qualifications. We know there are great candidates who might not check all of the boxes and possess important skills we haven’t thought of. If that’s you, apply and tell us about yourself!

The Opportunity  

The Director, Communications and Public Relations drives Benetech's messaging, tells our story, and collaborates on strategy, sitting at the center of our outward-facing messaging and positioning for all Benetech programs, ed-tech products and services, initiatives, and new solutions. As Benetech reaches a milestone 25th anniversary, this position will provide a meaningful contribution to the mission and global impact through thought leadership, brand promotion and market awareness. Manages the Benetech communications plan and ensures that company and program goals are being met through the development and implementation of quality communications in the ed-tech space.  

• Leads external communications and public relations programs: Develops and executes an annual communications plan, PR and social strategies to reach key stakeholders, effectively conveying the unique positioning of Benetech to drive brand awareness, thought leadership and a positive reputation around longevity and relevance. 
• Develops/executes a media strategy that cultivates press contacts, driving earned, owned, and shared media coverage across local, national, and international spotlights to support Benetech’s key objectives; Outreach includes the drafting of press releases, pitches, banners, brochures, reports and other forms of external communications for initiatives, achievements, partnerships.
• Develops both proactive and reactive reputation management program, including brand style guide, key audience messaging, impact report and crisis communications process, to help respond to or pre-empt any reputational issues.  
• Oversees external communications channels including social media and website ensuring consistent voice and tone across key communications and assets such as communications style guide, templates and updates of Goldstar, Benevity, 990 filing language, newsletters, social media and impact reports. 
• Owner of the Benetech brand and primary storyteller: Identifies communications platforms to deliver clear, high-quality, persuasive content that ensures Benetech’s image mirrors a culture of diversity and inclusivity and resonates with diverse audiences to elicit increased engagement, awareness, strategic partnerships and donations.  
• Collaborates with the Development team to develop materials for funding campaigns, grant stewardship and proposals, and leadership opportunities, including events, corporate partnerships, ambassador development, sponsorship opportunities, and drafting materials for Benetech’s Board of Directors and Benetech senior leadership team. Manages and evolves Benetech’s Advisory Council program to complement and round out industry expertise and key impact areas. 
• Organizes events that attract and steward individual donors, philanthropic partners and elevates Benetech’s brand
• Manages CEO platform: Proactively seek, coordinate and script CEO amplification, thought leadership opportunities via event strategy, awards, interviews, content creation, and speaking opportunities for media coverage. 
• Supervises Marketing Communications Specialist role and intern program. 

Qualifications

Qualifications and Core Competencies

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Non-profit Experience 
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and juggle multiple priorities with attention to detail. 
• 5 or more years of experience in communications and PR, with at least 3 years directly managing communications strategy, projects and teams 
• Ability to benchmark, measure and analyze the effectiveness of communications efforts with regular reports and analysis  
• Current media and public speaking relationships and successful relationship management experience 
• Well-spoken with tremendous command of the formal written word 
• Remain current on relevant topics, trending stories, and new platforms/technologies and use this information to drive strategy, amplify our message, and increase visibility  
• Exceptional EQ with superb people skills and ability to exude grace under pressure.  
• Work collaboratively across functions to coordinate multichannel content generation and distribution to amplify and ensure consistent messaging and branding 
• Familiar with traditional fundraising approaches and able to think creatively about ways to support Benetech’s revenue goals

Preferred:

• Education Technology Experience
• Fundraising Experience
• Experience/knowledge of best practices in individual giving and issue-based campaigns
• Self-motivated, confident, and strong work ethic 
• Detail-oriented planner  

Travel Obligations

Travel for this position may take up 10%, including any required meetings

Physical Demands and Working Environment: 

• Standard / Remote office setting; proximity to office equipment that includes electronic devices 
• Must remain at a workstation for at least 50% of the time; will need to use equipment that includes electronic devices 
• Perceive and interact with text, media, and people 
• Communicate and accurately exchange information with text, media, and people