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United Way of Dane County · 1 hour ago

Supervisory Director, Communications

Madison, WI

Full-time

Hybrid

Director/Executive

$61K/yr - $66K/yr

7+ years exp

United Way of Dane County is dedicated to mobilizing the community's caring power to create lasting change. The Director of Communications is responsible for leading strategic communications, media relations, and digital storytelling to enhance United Way's mission and community impact while supervising a small team.

CommunitiesNon ProfitSocial

Responsibilities

Develop and lead a comprehensive communications strategy centered on storytelling aligned with organizational goals and community impact strategies

Serve as the organization’s lead storyteller and writer – crafting clear, compelling narratives that translate complex community work into stories that mobilize support

Create and provide executive-level counsel and writing support for major publications, events and CEO communications

Build and maintain strong relationships with local and regional media to secure earned media coverage, amplify initiatives and respond effectively to emerging issues

Create media materials— including advisories, press releases, op-eds, speeches and talking points— and ensure message alignment and brand consistency

Respond promptly to urgent media inquiries and time-sensitive communications

Monitor and evaluate media coverage and sentiment using analytics tools to inform strategy

Lead and create United Way’s digital storytelling strategy and CEO’s social media presence with a storytelling-first approach that fosters engagement and growth

Direct and produce impactful video storytelling – to include interviews, filming, editing and crafting narratives that demonstrate UWDC’s community value

Create and oversee content across multiple channels — including website, press, social media, video, email and print — to ensure a consistent and engaging narrative

Develop, post and monitor content across digital and social media platforms; evaluate performance to inform strategy

Support the Vice President on department priorities as a member of the department leadership team

Supervise, coach, evaluate and report on the activities of direct reports and their ongoing job responsibilities, including goal setting, professional development, and performance reviews

Lead and mentor the communications team and staff to achieve excellence in storytelling and execution

Foster a culture of equity, innovation, teamwork, excellence and well-being

Attract, retain and inspire a diverse, mission-driven team committed to United Way’s values

Provide media and storytelling training sessions to staff, board members and community ambassadors to ensure consistent, authentic messaging across audiences

Collaborate across departments to align messaging and integrate communications strategies into organizational priorities

Develop narratives that feature both institutional authority and individual voices — including staff, community partners and residents — to humanize United Way’s impact

Represent United Way of Dane County professionally to the public, volunteers and donors

Actively contribute as a member of the Community Engagement and Marketing team

Participate in organizational activities, including key donor and community events, both during and outside standard business hours

Serve on at least one internal organizational committee

Perform other duties as assigned

Qualification

Strategic CommunicationsMedia RelationsDigital StorytellingSupervisory ExperienceVideo ProductionSocial Media FluencyExceptional Writing SkillsProject ManagementCross-Cultural CommunicationTeam Leadership

Required

Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing or related filed – or equivalent experience

7+ years of progressive experience in communications, media relations, or strategic storytelling

Three years of supervisory experience with a demonstrated ability to provide coaching, development and performance feedback and management

Exceptional writing, editing, and narrative development skills across multiple formats and audiences; supported by a portfolio that demonstrates:

Strategic storytelling and messaging campaigns

Media relations and press materials (e.g., releases, talking points, op-eds)

Examples of leadership impact (e.g., rebranding initiatives, crisis communications, or team-led campaigns)

Strong background in journalism, video production and storytelling – including writing, editing and news judgment; supported by a portfolio that demonstrates:

Video or multimedia work (e.g., scripts, production samples, or short clips)

Strong digital and social media fluency, with a deep understanding of platform dynamics, algorithmic incentives and audience engagement strategies; supported by a portfolio that demonstrates:

Digital and social media content (posts, campaigns, analytics summaries)

Demonstrated success in securing media coverage and managing media relationships

Excellent organizational and project management skills; able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Demonstrated ability to work inclusively and cross-culturally in a professional manner

Ability to maintain confidentiality

Valid Wisconsin Driver's License and reliable transportation