Communications Director

New York, NY, usa

The Fifteen Percent Pledge is a racial equity and economic justice non-profit organization addressing the inequities that exist throughout the American consumer economy and working towards a more equitable economic future. In recognition that Black people in the U.S. make up nearly 15% of the population, Fifteen Percent Pledge is calling on major retailers and corporations to commit a minimum of 15% of their annual spend to Black-owned businesses, in addition to other internal efforts to support diversity, equity, and inclusion across their companies.

The organization was founded in 2020 by entrepreneur and fashion pioneer Aurora James, and since its launch, over 25 major companies, including Macy’s Inc., Bloomingdales, Sephora, West Elm, Ulta Beauty, Gap Inc., and Rent the Runway, have committed to the Pledge, dedicating 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned brands; in addition to other internal efforts to support diversity, equity, and inclusion across their companies. Indigo, Canada’s largest bookstore, also committed to the Pledge, becoming the first Canadian company to do so. InStyle US and Vogue US have committed to filling 15% of their space to Black voices.

The Fifteen Percent Pledge seeks an experienced, intellectually curious, and dynamic professional to assume the rapidly evolving role of Communications Director. This person will lead the organization by developing a detailed communications strategy covering press relations, social media, and overall tactics that center the Pledge in the national dialogue about Black entrepreneurship, racial equity, and economic justice.

Reporting to the Chief of Staff, this position requires an exceptional writer, storyteller, and strategist who understands the systemic challenges faced by Black business owners, stays abreast of the latest research about their experiences, and knows how to drive the public narrative about the Pledge’s role and impact in this space.

Responsibilities

Strategy and vision

  • Develop and implement an integrated, organization-wide strategic communications plan to broaden awareness about the Pledge’s work and strengthen its brand identity
  • Work with the Board and staff to recognize internal and external communications opportunities and solutions across core audiences (e.g., Black business owners, retail partners, donors, press); define and execute appropriate strategies to support them
  • Create a brand and marketing strategy that informs how the Founder, Executive Director, and Board leadership cultivate meaningful relationships with targeted external audiences

 Operations

  • Oversee and execute as needed all copy for printed, social media, and digital materials intended for public consumption to ensure alignment with the strategic communications plan
  • Serve as the point person on media interactions that promote and/or impact the organization; actively cultivate and manage press relationships to ensure coverage of issues of strategic importance, special events, public announcements, and other projects
  • Prepare talking points, speeches, presentations, and other supporting materials as needed
  • Copy-edit external-facing communication materials and other collateral from all departments

 Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, or related fields
  • 5+ years of proven work experience as a Communication Director or similar role with progressively increasing management responsibility
  • Experience in a nonprofit organization or communications firm, preferably one that operates with an economic justice and/or racial equity lens
  • Impeccable copywriting and copy-editing abilities
  • Understand the principles of copywriting, graphic design, layout, and publishing
  • Demonstrates knowledge and proficiency in driving and expanding digital reach through social media and other external communications, such as newsletters
  • Ability to assert themselves as the expert on all things related to communications and can easily build trust and credibility with internal staff and external partners
  • Experience managing and executing across several communications media
  • Deep commitment to collaboration and continuous learning
  • Strong problem-solving, relationship-building, and interpersonal skills across a range of tasks and stakeholders
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Has a creative, resourceful, fearless, and entrepreneurial mindset with a “roll-up-your-sleeve” mentality
  • Ability to prioritize and follow through effectively

 Salary and Benefits:

  • Full-time managerial position offered at $125,000 - $150,000 annually, plus benefits

 How to Apply:

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to jobs@15pp.org. Please put “Communications Director" in the subject line and kindly let us know how you heard of this opportunity. NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE. Please include attachments or links to materials that showcase your communications experience.

The Fifteen Percent Pledge welcomes diversity in all its forms and believes that its mission can only be achieved when diversity is leveraged across all areas, including race, gender, gender expression, age, nationality, and life experience. The Fifteen Percent Pledge is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and strongly encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds. The Fifteen Percent Pledge provides equal opportunity for all applicants and employees.

 

 

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