National Director of Communications and Membership Engagement - Council of State Governments

The Council of State Governments (CSG) is the nation's only organization serving all three branches of state government. CSG is a region-based forum that fosters the exchange of insights and ideas to help state officials shape public policy. This offers unparalleled regional, national and international opportunities to network, develop leaders, collaborate and create problem-solving partnerships. To learn more about CSG please visit our website at www.csg.org. To learn more about careers at CSG, and about our comprehensive benefit offerings, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, PSLF eligibility and more, please visit our website here.

This opportunity is based in our Lexington, KY office but offers flexibility to work from home part of the work week.

JOB SUMMARY

The National Director of Communications and Membership Engagement plays a key role in engaging elected and appointed state government officials in the work of CSG. CSG connects, informs, inspires, and empowers state government officials to advance the common good. As such, the director is a key leader in accomplishing that mission. The role directs an integrated communication strategy for CSG and serves as the managing editor for publications, member newsletters, the CSG website and all social media produced by the national office. The role also serves as a resource to coordinate and align communications and engagement efforts across the organization.

The director is a creative dynamo with excellent storytelling skills and exceptional ability to visualize data and communicate complex subjects with simplicity. The director is an exceptional editor and curator of ideas and has technical expertise in producing compelling content across a wide array of platforms. The director is an empathic, servant leader who builds high performance teams and achieves continuous improvement.

The role supports the Executive Director/CEO as an advisor and strategic thought partner to help raise the profile and reputation of CSG. This position leads team members and uses resources wisely to create opportunities for meaningful engagement by state officials in the programs and services of CSG, is a positive and enthusiastic ambassador for CSG, embodying the CSG brand and values, and it manages the day-to-day operations for the department, contributing to a work culture that encourages learning, growth, innovation and results.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop the most appropriate methods for identifying and communicating the mission and vision and goals of CSG through marketing, policy and research materials in print, online or through video.
• Ensure consistent branding in all aspects of the work of CSG.
• Serve as a leader and advisor on all CSG messaging, writing, editing, graphic design, social media, press relations, video, and web design.
• Successfully align communication products and services with those of the CSG Justice Center, regions and affiliated organizations to achieve integrated branding, visual identity and enhanced awareness of CSG while improving its reputation among state officials, partners and stakeholders.
• Prepare excellent content including articles, blogs, pod casts, video content, reports, talking points, speeches, press releases and op-eds.
• Direct and coordinate the editing, design, and production of all CSG content.
• Develop dissemination strategies and communications activities and tools for policy initiatives, new reports, major events, and membership initiatives that enhance engagement and participation.
• Develop appropriate visual identity, editing and writing style standards to ensure quality and consistency of content throughout the organization.
• Serve as a senior advisor to the Executive Director/CEO and other senior leaders on communication and engagement issues.
• Develop and administer processes for interacting with media - including answering press calls, writing talking points and supporting the Executive Director/CEO in his role as CSG spokesperson.
• Foster strong working relationships across all CSG departments, regions and affiliates.
• Assist regions and affiliates in publicizing meetings, programs or publications generated in their offices. Advise and assist regional staff on best methods for promoting their programs, meetings, and publications.
• Provide excellent project management for all CSG products, services and initiatives to include serving as the liaison for other departments.
• Communicate and collaborate with senior leadership team members on the status of projects and solicit their advice and participation in helping leverage the work of the CSG for maximum impact.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong leadership qualities.
• Demonstrated exceptional storytelling abilities.
• Self-motivated, able to take initiative and see complex tasks through to completion.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and in a collaborative style.
• Ability to work in a team environment and communicate in a professional manner.
• Proven success in utilizing social media tools and technologies to engage key membership groups, customers, and constituents.
• Strong knowledge of website management (i.e. HTML, FTP, etc.) and graphics software (i.e. Photoshop, Dreamweaver, etc.) preferred.
• Ability to convey information to many audiences in a variety of formats including written reports, fact sheets, speeches, presentations, websites, social media, videos, and other digital platforms.
• Excellent writing, editorial expertise, communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complicated concepts with simplicity.
• Ability to conceptualize and convey data in ways which enhance its utility to end users.
• Knowledge of state government and the political process.
• Excellent critical thinking, problem solving and communications skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Skill and competence to work effectively with a myriad of state officials, including high-level
• executive, legislative, and judicial officials.
• Ability to work with leading experts in the field of state policy, including researchers, policy experts, program providers and private sector representatives.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle politically sensitive work.
• Competency in the use of data metrics for analyzing various communication strategies and
• performance related to email, direct mail, website, social media and other communication efforts.
• Willingness to travel as needed.
• Exercise the highest ethical standards in all aspects of the work.
• Ability to interact effectively with diverse people in different contexts and foster equity and inclusion through self-awareness, cultural sensitivity, and valuing others.
• Dedication to public service with an unfailing commitment to act with civility, be nonpartisan in performing CSG duties, and be a responsible steward of member and donor funds.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or a related field.
• At least five (5) years in communications-related field with increasingly responsible experience in dealing with media, public policy, government relations, or other related experience.
• At least three (5) years management and supervisory experience.
• At least five (5) years of relevant communications and media expertise.
• Experience creating compelling content across a wide array of platforms.
• Experience engaging audiences in meaningful ways necessary to advance the mission of an organization.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Interested applicants must complete the online application and include resume and cover letter.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to characteristics including but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. CSG is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.