Director of Communications Internal Relations

Director of Communications – Internal Relations

Fahe is building the American Dream. Join our growing team working to increase opportunity and investment in our underserved communities! Our unique collaborative model connects a Network of local, regional, and national leaders, all working together to ensure no community is left behind. Since our inception in 1980, the Fahe Network has served 687,183 people, made $1.05 billion in direct investments, and achieved a total cumulative financial impact of over 1.6 billion dollars in Appalachia.

Job Summary:

The Director of Communications - Internal Relations is a Director within the Communications Department of Fahe. This individual will work directly with and support certain departments within the organization and focuses more on internal support and messaging, though some external messaging/support for these departments will be required. This individual will work within the same department as the Director of Communications - External Relations and must work with that team in a collaborative fashion. This individual will ensure that Fahe messaging remains consistent across various platforms (internally and externally) and publications. They will develop and strategically amplify content that successfully conveys the Fahe mission and expertise to targeted audiences in a responsive and timely manner. This individual will manage multiple projects, relationships, and requests for communication assistance daily.

Essential Duties and Functions:

• Lead, create, develop, and implement a clear internal communication strategy including company-wide alignment with organizational brand and messaging guidelines, work with various departments within the Fahe organization, including but not limited to, HR, Lending, Strategic Programs, Finance, etc. while also considering alignment with the external communications branch and Fahe partnerships including fundraising and other stakeholders at a local, regional, and national level.
• Promote a positive public image and control the dissemination of information on the company's behalf. Align all departments within the organization around effectively sharing needed updates and other information required for collaboration and team building internally.
• Possesses exceptional communication and copywriting skills.
• Can effectively write, edit, and publish marketing content on company, products and industry, such as blog articles, white papers, advertising content, social media and website content, and press releases to be made available through various channels if needed.
• Has enthusiasm and a positive attitude that can be utilized to gain the trust of colleagues and external parties alike.
• Propose and prioritize strategies for coordinating marketing and media activities that support Fahe’s internal departments while keeping this work in alignment with the Fahe mission and needs/vision of the various Fahe departments and partners.
• Efficiently and effectively manage multiple communication requests with quick turn-around requirements, such as project or funding recipient announcements that may contain very specific parameters around allowable messaging and timing of release of messaging.
• Work with staff across the Fahe organization as needed in a thoughtful and respectful manner as well as consultants, members, and partners.
• Supervise all team members within the Internal Relations branch of the Communications Department to create and distribute Fahe content through all channels that is consistent with Fahe messaging and mission.
• Act as a communications consultant and resource by potentially providing strategic advice, communications support, and rapid response guidance.
• Build and foster relationships as needed to support internal departments and elevate the Fahe mission/voices of our Members in relevant conversations.

Requirements for this position include:

• Represents Fahe in the most positive manner with prospective, former and current Members, clients, suppliers, and the community we serve.  Interacts effectively with a diverse group of staff and customers of our services.
• Identify new key areas and partnerships/processes/systems that supports vision and goals of the internal Fahe departments. Maintains existing relationships through meetings, outreach, and presentation attendance. Uses all communication tools to support internal departments and internal communication including identifying and leading trainings as needed.
• Works with finance and other departments as needed for budget creation, evaluation, projections, invoice processing, vendor set up, and compliance. Provides required documentation for purchases and expenses.
• Provides monthly expense report. Shows integrity and honesty with regards to expenses.
• Educates themselves with Fahe departments, programs, Members, and partners to obtain a thorough knowledge of the organization.
• Manage all requests for support through a trackable system with clear organization and prioritization. Provides clear expectations in response to requests and delivers on those set expectations. Supervise all team members within the Internal Relations branch as well as implement directives from the Deputy COSO. Will evaluate situations and bring those items to the attention of the Deputy COSO with proposed solutions. Evaluate workflow production in alignment with budget and goals and have recommendations for change as needed. Evaluate effectiveness of systems as well as data capturing and have recommendations for change as needed including, but not limited to, compliance and IT security.
• Creation and analysis of budget and projections. Looks for ways to operate the Internal Relations branch of the Communications department within budget and explores more efficient use of the program budget for future growth.
• Excellent writing and communication skills and can adapt writing style as needed dependent on the target audience. Writes in a clear and concise manner, edits efficiently, and possesses ability to think through complex communication scenarios and issues.
• Effectively manages personnel and ensures their work is satisfactory and promotes a healthy work/life balance. Offers support and leadership and creates a supportive environment while also establishing clear expectations. Connects or reports to Fahe resources as needed. Performs bi-annual staff evaluations.
• Responsible for evaluating department process and systems and proposing ways to improve if needed.
• Collaborates with Fahe staff to effectively further the goals of the organization and improves all aspects of internal information flow.
• Expert with managing and disseminating internal communication flow. Expert with social media and project management best practices for outreach and marketing. Attends meetings as needed to build relationships and cultivate collaboration with internal Fahe departments and may include new/existing members, partners, and funders.
• Performs other functions as necessary or as assigned.
• Represents Fahe in the most positive manner with prospective, former and current Members, clients, suppliers, and the community we serve.  Interacts effectively with a diverse group of staff and customers of our services.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Education: College Degree required. Bachelor’s Degree.
• Experience: Experience managing and leading a team of individuals in a scenario where goals and deadlines must be achieved. Experience and skill at building relationships, working with others, and cultivating collaboration with a diverse group of people. Experience with large- and small-scale organizational initiatives.
• Desired - Previous work with a non-profit or community engagement organization. 4-6 Years’ experience in a related field.

For the past six years, our staff nominated Fahe as one of the top 100 Best Places to Work in Kentucky. Fahe is an Equal Opportunity Employer seeking applicants who can bring diverse viewpoints, experience, talents, and culture to promote our organization’s mission of building the American Dream. We offer a diverse work environment with competitive salaries and excellent benefits. Visit www.fahe.org to learn more about Fahe.