Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Salary: Range: $75,000-85,000

Purpose of the Position:

Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the Communications Director plays a critical role in shaping EOs voice, building awareness of its work, and leading communications, branding, public relations, and visibility strategies for EO Companies and its affiliates. The Director ensures all communications align with organizational goals and deliver consistent, compelling messaging across all platforms.

This position blends strategic leadership with hands-on execution in managing media relations, driving digital engagement, telling EOs story through multiple channels, and positioning the organization as a trusted and influential voice in the region. The Director will measure the impact of communications efforts, provide strategic counsel to leadership, and proactively prepare for potential crises through effective communication planning.

Essential functions

Strategic Communications & Brand Leadership

• Lead the development and execution of a cohesive communications and brand strategy that reflects EOs mission, values, and goals.
• Oversee EOs corporate identity, ensuring consistent application across written, spoken, digital, visual, and experiential communications.
• Manage brand presence across collateral, marketing materials, social media, public relations, and community partnerships.
• Ensure clarity, consistency, and audience relevance in all messaging and campaigns.
• Drive storytelling that brings EOs mission and impact to life through compelling visual, written, and digital content.
• Identify public relations risks and opportunities, serving as a trusted advisor to leaders with strategic counsel and communications planning.

Internal and External Communications

• Partner with the executive team to manage internal communications that foster alignment, transparency, and a strong organizational culture.
• Lead external communications to strengthen EOs visibility and reputation among community partners, donors, civic leaders, and the public.

Media & Public Relations

• Serve as a media liaison and designated spokesperson when assigned by the President & CEO.
• Support the President & CEO in preparing for interviews, media events, and public appearances.
• Draft press releases, media advisories, talking points, and related materials; manage media inquiries and coordinate press events.
• Collaborate with leadership to develop clear, consistent messaging for public statements and announcements.
• Co-develop and implement a crisis communications framework and rapid response protocols.
• Establish processes for receiving, tracking, and responding to public and customer feedback.

Content Development & Digital Engagement

• Lead the creation of high-quality content across EOs channels, including website, blog, social media, e-newsletters, annual reports, event materials, and other collateral.
• Manage and maintain the EO Companies website to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and brand alignment.
• Develop and oversee an editorial calendar that reflects EOs priorities, milestones, and campaigns.

Executive Support & Thought Leadership

• Collaborate with the President & CEO to draft speeches, op-eds, talking points, and other executive communications.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to elevate EOs leadership voice in regional and statewide media, thought leadership platforms, and key convenings.

Competencies

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• High standard of professional and ethical conduct, integrity, and accountability.
• Strong skills in critical analysis, customer service, conflict resolution, decision-making, leadership, team building, time management, and motivation.
• Ability to handle stressful situations tactfully, negotiate and resolve conflicts, maintain confidentiality, and follow organizational protocols.
• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment; managing multiple priorities, meeting deadlines, and performing under pressure.
• Flexibility to adjust work schedule and priorities as needed.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across departments and divisions.
• Skilled in building and managing relationships with community partners, investors, and program stakeholders.
• Experience developing, implementing, and managing budgets and project plans.
• Advanced proficiency in a variety of computer applications, including SaaS products (Constant Contact, Mailchimp, Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud), Microsoft Office Suite, and online remote work technologies; working knowledge of office equipment.

Work environment

This position is based in the Abingdon, Virginia office. Local travel required regularly and some out of town overnight stays.

Physical demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Position type and expected hours of work

Employee should be able to work core hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM with occasional meetings, events, and possible emergencies outside of core hours.

Travel required

The ideal candidate will reside in the EO service area and be available to attend early morning, evening, and/or weekend meetings and should be able to travel independently throughout Southwest Virginia.

Certificates, licenses, registrations required

• Valid driver's license and automobile insurance
• Reliable high-speed home internet.

Education and experience

• Bachelors or masters degree in a related field such as marketing, communications, English, or journalism.
• Minimum of 6 years experience in communications, public relations, or brand strategy, preferably in a mission-driven or nonprofit environment.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills across multiple formats and channels.
• Proven success managing public relations, social media, and media engagement initiatives.
• Ability to advise and collaborate effectively with executive leaders on messaging and brand voice.
• Familiarity with Southwest Virginias regional assets and community dynamics (preferred).
• Experience producing annual reports, managing events, or developing executive communications.

Affirmative Action/EEO statement

EO is an equal employment opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered for vacancies without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, age, or status as a veteran or other category protected under applicable state or municipal law. EO will reasonably accommodate the disabilities of qualified applicants to permit them to perform the essential functions of the subject position.

Other duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

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