Director, Communications, California Black Freedom Fund

ABOUT SILICON VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Silicon Valley Community Foundation is a regional catalyst, connector and collaborator. We bring together the resources and skills of donors, business, government and community to solve some of our region’s toughest challenges. We promote philanthropy in our region and support philanthropists to invest with impact. Through advocacy, research, policy and grantmaking, we seek systemic solutions to drive enduring community change. Learn more at siliconvalleycf.org. 

ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA BLACK FREEDOM FUND

A state-wide initiative, the California Black Freedom Fund (CBFF) is a five-year, $100 million initiative to build and sustain the power of Black-led organizations, coalitions and networks.

This Fund was established and continues to be overseen by a unique partnership between funders and community leaders who will continue the spirit of partnership and co-design with Black leaders to develop a new way of philanthropic and community collaboration. Resources will be both pooled and aligned to support movement-building for the kind of deep, social and structural changes that can only be achieved by investing in the infrastructures of Black-based organizations committed to sustained movement-building. Learn more at cablackfreedomfund.org.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

This is a full-time, exempt level position. This role may require time sensitive and urgent availability via text and/or phone to meet deadlines or manage concerns and requests as they arise.

This is a remote position located in California. Some travel may be required.

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Executive Director of the California Black Freedom Fund, the Director, Communications is responsible for the strategy and management of CBFF’s general communications, media relations, storytelling and narrative change, as well as branding and marketing. 

The Director, Communications leads the development, implementation and assessment of CBFF’s communications strategy as it relates to all functions of the organization including grantmaking, capacity building, events and convenings, and other programming in alignment with CBFF’s strategic plan.

The Director supports the creation and implementation of externally facing campaigns by partnering with the Executive Director to fundraise with donors and institutions, engage new partners, shepherd and strengthen existing partnerships with the community and elevate the prominence and influence of the organization. 

The Director is a cross-functional team leader collaborating with staff, advisors and consultants in areas such as administration, legal, research, development, finance and operations.

While currently a component fund of Silicon Valley Community Foundation, CBFF will be spinning off as an independent 501(c)(3) organization by mid 2025.  The Director, Communications plays a key role in planning and implementing program related aspects of this transition, including elevating CBFF’s brand and identity. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead, conceptualize, plan, create, deliver, track and assess the organization’s communications strategies, messaging and brand framework.
• Support CBFF’s narrative change and storytelling goals with forward-thinking communications strategies. Actively seek out compelling stories about CBFF grantees and develop them for use across marketing channels. Specifically develop and advance communications and narrative change strategies that elevate CBFF’s ground-breaking approaches across racial justice, community organizing, civic engagement and leadership development for policy and systems change positively impacting Black communities.
• Budget for, plan, design and implement dynamic and integrated communications campaigns developed for raising the visibility of CBFF’s thought leadership, initiatives and grantmaking strategies centered on the organization’s goals, objectives and priorities.
• Develop CBFF's media relations strategies and oversee implementation, including maintaining relationships with key outlets; engaging in proactive pitching and managing incoming inquiries; crafting responses; drafting press releases, media advisories and statements; staffing interviews and serving as an organizational spokesperson, as needed.
• Integrate multi-disciplinary engagement opportunities into executive and CEO thought leadership efforts, conduct media training for CBFF staff and support development of executive communications for CBFF senior leadership.
• Provide strategic communications advice and guidance to other departments and staff as needed, especially as it relates to promoting CBFF projects and initiatives in the media.
• Monitor and track media coverage related to CBFF and its partners; develop periodic reports for staff, executives and board of directors detailing media relations strategies and outcomes.
• Research, write and edit compelling content to be deployed across a wide range of marketing materials, including web-based stories, collateral pieces and podcasts. Participate in research and development of editorial content for CBFF publications and communications of all types.
• As needed, edit content developed by other staff members for a variety of reports, social media messages and blog posts to ensure brand consistency.
• Oversee strategic direction and content of social media accounts and online presence. Track and utilize key metrics and data to inform and optimize content and marketing strategies across web, social and email.
• Manage freelance writers, consultants and editors, as needed
• Strategize and plan for public events designed to reach CBFF audiences and communicate our values.
• Stay abreast of current events, policy and civic issues at the national level and in CBFF areas of interest, as well as in the philanthropic sector, to ensure that all messaging is current and appropriate.
• Ensure the organization’s tone, voice and brand integrity are maintained in campaigns and across all platforms.
• Other related duties and projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIRED SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree.  
• Minimum seven years’ experience in fields relevant to assigned responsibilities. Preference for significant relevant work experience (7+ years) with strong networks and contacts, as well as a broad, generalist background with deep and comprehensive understanding of communications strategy design and development, communications technologies and systems, networking, community change and community coalitions.
• Experience working with/for/on behalf of Black communities and a strong understanding of the historical and current issues specific to Black communities as well as the Black public policy organizing landscape.
• Excellent writing, editing, analytical and oral communication skills including the ability to collect, review, synthesize and present information and findings.
• Superior project management skills with the ability to drive a project from ideation through completion.
• Self-motivated with strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently to make strategic and tactical decisions in a highly collaborative, complex and high-paced/high-output environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to work with diverse people and in diverse groups.
• Strong software skills in Microsoft Office Suite and Outlook, as well as demonstrated knowledge of content management systems (CMS) and digital marketing technologies, including social media and email management software.
• Ability to thrive in a rapidly shifting and evolving workplace.
• Commitment to systemic change and social justice.  
• Strong ability to raise the profile of the organization and its campaigns and grow the intended target audience.
• Superior project management skills with the ability to drive a project from ideation through completion.
• Experience managing third party contractors or vendors.
• Working knowledge of the legal parameters that govern 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4), and Political Action Committee (PAC) organizations and the implications in communication, marketing, branding and storytelling assets.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

SVCF is committed to offering competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits. The target hiring range for this position is $150,000 to $170,000 per year based on experience, credentials and internal salary equity.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes generous medical, dental and vision plans; paid time off; holidays and employer contribution and matching to a 403(b) retirement plan.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the incumbent in this position.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND INCLUSION

Silicon Valley Community Foundation has a deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and equal opportunity.  We are committed to building a team that is representative of our community. 

SVCF is an equal opportunity employer.  Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, political affiliation, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.

SVCF is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals.  As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.  If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform essential job functions, of employment, please contact humanresources@siliconvalleycf.org.  Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format and/or using specialized equipment.