Job Description:

As one of the nation's premier humanitarian organizations, the American Red Cross is dedicated to helping people in need throughout the United States and, in association with other Red Cross networks, throughout the world. We depend on the many generous contributions of time, blood, and money from the American public to support our lifesaving services and programs.

At the Red Cross, there is no such thing as a small disaster. In every single case it is the Red Cross' mission to help people affected by disaster meet their emergency needs that include shelter, food, clothing, and health and mental health services. As a paid staff member, you will support our loyal Red Cross disaster volunteers who serve selflessly to provide a bridge of assistance until individuals and families can resume a normal life.

Our disaster volunteers are the heart and soul of our mission to respond to emergencies and provide relief to victims of disasters. They serve in a number of capacities, including Disaster Action Team Member, Disaster Assessment, Caseworker, Mass Care Feeding, Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) Driver, Shelter Manager/Staff, Disaster Health Services and Disaster Mental Health.

We are currently seeking a Regional Communications Director (North TX) to work in our Dallas, TX office. This position will work 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday, and some weekends and evenings will be required during times of business need. Travel will also be involved up to 35% of the time.

This position is a critical component of the American Red Cross regional team and infrastructure. It is responsible for carrying out the communications functions at the local level of the American Red Cross. It supports the mission of the organization across all lines of service.
Reporting to the Regional Executive, this position works in close collaboration with local fundraising, disaster cycle, biomedical services, SAF, health and safety and volunteer management staff at the regional level as well as the national Communications Department.

Responsibilities
1. Strategy: In partnership with the Regional Communication Director, develops and implements a strategic communications plan while proactively communicating the work of the Red Cross in that region, protecting the reputation of the Red Cross and supporting local service delivery and revenue generation across all lines of service. Works with National headquarters to develop a communication strategy and materials in the event of local crisis or reputation management issues.
2. Public Affairs: Acts as the on-the-record spokesperson when appropriate and supports local executives and Board of Directors (as applicable) as the face of the Red Cross in the community. Leads and supports all Disaster Public Affairs activities for the region through the entire disaster cycle. Participates in national disaster deployments as a member of the Advanced Public Affairs Team. Ensures that duty is delegated to an appropriately trained staff or volunteer. Supports Disaster Public Affairs efforts across the division, and potentially, on the national level. May be required to deploy to support disaster response operations outside the region or may be tasked to help with public affairs volunteer training and development across the division.
3. Media Relations: Develops and implements a social media strategy for the region that reflects the priorities of the region and is aligned with the corporate social media strategy. Maintains positive relationships with members of the media across the region and works with executives and other staff to manage media efforts and relationships across multiple media markets in a region. Manages the distribution and creation of press materials supporting local and national initiatives.
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4. Internal Communications: Supports executive level internal communication initiatives, including communication to staff and volunteers from executive.
5. Management: Provides strong leadership and strategic direction. Develops and sets individual and departmental team performance goals and manages/drives change. Manages and leads regional communication and marketing staff. Develops and leads a team of volunteers that can assist with all aspects of regional communication activities. Supervises and delegates responsibilities to communication staff and to communication volunteers.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.
Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism or related field required.
Experience: Minimum 7 years experience leading and managing a public relations team required. Demonstrated experience managing and interacting with the public social media platforms for an organization. Demonstrated experience developing communication strategy for an organization.
Management Experience: Minimum 5 years of staff management experience. Demonstrated ability to develop effective work teams and build consensus within the organization and the community. Experience in collaborative approaches to achieving organizational success. Experience with marketing during major national and international disaster preferred.
Skills and Abilities: Outstanding communication skills (oral and written) required. Experience working with media as an on the record spokesperson is preferred. Ability to work effectively and persuasively with division and regional partners and leadership.
Other: Demonstrates strong commitment and passion for mission of American Red Cross. Intermediate proficiency with MS Office software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
Travel: 25%+
Competencies
Strong Interpersonal Communication
Strong Written and Oral communications
Dealing with Ambiguity/Learning on the Fly
Motivating Others/Influencing
Priority Setting
Program Solving
Essential Functions/Physical Requirements
Depending on work assignment, may require ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to visit other locations; or the ability to stand, walk and manipulate (lift, carry, move) light to medium weights of up to 20 pounds. Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm, hand and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp, and visual acuity to use a keyboard, operate equipment and read technical information. Overall mobility is essential. May include sitting for long periods of time, driving a vehicle and working under challenging conditions.
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Work Conditions:
Work is performed indoors with some potential for exposure to safety and health hazards related to
emergency services relief work. May travel and participate in meetings and conferences throughout
chapter jurisdiction, state and Red Cross system. Because the Red Cross is a disaster response
organization, staff may be asked to be on 24-hour call during period of major disaster.

The American Red Cross is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Interested in Volunteering?

Life's emergencies don't stop, and neither do American Red Cross volunteers, who represent more than 90 percent of our workforce to help prevent and alleviate human suffering. You can make a difference by volunteering in a position that appeals to you and allows you to use your unique skills and talents. The Red Cross relies on generous volunteers who give their time and talent to help fulfill our lifesaving mission.

Visit to learn more, including our most-needed volunteer positions.

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