Director of Communications

Join Our Mission to Empower LA’s Youth! Become Our Next Director of Communications and Help Shape the Future of LA's BEST!

About LA’s BEST

Established 35 years ago, LA’s BEST is a safe and engaging afterschool enrichment program for elementary school students in neighborhoods with the highest needs yet fewest resources. Beyond academics, our programming nurtures social and emotional connections with trained and caring adults. LA’s BEST prepares and inspires staff to empower children to create lives full of choices and supports working families across Los Angeles.

LA’s BEST is a unique partnership between the private and public sectors providing afterschool enrichment. Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) operates the program. Advocating for public, government allocations and fundraising from the private sector comprise the nonprofit entity. These branches collaborate to maintain, expand and enhance equitable programming that benefits staff, children and working families living across Los Angeles.

At LA’s BEST, we believe that diversity fuels innovation, creativity, and success. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where every individual's unique perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences are valued and celebrated. As we continue to grow and evolve, we are dedicated to building a team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We encourage applications from individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, ages, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Join us in our mission to create an environment where everyone feels empowered to thrive and contribute their best work. Your voice matters, and we invite you to bring your authentic self to our team.

Job Overview and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Vice President (VP) of Development, the Director of Communications spearheads the development and implementation of comprehensive marketing and communications strategies in collaboration with LA’s BEST’s Development department and programmatic Directors. The Director of Communications is responsible for crafting engaging content for external communications, including press releases and social media updates, while also overseeing the planning and execution of campaigns to drive donor engagement and event participation. Additionally, the Director of Communications plays a key role in website management, media relations, and project coordination. Core responsibilities may include:

Strategy Development & Implementation (approximately 30%):

• Collaborating with the Development department and programmatic Directors to design and implement comprehensive marketing and communications strategies that align with the organization's fundraising and program-related initiatives, including the creation of print collateral, web content, email campaigns, and social media outreach efforts.
• Spearheading the creation of key publications such as the annual report, acknowledgement letters, one-sheets, and other promotional materials to effectively showcase the organization's impact and initiatives.

Content Creation & Management (approximately 30%):

• Acting as the lead in crafting engaging and persuasive copy for all external communications across various platforms, ensuring consistency in messaging and branding.
• Writing press releases and pitching stories to traditional and non-traditional media outlets to secure coverage of important organizational events and initiatives.
• Establishing and implementing a comprehensive social media strategy, identifying relevant content, links, photos, and status updates for distribution across platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and others.
• Conducting thorough editing and proofreading of all communications materials, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to brand standards.

Campaign Planning & Execution (approximately 20%):

• Planning, writing, and monitoring the results of direct-mail and email campaigns, incorporating strategies to identify major gift opportunities and track donor engagement.
• Monitoring the reach and effectiveness of communications efforts, providing recommendations for expanding reach and engagement, and implementing approved strategies.
• Providing comprehensive support for events, including developing and scheduling solicitation materials, invitations, signage, sponsor fulfillment items, and managing fundraising and ticket sales platforms, such as Eventbrite and Crowdrise.

Coordination & Collaboration (approximately 20%):

• Managing and maintaining LA’s BEST's website, ensuring content is regularly updated and optimized for functionality.
• Compiling and maintaining a media list, fostering relationships with local media personnel, and ensuring adequate coverage of key issues and initiatives.
• Promptly responding to feedback and inquiries from constituents via email and other communication channels to maintain a high level of engagement and responsiveness.
• Project managing work assigned to consultants or external vendors as needed, ensuring timely and high-quality deliverables.
• Participating in regular meetings with the Development department and Program operations leadership to identify communication needs and opportunities for collaboration.
• Collaborating with other LA’s BEST staff on key initiatives or special projects as assigned.

Core Competencies

• Ability to maintain regular and consistent attendance.
• Ability to think strategically and develop comprehensive marketing and communications strategies aligned with organizational objectives.
• Demonstrated leadership skills to effectively spearhead and guide communication initiatives.
• Ability to craft compelling and persuasive content for various communication channels, ensuring consistency in messaging and branding.
• Strong understanding of media relations and the ability to secure coverage of organizational events and initiatives through effective press releases and pitches.
• Expertise in developing and implementing social media strategies to drive engagement and outreach across platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and others.
• Ability to plan, execute, and monitor communication campaigns and projects, ensuring timely and high-quality deliverables.
• Capability to provide comprehensive support for events, including developing solicitation materials, managing ticket sales platforms, and ensuring successful execution.
• Proficiency in managing and maintaining organizational websites, ensuring regular updates and optimization for functionality.
• Ability to promptly respond to feedback and inquiries from constituents through various communication channels to maintain high engagement levels.
• Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams and external vendors, fostering relationships and ensuring alignment with communication goals.
• Meticulous attention to detail in editing and proofreading communication materials to ensure accuracy, consistency, and adherence to brand standards.
• Capability to monitor and analyze the reach and effectiveness of communication efforts, providing recommendations for optimization and expansion.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and environments, thriving in a fast-paced and dynamic work setting.

Qualifications and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field is required; Master’s degree is preferred.
• 5-7 years of progressive work experience in communications or marketing is required.
• 2-4 years of demonstrated experience in a senior communications or marketing role (Manager or above) is required, preferably within the nonprofit sector or a related field.
• Spanish language proficiency is preferred, but not required.
• Exceptional writing skills with the ability to craft engaging and persuasive copy for various platforms, including press releases, social media posts, and promotional materials.
• Strong understanding of media relations and experience pitching stories to traditional and non-traditional media outlets to secure coverage.
• Proficiency in social media strategy development and implementation across platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc., with a track record of successful engagement.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, from conception to completion, ensuring deadlines are met and deliverables are of high quality.
• Meticulous attention to detail with a keen eye for accuracy and consistency in all communications materials.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including Development, Program Operations, and external vendors, to achieve communication objectives.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to foster relationships with media personnel, donors, stakeholders, and colleagues.
• Proficiency in digital tools and platforms relevant to communications, including content management systems (CMS), social media management tools, email marketing platforms, etc.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Passion for the mission and values of LA’s BEST, with a commitment to advancing its goals through strategic communication efforts.

Compensation

$100,000 - $120,000; commensurate with experience.

Work Location

Currently, there is a hybrid work environment with two days per week required at the office in downtown Los Angeles. This requirement is likely to shift to three days per week required at the office, beginning in the first quarter of the 2025 calendar year. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required throughout the year. Candidates must also be able to travel to school sites and meetings/events within LA County on a semi-regular basis and have access to reliable and timely transportation.

Company Benefits

LA’s BEST provides Employer paid medical, dental, & vision insurance for employees, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage, 401(k) retirement plan with an employer match after six months of continuous employment, paid time off, cell phone stipend, and other benefits.

Equal Opportunity

LA’s BEST is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, and disability or veteran status. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request (LA’s BEST is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request).

How to Apply

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and a work sample showcasing your communications expertise with your application. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.