Communications Director

Are you a communications professional with a passion for storytelling looking to bring your expertise to a meaningful cause?

The position: Code the Dream, a growing Durham, NC based national nonprofit, is seeking an experienced, full-time Communications Director to elevate our visibility and amplify our mission.

About us: Code the Dream creates opportunity that changes lives, builds technology that benefits our communities, and supports the diversity that drives a more just and innovative world.

We are a growing nonprofit organization where people from diverse backgrounds -- including low-income individuals, immigrants and communities of color --- learn to code. After months of intensive training with Code the Dream’s online curriculum and mentors, new coders have a chance to join CTD Labs, where they gain invaluable real-world experience as full-time software development apprentices.

In our CTD Labs apprenticeship program, experienced developers work alongside student apprentices to produce high quality work for our partners that also offers real experience that will help the apprentices launch life-changing careers. 

CTD Labs works with a wide range of companies, nonprofit and government partners, and we are very proud of the broad range of projects that come through CTD Labs every year. Examples of projects include: 

• An app that employs evidence-based methods for assisting young children with special needs to learn to read.
• An app for migrant farmworkers -- who are often particularly vulnerable because they are forced to move frequently and live in substandard housing -- to easily locate nearby health, education and legal resources.
• A wide range of technologies for partner companies ranging from small start-ups to established tech companies interested in serving diverse communities.

Communications Director: Code the Dream is looking for its first Communications Director to lead the development and execution of a comprehensive communications strategy. The ideal candidate will enhance our organization’s visibility, strengthen our brand, and elevate our profile among key media audiences. Additionally, the Communications Director will take on the role of writer and editor for all written and online communications, ensuring our story resonates across various platforms and audiences.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develops and executes comprehensive communication strategy and implements plans to promote the organization's mission and programs.
• Collaborates with the executive team to align communication strategies with organizational goals.
• Builds and maintains relationships with media outlets and acts as a primary spokesperson for the organization, in coordination with Code the Dream staff.
• Pitches stories and appearances to reporters, columnists, editorial writers, broadcast producers, reporters, hosts, etc.
• Manages social media accounts and leads the generation of content for various communication channels, including the website, social media, newsletters, and press releases.
• Identifies external events, speaking opportunities, and award opportunities for Co-Executive Directors, staff, and projects.
• Leads and manages the collection of stories from students, apprentices, and alumni, ensuring sensitive and respectful handling of their experiences, while effectively communicating our organization's story and vision to a broad audience.
• Monitors and analyzes the effectiveness of communication strategies and adjusts as necessary to improve engagement and outreach.

Required Skills and Experience:

• At least five years of related experience in communications, public relations, or a similar role, preferably in a nonprofit setting. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including excellent public speaking and presentation skills.
• Ability to develop strategic communication plans and evaluate their effectiveness.
• Strong knowledge of communication principles, media relations, and marketing.
• Proficiency with social media platforms and digital communication tools.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Creative thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently, collaboratively with a team, and with diverse communities.
• Proficiency in graphic design and multimedia production is a plus.

Physical Demands:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Some travel, weekend, and evening availability for events and meetings as required.

Additionally, our candidate is: 

• Passionate about social justice and equal opportunity, and believes that technology can and should help us accomplish both.
• Comfortable (and enjoys!) working with people whose backgrounds are different from your own.
• Self-motivated and has a proven track record of setting and accomplishing ambitious goals.