Career Center

The Director, Communications is responsible for managing and directing NAMA’s internal and external communications. S/he is a primary content strategist, directing the planning, creation, and implementation of content across NAMA’s various delivery channels (i.e., print, speech, website, social media, video, and electronic communications). This individual will be the storyteller for NAMA, shaping the association’s voice to members and the outside world.  The core function of the job is developing a communications program that addresses NAMA member informational needs and the association’s business objectives. The Director of Communications will be highly collaborative, partnering with cross-functional teams to create and deliver strategic content and messaging for the association including printed materials, social media, annual reports, press releases, executive communications, digital platforms, and more.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Communications

• Assist with organizational content and message strategy for NAMA communications that is based on member needs, business goals, and best practices.
• Be a quick study, becoming a subject matter expert on the industry. Proactively research and educate oneself on the business of the industry and build relationships with key member companies, translating that understanding into products and services for members.
• Provide editorial leadership and support for NAMA’s communications products. This includes:
  • Driving, managing creating and delivering NAMA’s digital strategy including web content, maintaining continuity of themes across the organization, design layout, streamlining navigation, and increasing online presence and engagement with members and external audiences
  • Managing NAMA’s social media messaging, platforms, and online presence; coordinate social messaging needs with the marketing function
  • Service as Editor in Chief of In Touch magazine—CEO and Volunteer leadership columns, articles, and profiles as well as the creation of broader editorial strategy
  • Shape the content focus of NAMA’s electronic newsletters
• Oversee video development and production for all initiatives and events
• Work with stakeholders to understand and address their content needs and serve as a resource with respect to corporate writing, style, voice, and content structure. This includes:

External Affairs:

• Interface regularly with NAMA’s Government Affairs (GA) team on ongoing and immediate advocacy communications
• Design communications strategy and write copy for NAMA initiatives and events
• Assist with content copywriting and editing of rapid response PR efforts
• Collaborate with GA team on advocacy and government affairs communications, newsletters, and reports

Other:

• Developing Executive communications and speeches
• Writing scripts and developing programming for meetings and events, including the general session at The NAMA Show and The Coffee, Tea & Water Show
• Occasional copywriting and editing for all internal teams
• Manage Data and direct NAMA’s Data Project Working Group

Core competencies (must have 7-10 years of experience):

Content strategy; Editorial/Publishing direction; Digital competency; Advocacy communications;

Talking point and message development; Writing and editing; Speechwriting; Video and podcast production; and Vendor/agency management

Behavioral Requirements:

• Highly collaborative style; experience developing and implementing communications strategies
• Innate curiosity and passion to learn the industry to create and drive content to meet member informational needs
• The analytical abilities necessary to gather key business and user insights and apply strategic skills to create a long-term vision for the content that’s generated. A high-level thinker who has a penchant for keeping track of details is an ideal candidate for this job.
• Possess proven understanding and capability for effective financial management and business line profitability
• Proven digital competence including critical use of electronic media for communication
• Self-starter, able to work independently, and entrepreneurial; enjoys creating and implementing new initiatives
• Standout idea generator and problem solver with excellent communication and organizational skills
• Possess organizational savvy, understand the dynamics of the organization and its commitment to members and use that information to establish alliances to achieve organizational objectives
• A strong track record as an implementer who thrives on managing a variety of key initiatives, concurrently
• High energy, maturity, and leadership with the ability to serve as a unifying force and to position communications discussions at both the strategic and tactical levels
• Sincere commitment to work collaboratively with all constituent groups, including staff, board members, association members, volunteers, and vendors
• Bachelor's degree in communications, Journalism, English, Advertising or Marketing required

7-10 years of proven experience in a related role is required