Director of Marketing & Communications

OVERVIEW:

NRS seeks a dynamic, experienced Director of Marketing & Communications who is inspired by the opportunity to contribute to the efforts that ensure America’s runaway, homeless and at-risk youth are safe and off the streets.

The Marketing & Communications Director leads the organization’s strategic communications and marketing programs to raise public awareness about youth homelessness, runaway prevention and the critical need for services. The Marketing & Communications Director will serve as an ambassador for NRS, helping position NRS as a national leader on runaway, homeless and youth in crisis related issues. This position oversees all NRS Marketing & Communications and supervises the Prevention & Outreach Coordinator and the PR/Media Consultant.

The ideal candidate enjoys combining high-level strategy with hands-on implementation, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to youth in crisis, racial justice and prevention. Flexibility, strong organizational skills, effective written and oral communication skills, and a nuanced understanding of NRS’ diverse and broad audiences will be key for success in this role. This position reports to the Chief Executive Officer, will serve as a key member of the organization’s Leadership Team and will be instrumental in aligning all facets of NRS around integrated branding, marketing, and messaging.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop, manage and budget for the execution of a comprehensive annual strategic marketing & communications plan that addresses all organizational focus areas including: education, outreach, prevention, crisis services and fundraising;
• Create and implement communications strategies that increase engagement from youth, families, service providers, donors and other key stakeholders;
• Oversee management of the NRS brand through messaging, print and on-line collateral materials and ensuring consistency and clarity of use internally and externally;
• Act as the creative director and senior writer for all organizational communication and marketing materials, including e-newsletters, annual report, fundraising appeals, blogs, print and digital materials for National Runaway Prevention Month and other print and digital publication and marketing materials;
• Provide in-house design expertise for social media, flyers, educational resources and prevention tools and coordinate and oversee vendors producing print publications and external graphic design capacity;
• Design, execute and manage all aspects of NRS’ social media strategies across platforms (including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tock, Snapchat, etc.) to drive youth engagement, brand awareness and fundraising efforts;
• Maintain the NRS National Communications Systems websites offering comprehensive resources, information, interactive opportunities and easy access to our 24-hour crisis services;
• Lead and manage the National Runaway Prevention Month campaign;
• Oversee the outreach and engagement efforts for the Lets Talk: Runaway Prevention Curriculum;
• Oversee all media, advertising and public relations outreach including management of any agency or external partner relationships;
• Build presentations and other collateral to support NRS and its education, programs and donor solicitations;
• Develop reports, analytical assessments and other data relevant for impact and outcome measurements for social media, website traffic and other communications strategies;
• Supervise the marketing and communications team including student interns and outside vendors and consultants; and
• Attend NRS Board of Directors and the Resource Development Committee Meetings.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Demonstrated success working with a senior leadership team and Board of Directors to develop highlevel strategies that position an organization in a high visibility environment and strategically moves forward; 
• Excellent leadership skills; able to mentor, develop and motivate a team of marketing and communications professionals with varying levels of experience; 
• Superb written and verbal communications skills including being comfortable with public speaking and serving as an organizational spokesperson; 
• Strong interpersonal skills with proven experience with team and relationship building; 
• Strong relationship building skills and ability to communicate well with diverse teams both internally and externally. 
• Creative problem-solving skills with a positive, results-oriented mindset; 
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines with little outside direction; 
• Comfortable with change management and being part of a collaborative work environment; 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Publisher, PowerPoint, Publisher), Adobe and design software such as Canva or similar platforms and google analytics;
• Experience with graphic design; 
• Proficiency in social media and web content development; 
• Be committed to the mission and operating goals of the National Runaway Safeline; 
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule that includes some evenings, weekends and travel.