Director of Strategic Communications

The Deep South Center for Environmental Justice (DSCEJ) is hiring a Director of Strategic Communications to oversee its Communications Division.

About Us

The Deep South Center for Environmental Justice (DSCEJ) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and families harmed by pollution and vulnerable to climate change through research, education, community and student engagement for policy change, as well as health and safety training for environmental careers.

Position Summary

The Director of Strategic Communications, reporting to DSCEJ’s Chief of Staff, will lead the organization’s communications strategy, aligning storytelling, media relations, and executive visibility with DSCEJ’s mission and goals. This role manages internal and external teams to drive a unified voice across platforms, partners with senior leaders to elevate thought leadership, and activates systems that deliver measurable impact. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and multi-channel communication skills are essential. This is a full time role; candidates must be based in the Greater New Orleans area (or be willing to commute).

Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Organizational Alignment

• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic communications and storytelling plan that aligns with the organization’s mission, goals, and priorities.
• Develop and lead a one-voice communication approach across the organization (e.g., the org should have a clear and consistent voice anchored in its values, paired with clear stance/messaging on key issues/policies).
• Identify and implement needed organization-wide systems and processes to meaningfully activate communication strategies from the developed plan.
• Develop an approach to evaluate the effectiveness of the communications strategy and storytelling and create an ongoing process to review metrics, assess key learnings and refine strategy as needed.

Content Development & Thought Leadership

• Draft content in coordination with DSCEJ’s Executive Director, program leads and the communications team across multiple channels and DSCEJ communications assets. This includes external communication such as speeches, presentations, talking points, and thought leadership pieces.
• Develop and execute a thought-leadership strategy to deepen positioning of DSCEJ’s Executive Director as one of the foremost experts in environmental justice and community-centered solution development.
• Collaborate with DSCEJ’s various departments to identify storytelling opportunities for their respective projects, programs, events, and initiatives.

Media Relations & Public Representation

• Act as a core spokesperson for the organization in conjunction with DSCEJ’s Executive Director. Identify, train and prepare additional potential spokespeople. Serve as a communications advisor to DSCEJ’s Executive Director and senior organizational leaders.
• Build and maintain relationships with national, regional, and local media to enhance the organization’s visibility and as opportunities arise, secure press coverage. Prepare press releases, media statements, and pitch stories.

• As needed, lead crisis communications response, coordinating internal and external activation.

Team Leadership & Internal Operations

• Directly manage DSCEJ’s Creative Director, as well as a team of external contractors and cross-functional staff members.
• Develop and equip the communication team to execute a social media strategy. Monitor social trends to identify opportunities for expanded engagement and reach.
• Develop systems, processes and project management tools for activation within the communications department.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or related field.
• 8-10 years of experience in communications, public relations, or related field, ideally within the nonprofit or public sector.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful strategic communications plans.
• Experience in media relations, including building and managing relationships with national and local media.
• Proven experience managing teams, with the ability to set clear goals and support professional growth.
• Valid state-issued driver’s license.

Skills & Competencies

• Demonstrates a strong presence and sound judgment, with the ability to represent the organization confidently and make informed decisions in high-stakes situations.
• Outstanding writing and editing skills with strong attention to detail with the ability to produce high-quality content across various formats (press releases, reports, speeches, social media).
• Proficiency in digital marketing and communications platforms (e.g. social media management, email marketing, content management systems).
• Knowledge of analytics and reporting tools to measure the impact of communications efforts.
• Strong strategist with a high level of creativity and resourcefulness.
• Experience navigating and leading an organization-wide crisis communications response.
• Experience managing a team and fostering professional growth and development needed to fulfill all needed communication functions for the organization.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives and deadlines in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders in order to collaborate effectively.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and well as a part of a cross-functional team.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• This is a hybrid role; candidates must be based in the Greater New Orleans area (or be willing to commute)
  • Must have dependable internet access & cell phone for remote work days
  • In-person reporting schedule will be determined according to organizational needs
• Please note that DSCEJ is not able to provide sponsorship for employment visas.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to access and navigate the office
• Some stooping, lifting, or carrying objects (up to 15 pounds) may be required
• Must be willing and able to travel as needed for meetings, team retreats, project convenings, etc.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary range: $88,000 - $92,000K per year (commensurate with qualifications and experience)
• Medical: Health, Dental Vision
• Retirement: 401k with up to a 2% annual salary contribution on staff accounts
• Paid Life and AD&D
  

EEOC Statement

It is the policy of the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

More About DSCEJ

The Deep South Center for Environmental Justice (DSCEJ) was founded by Dr. Beverly Wright in 1992 in collaboration with community environmental groups and universities in the Southern region to advance environmental justice. Since this time, DSCEJ has become a powerful resource for environmental justice research, education, advocacy, as well as health and safety training for environmental careers.

DSCEJ provides opportunities for communities, scientific researchers, and decision makers to collaborate on projects that promote the rights of all people to be free from environmental harm as it impacts health, jobs, housing, education, and quality of life. A major goal of the Center continues to be the development of environmental justice leaders in African American and other communities of color along the Mississippi River Chemical Corridor and the broader Gulf Coast Region.

To learn more, please visit www.dscej.org.