POSITION: Communications Director, Remote

CLASSIFICATION: Director Level, Full-time, Salaried (with benefits), Exempt

REPORTS TO: Chief Operating Officer

Position open until filled

SUMMARY: The Communications Director is the lead member of the Communications Department, including the Communications Manager, and the Publications Coordinator. The Communications Director collaborates, develops, and designs the overarching narrative of the organization and develops communication campaigns and initiatives with the primary aim of championing the organization, advancing the profession, and serving Deaf communities. The Director provides guidance and consultation to the Communications Department, RID staff, and volunteer leadership on projects requiring both external and internal communications. 

The primary responsibility of the Communications Director is to promote awareness of RID and of the sign language interpreting profession’s standards of excellence, as well as collaborate in campaigns to educate the public on the interpreting field and the importance of certification and professional standards. As such, the Director is expected to use the tools and techniques of public relations, marketing, and professional communications to engage with members and the community proactively. Using all available resources, the Director will collaborate to develop a narrative that advances the profession, champions the organization, and serves Deaf communities. 

The Director will work closely with the RID Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Operating Officer, and the RID Board of Directors to ensure that communications are consistent with and reflect the vision of the Board and the organization, and elevate the status of RID as a professional organization while maintaining multi-cultural competency and inclusivity. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

PUBLIC RELATIONS AND OUTREACH: 

  • Coordinates public and media relations inquiries to external stakeholders which include writing media advisories, press releases, and other communications relevant to the profession. 
  • Project a positive organization image to the public.
  • Develop contacts and relationships with media members, influencers and community leaders.
  • Work with the Communications team to develop department policies and protocols, and implementing these into messaging that affects community members, specifically where malpractice is involved or in urgent/critical situations impacting interpreters and/or the Deaf community.
  • Oversees the Publications Coordinator and Communications Manager to ensure deadlines are met. 
  • Utilizes their strong network within the Deaf and interpreting communities to develop new partnerships and bring in fresh content. 

COMMUNICATIONS: 

  • Standardize and implement a communication strategy. 
  • Crafts a clear vision for RID communications that advances RID and the sign language interpreting profession, always seeking new ways to interact with internal and external stakeholders. 
  • Recruits and develops content with members of the organization and partners within the interpreting industry for RID publications, media, and communications.
  • Collaborate with various departments to bring their visions to life, carefully crafting department projects from the ground up to enhance RID’s reputation and brand.
  • Works closely with the Communications Department and staff to develop communications strategies to meet the needs of RID’s strategic plan. 
  • Serves as liaison to various task forces and maintains communication with volunteer leaders for strategically aligned content. 
  • Assesses membership and constituent engagement with products of the communication strategy. 
  • Oversees the production of the RID Annual Report. 

MARKETING: 

  • Impeccable understanding of branding, including the branding process, organizational/corporate branding, and creating and shaping the brand of RID keeping in mind its members and consumers. 
  • Implement a marketing strategy to promote RID and the interpreting profession with members, stakeholders, and the public. 
  • Provides consultation on the alignment of web and social media channels with RID’s strategic communications goals. 
  • Coordinates and strategizes the implementation of the RID CARES and other assigned philanthropic efforts or fundraising efforts as part of RID’s outreach. 

PUBLICATIONS: 

  • Provides consultation on the production of, and community engagement with, RID publications and platforms. 
  • Oversees the design elements and signed videos.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Fluency in both ASL and written English is required. 
  • Multicultural Competence and Knowledge of Deaf culture and the ASL interpreting profession. 
  • Proven work experience as a Communications Director is strongly preferred.
  • 6-8 years experience in writing and editing, marketing, public relations, communication strategy, and publishing. 
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher and a minimum of eight years of related experience in the communications, marketing, or public relations field. 
  • DEI training is a plus 
  • Proven diplomacy skills with various stakeholders and commitment to customer service. 
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and meet strict deadlines. 
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills. 
  • Demonstrated administrative and management skills with the ability to work in a team-based environment. 
  • Proficiency in commonly used social media platforms (i.e. Hootsuite, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) 
  • Proficiency in commonly used Communications software and applications pertinent to writing, design, and film work (i.e. Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office, and Google Suite) 

SALARY AND BENEFITS 

This is a director-level position with a salary range starting at $75,500 to $95,000. Salary is based upon the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications. 

RID offers competitive salaries with excellent benefits, including: 

  • Medical/dental/vision/ life insurance 
  • AFLAC 
  • Flexible Spending Accounts 
  • 401(k) Retirement contribution matching 
  • Various paid and parental leave policies, and federal holidays off 
  • EAP (Employee Assistance Program) 
  • WMATA Smart Benefits 
  • Flexible schedules and remote position 
  • Professional development support 
  • Support for staff volunteerism 

The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. is 501(c)3 non-profit, and an equal opportunity employer.