Director of Communications

About the CompanyThrough advocacy, influence, and engagement, Central City Association (CCA) enhances Downtown's vibrancy and increases opportunity in the region. We represent the interests of 300 businesses, trade associations and nonprofits and serve as one of the most effective conveners between the community, public, and private sectors. We provide a high-level of service to our membership, which includes public policy advocacy/research/thought leadership, engagement with our elected leaders, and networking, branding, and marketing opportunities at CCA events. Our workplace culture is important to us. Candidates should be willing to operate in line with our principles, which include a commitment to: CCA’s mission of creating a vibrant, welcoming and sustainable DowntownAccountability, reliability, transparency and integrityRespect and openness for differing opinions, ways of thinking and feedbackInnovation, collaboration and adaptability to new circumstances and directionContinued growth and a sense of well-being for yourself and colleaguesRelationships and peopleBenefitsCCA offers its employees a generous benefits package, including health, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, a flexible work environment, and a retirement savings program. This is a full-time, salaried position. Salary is commensurate with experience, as this is not an entry-level position. Hybrid work schedule available with minimum 3 days per week in-office required. Must be willing to work evenings and weekends or be available as needed depending on the schedule of events and meetings. Position OverviewThe Director of Communications spearheads the development and implementation of comprehensive marketing and communications strategies to help advance CCA’s mission. The Director of Communications is responsible for crafting engaging content for external communications and oversees the planning/execution of CCA’s annual events to drive engagement and participation. Additionally, the Director of Communications plays a critical role in website management, media relations/engagement, and project coordination. Work requires strong writing and people skills in a very fast-paced and quickly changing environment. The ideal candidate is a driven self-starter who possesses a strong command of the media and understanding of the local/state policy and political landscapes. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES  Media Relations Serve as CCA’s spokesperson and drive strategic proactive/reactive media engagement.Draft press releases/advisories/statements and pitch stories to traditional and non-traditional media outlets to secure coverage of important organizational events and initiatives. Secure and coordinate media interviews.Cultivate and maintain strong working relationships with a diverse group of media, CCA members, government leaders and external stakeholders to gain consensus and develop integrated messaging.Understand daily media – including print, online and social – to follow the organization’s coverage, track key issues that affect the organization, analyze sentiment and be prepared for rapid response. Elevate relevant information as strategically needed.Content Creation & Management Serve as the lead in crafting engaging and persuasive copy for all external communications across various platforms ensuring consistency in messaging and branding to increase exposure and influence. This includes CCA’s weekly newsletter, email blasts, social media, maintenance of the website, and other external communication channels.Manage email marketing calendar and execute key content including action alerts, important updates, and events announcements. Coordinate across the team to ensure high quality e-blasts are executed.Establish and implement a comprehensive social media strategy, identifying relevant content, links, photos, and status updates for distribution across platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and others.Conduct thorough editing and proofreading of all communications materials, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to brand standards.Promote and market CCA members via established communications channels.Ensure design consistency for all CCA communications (examples include event collateral, promotional materials, white papers, advocacy campaigns, etc.)Executive Communications Prepare President & CEO for internal/external speaking engagements by drafting remarks and talking points and gathering necessary event information. Events include media interviews, internal committees, public hearings, keynote remarks, panel engagements and Board of Directors meetings.Work in partnership with President & CEO on Board of Directors communications to strategically provide updates, talking points, and make connections.Strategy Development & ImplementationCoordinate with the Public Policy and Strategic Relations Departments to design and implement communications strategies that align with departmental goals/objectives including the creation of print collateral, web content, email campaigns, and social media outreach efforts.Spearhead the creation and publication of CCA thought leadership pieces, including CCA Reflects and Op-Eds to effectively showcase the organization’s impact and initiatives. Seek strategic opportunities for President & CEO to provide thought leadership on panels, keynotes, interviews and other external outlets.Other duties/assignments as needed.PREREQUISITESEducation & ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.Minimum of 5–10 years of professional experience in communications, public affairs, media relations, or corporate communications a must.Demonstrated command of Los Angeles political and media landscape. Proven track record managing high-profile campaigns, strategic communications initiatives, or crisis communications.Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including executives, media, community partners, and cross-functional teams.Skills and ExpertiseExceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, compelling messages for a variety of audiences.Strategic thinking with the ability to develop and execute communications plans aligned with organizational goals.Strong media relations experience, including pitching, press release writing, and media monitoring.Proficiency in digital communications and social media strategy.Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail under a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.Personal AttributesPro-active, self-motivated, strong leadership and team collaboration skills.High level of discretion, professionalism, and judgment.Drive for excellence, adaptable and solutions-oriented with a proactive approach to problem-solving.Creative mindset with the ability to innovate and anticipate communications trends.Technical / Other RequirementsFamiliarity with branding, graphic design, and multimedia content creation is a plus.Experience in stakeholder engagement, advocacy, or nonprofit communications is highly desirable.