Deputy Director of Communications

About Black Futures Lab 

The Black Futures Lab (BFL) works to make Black communities powerful in politics. BFL transforms Black communities into constituencies that build and wield independent, progressive, Black political power. The problems facing Black communities are complex, and their solutions require innovation, experimentation, and Black political power. 

The Black to the Future Action Fund is a 501(c)4 that works to transform Black communities into constituencies that build independent, progressive, Black political power in cities and states. We work to enact policy that improves the lives of Black people. We work to ensure that Black people have what all people deserve–dignity, safety, and power.

To make Black communities powerful in politics, Black Futures Lab:

• Educates, Activates, and Motivates Black Voters    

Black Futures Lab engages Black voters over the long term, empowering Black voters to share the community problems that affect their lives. BFL energizes Black communities to hold elected leaders, officials, and decision makers accountable for implementing policies that improve the lives of Black people.

• Builds the Capacity of and Invests in Black Organizing Infrastructure

Black Futures Lab is committed to building power – and that takes resources. In partnership with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, BFL’s Black Organizing Innovations Project awards grants to community organizations working to engage and activate Black communities. Recent grantees have received between $125,000 - $250,000 in key states such as Georgia, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Louisiana, and California.

• Collects and Uses Relevant Data to Transform Communities

Black Futures Lab has launched the Black Census Project 2022, the largest survey of Black people in the United States in 157 years. The information gathered from the Census will be used to identify priority issues for Black communities, inform public policy, and shape an agenda created for Black people, by Black people.

For more information on Black Futures Lab, please visit www.blackfutureslab.org. 

The Opportunity

The Director of Communications will be responsible for establishing and refining BFL’s  and B2F’s communications and digital engagement strategy. This work will be multi-pronged, encompassing effective planning, integration, and collaboration across teams to execute its internal and external strategies and initiatives. Externally, the Director will guide the organization in establishing a cohesive narrative and engagement approach to reach a broad cross-section of Black communities. Internally, the Director will lead the development of strong communications and engagement guidelines, tools, and training to support the team.

Reporting to the Principal, the Director of Communications leads the Communications Department and directly supervises the Marketing & Public Relations Manager and the Creative Content Manager.

As an integral member of BFL’s team, the Director will develop and oversee comprehensive marketing and communications strategies and support the development of specific campaigns and initiatives. In collaboration with the Marketing & Public Relations Manager and Creative Content Manager, the Director will ensure that the development and implementation of deliverables, both internal and external, are aligned with organizational and departmental goals, brand guidelines, and the organization’s tone of voice. The Director of Communications will also manage all departmental contracts, develop and drive departmental processes, and set clear quantitative and qualitative goals for the communications team.

The Director’s key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Comprehensive Marketing & Communication Strategies 

• Develop and implement an integrated marketing, communications, and engagement strategy for BFL and B2F to help audiences understand the vision and strategic direction.
• Establish and drive a comprehensive marketing campaigns and initiative-specific strategies related to the organization’s initiatives.
• Partner closely with organizational leads to develop and support the implementation of hard-hitting and compelling campaigns.
• Drafting and editing a wide range of written communications to support and promote the organization’s messaging, initiatives, and audiences, including publications, reports, press releases, articles, presentations, e-blasts, website content, social media posts, and scripts/talking points.
• Guiding and managing appropriate tone and voice to deliver consistent messaging and maintain brand integrity across all channels, platforms and constituents, including partner organizations and media.
• Track and utilize key metrics and data to inform and optimize content and marketing strategies.
• Serve as a point person to the Principal by providing best-in-class communications support for high-profile earned and owned media opportunities with partners and stakeholders.
• Lead and collaborate with direct reports, the Marketing & Public Relations Manager, and the Creative Content Manager to ensure that deliverables, both internal and external, are aligned with organizational and departmental goals and completed successfully.
• Developing updates for the Advisory Board and other critical partners, as appropriate.

Project Management 

• Develop and manage the Department budget and all Department contracts.
• Ensure the documentation of key insights and Department activities and accomplishments for grant reports and stakeholder briefings.
• Set clear quantitative and qualitative goals for the Department.
• Develop and drive implementation of departmental processes.
• Define milestones, assign resources, and ensure tools and programs stay within scope and budget requirements.
• Clearly communicate status, timeline, deliverables, and expectations.

Team Management & Collaboration 

• Lead a team of communications, creative, and marketing professionals and directly supervise the Marketing & Public Relations Manager and Creative Content Manager.
• Conduct bi-weekly supervision meetings with direct reports and monthly check-ins with other staff on the Communications team.
• Support an environment of staff engagement by providing consistent and effective feedback, guidance, and opportunities to engage in structured and unstructured professional development.
• Proactively develop, present, and implement practices and training to support a work culture of growth and leadership development in communications.
• Fulfill necessary HR responsibilities, including supervision and support of Communications department staff, staff evaluations, performance reviews, and Department work plans.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with partners, freelancers, and vendors.
• Collaborate across and within all departments.

Other responsibilities include:

• Ability to successfully manage complex, fast-moving, and unexpected communications opportunities, including select crisis situations. Moreover, developing and managing proactive crisis communications strategies and activities.
• Ability to be available via text and/or phone to address urgent concerns and requests if they arise.
• Track political news and ensure your team is up to date on what is moving in politics and how it impacts Black communities.

The aforementioned responsibilities are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel classified in this manner. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Note: This is a shared position with Black Futures Lab’s sister organization, Black to the Future Action Fund.

Candidate Profile

While no one candidate will possess every quality outlined for this position, a successful candidate will bring many of the following professional qualifications and personal attributes:

Execution and Innovation

The Director will have the ability to effectively balance being a strategic leader and tactician to build and execute BFL’s communications strategy in partnership with internal and external partners. Further, the Director will bring expertise in strategic communications and engage others to drive impact and cohesion. This leader will have a proven ability to achieve goals and create new opportunities for impact, including by leveraging the entire organization's power, talents, and support. As a result, the Director will have a track record of setting priorities and executing them, carrying out long-range goals, and addressing immediate needs. A strong problem solver and adaptable learner, the Director will have the ability to step into new or complex situations and immediately add value. Moreover, the Director will bring a thoughtful, nuanced lens to BFL’s communications and outreach to ensure resonance with its audience.

Relationship Building and Influence 

The Director will be an engaging leader who can serve as a compelling ambassador for the BFL across multiple channels. Driven by the opportunity to help steer the organization’s external voice, visibility, presence, and external engagement during a period of significant growth, the Director will, in partnership with the leadership team, shape the communications strategy to build and sustain relationships at multiple levels with various external constituencies, including peer organizations, grantee partners, and community leaders. Key to success in the role, this leader will understand and respect the importance of building political power and will be adept at positioning BFL as a leading force in this space. This leader must bring a high degree of cultural competence and an ability to engage effectively, build relationships, and establish credibility with individuals from a variety of backgrounds, lived experiences, and perspectives.

Politically Savvy Strategist with a Focus on Community Engagement 

The Director will bring deep expertise in developing comprehensive marketing, communication, and content strategies for political or electoral campaigns. Deeply experienced in the political and campaign space, this leader will bring a strong track record in enhancing organizational profile, audience growth, and relationship cultivation with the media, along with crisis communication management. An engaged manager, the Director will have demonstrated leadership abilities in leading communication teams, collaborating across departments, and effective people management skills. The Director will be an exceptional project manager with the capacity to drive projects from inception to completion. The ideal candidate will also bring strong writing and editing skills for various mediums (written, verbal, and digital), including content development, graphic design, layout, and publishing, as well as proficiency in varied communications technologies, content management systems (CMS), and digital marketing tools (social media, email management software).

In addition, strong candidates will offer:

• In-depth understanding of the historical Black organizing political landscape, experience in working with LGBTQOC communities, and knowledge of 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and Political Action Committee (PAC) regulations.
• Proven track record in enhancing organizational profile, audience growth, and relationship cultivation with the media, along with crisis communication management.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities in collaborating across departments, leading communication teams, and effective people management skills.
• Flexibility for travel, as needed.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay for this position is commensurate with experience and responsibilities. The salary range for this position is $140,000 - $160,000. This position comes with a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, employee assistance, and other resources. This position is full-time, salaried, and exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Work is conducted remotely across BFL, and office hours are 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. local time. Work hours may be adjusted to accommodate team members in other time zones. Travel for in-person quarterly meetings is required.

Contact

Koya Partners, the executive search firm that specializes in mission-driven search, has been exclusively retained for this engagement. Chartise Clark and Dina Tyler of Koya Partners have been exclusively retained for this search.

To express interest in this role please submit your materials here. All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.

Koya Partners is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email [email protected]. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.

Applications received via email or outside of the designated process will not be considered. Black Futures Lab, Black to the Future Action Fund, and Resilient Strategies LLC are equal opportunity, affirmative action employers. Folks who are queer, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, people of color, disabled, parents, are/have been system-impacted, are immigrants, and anyone who has experienced systemic oppression and/or gender-based violence are encouraged to apply.

About Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group

Koya Partners, a Diversified Search Group company, is the nation’s premier search firm dedicated to mission-driven leadership. Since its founding in 2004, Koya has had an exclusive focus on mission-driven clients and was founded on the belief that the right leader can transform an organization and have a deep and measurable impact on our world. Koya works with nonprofits & NGOs, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world.

Diversified Search Group is consistently recognized by Forbes on its top 10 list of “America’s Best Executive Recruiting Firms” and is an industry leader in recruiting transformational leaders for a changing world. The firm is deliberately different in its approach, with best-in-class teams who have decades of experience in cultivating inclusive leaders, understanding the dimensions of diversity, and building equitable teams.

Learn more about Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group via the firm's website.