Director of Communications

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Serve as the lead writer/editor on all highly sensitive communications 
2. Manage internal and external messaging on behalf of M3 and R3 (Rapid Response & Recovery) clients 
3. Draft and review compelling content, key messaging, and talking points that resonate with a variety of audiences and convey a consistent voice across channels 
4. Develop and manage thorough and consistent processes for cascading messaging across the agency and to external stakeholder groups, including clients, carrier partners, industry partners, and community partners 
5. Serve as gatekeeper and process manager to ensure appropriate levels of control around content, messages, distribution groups, and timing are maintained 
6. Manage M3`s media and public relations functions to promote M3ers, agency news, and milestone events while managing reputational risk 
7. Ensure M3’s website, social media, and other digital channels are aligned to PR efforts and up to date with news releases and announcements

Internal Communications

Responsibility or Duty:

• Develop and manage M3’s strategic internal communications plan; lead execution and evolution of all internal communication channels and tools to ensure employees are informed and engaged 
• Drive employee advocacy by fostering a strong, consistent internal communications culture 
• Serve as company-wide change management advisor 
• Distribute impactful key messages that reinforce M3’s culture and help create and sustain our employment brand 
• Serve as a trusted advisor to M3 executive team regarding communications strategies and tactics that help drive engagement, build brand awareness, and support business objectives across the organization

Corporate Communications

Responsibility or Duty:

• Ensure a unified and consistent message across all channels and targeted at a variety of stakeholder groups 
• Provide editing and design support for publications and external-facing documents and posts 
• Assist in the development and creation of corporate communications materials that help convey M3’s current operations and culture 
• Manage positioning and messaging around M3’s commitment to and impact of M3 Foundation, community involvement, ESG efforts, and more

Crisis Communications

Responsibility or Duty:

• Develop a crisis communication plan for the organization 
• Manage and implement M3’s crisis communication plan as part of the agency’s overall business continuity efforts 
• Provide counsel on and oversee crisis communications plans for M3 clients through the agency’s Rapid Response & Recovery (R3) specialization 
• Monitor media coverage and ensure appropriate responses on behalf of M3 and key clients 
• Serve as key point of contact for media inquiries during crisis situations 
• Provide timely and transparent communication to M3 and clients’ employees during challenging situations

Public Relations

Responsibility or Duty:

• Develop priorities, goals, and processes for promoting M3’s people, expansion, special reports, new ventures, company news, milestone events, awards & accolades, etc. 
• Ensure M3 maintains a positive image by overseeing and approving any company information or announcements before they’re released to the public 
• Serve as proactive and reactive conduit with media partners across all M3 regional market 
• Develop and maintain standard talking points for recurrent topics and emerging matters 
• Coordinate interviews and photo shoots 
• Proactively engage with media outlets to secure positive coverage, promote M3’s brand, and manage the agency’s reputation 
• Provide media training for executives to enhance communication skills 
• Prepare PR statements to address changes within the organization; write and distribute press releases when appropriate 
• Act as a spokesperson for M3, building and maintaining relationships with key journalists and industry influencers 
• Maintain database of M3’s media relations partners

Experience:

Required -

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Advertising, or related area 
• 8+ years of corporate communications both internal and externally focused

Preferred -

• Strong communication skills, able to communicate effectively with people on all levels of the organization with clarity, persuasiveness, and precision 
• Demonstrated journalistic writing, editing, and interviewing/researching skills 
• Strong editing and proofreading skills 
• Experience in Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, and SharePoint 
• Knowledge of video editing and publishing a plus 
• Excellent project management skills with an ability to manage and coordinate several projects within strict timelines and across both the communication and media functions