Senior Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications

About OUR Rescue: OUR Rescue (formerly Operation Underground Railroad) fights human trafficking and child sexual exploitation worldwide. We work with law enforcement agencies globally to identify, arrest, and prosecute traffickers, and provide comprehensive care for survivors. We also educate and advocate for public involvement in our mission.

Job Summary:

The Senior Director, Public Relations and Communications is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive communication strategies that align with the organization's mission, vision, values and objectives. This role is crucial in managing both internal and external communications, enhancing the organization's reputation, and engaging key stakeholders, employees, donors, and the public. The Senior Director will leverage strong connections with regional, national and international media outlets, to elevate the organization's visibility and impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Communication Strategy: Develop and execute integrated public relations and internal and external communication strategies that align with the organization's objectives, ensuring consistency in messaging and branding across all communication channels.
• Executive Communications Strategy: Develop and execute executive visibility strategy for senior-most leaders of the organization to build awareness for and enhance the reputation of the organization.
• Media Relations: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with national and regional media outlets. Proactively pitch stories, manage media inquiries, and act as the organization's primary spokesperson to enhance visibility and reputation.
• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of communication professionals, fostering an environment of high performance, creativity, and continuous learning.
• Internal Communication: Oversee internal communication strategies to promote transparency, engagement, and alignment across the organization. Effectively communicate organizational updates, initiatives, and changes to employees.
• External Communication: Drive external communication efforts to elevate the organization's profile and engage key stakeholders, including the media, public, partners, and community.
• Content Creation: Oversee the creation and dissemination of compelling content for various platforms, including press releases, websites, social media, newsletters, and marketing collateral. Ensure all content aligns with the organization's brand voice and strategic goals.
• Crisis Communication: Develop and implement crisis communication plans, managing responses to sensitive issues with discretion and strategic insight.
• Brand Management: Establish and enforce brand guidelines to maintain brand integrity and recognition. Ensure consistency in brand messaging and visual identity across all communication materials.
• Measurement and Reporting: Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the effectiveness of public relations and communication initiatives. Regularly analyze metrics to inform future strategies.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, human resources, advancement, and executive leadership, to ensure communication efforts are aligned with organizational objectives.
• Donor Communication: Develop and execute communication strategies to engage and retain donors, including newsletters, donor recognition programs, and fundraising campaign materials.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in public relations and communications, with strong connections to media outlets, preferably at the national level.
• Expertise working with leaders at all levels across the organization, especially senior leader engagement.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to manage and inspire a team.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities, with a track record of implementing successful public relations and communication campaigns.
• Proficiency in digital communication tools and platforms, including social media.
• Ability to manage crisis communication effectively and handle sensitive information with discretion.

Benefits:

• Competitive pay.
• 3 weeks (15 days) PTO.
• 4 wellness days.
• Paid holidays and 2 floating holidays.
• 401(k) with 6% match,
• 100% health, dental, and vision insurance premiums covered.
• Life/AD&D Insurance.
• Opportunity to work with an outstanding team dedicated to a great cause.