Director of Communication & Marketing

This job is a civilian position and does not require military service (including commission and enlistment).

Job Title: Director of Communication & Marketing

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

The Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) is the official charity of the United States Air Force (USAF) and United States Space Force (USSF). Incorporated in 1942, AFAS meets the unique needs of Airmen and Guardians through financial, educational, and community support to enhance the USAF and USSF missions.

Job Summary:

We are looking for an experienced, self-motivated professional who will serve as the organization’s lead for communication and its chief storyteller. There is a vital need to differentiate AFAS as the official charity of the Air and Space Forces and expose those served by the organization, as well as supporters, as we build on our 80-year-old brand. Innovation, commitment to the people we serve, creativity, and initiative will be key to success. The director of communication will lead all external and internal communication and branding, to include the organization’s online presence, content creation, and strategic planning. This is a new position and will be initially one-deep and reliant on contracted support for graphic design, video productions, social media, etc. As the position matures and more tasks are brought in house, additional staff members may be hired.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position based in Arlington, VA. This is a hybrid position with regular office presence 3 days a week. Office presence will ultimately be driven by mission requirements.

The potential salary range for this position is $119,900 - $180,300 commensurate with experience and other compensable factors. Starting salary will not exceed midpoint of the salary range, which is $148,100.

Job Responsibilities:

• Strategic Planning: Develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies aligned with the organization's mission, goals, and target audience.
• Brand Management: Ensure consistent messaging and branding across all communication channels to maintain and enhance the organization's reputation and visibility.
• Media Relations: Cultivate and maintain relationships with journalists, media outlets, and influencers to secure positive media coverage and manage crisis communication effectively.
• Storytelling and Content Creation: Oversee the creation of compelling content for various platforms, including website, social media, newsletters, press releases, and marketing materials.
• Digital Marketing: Lead digital marketing efforts, including social media campaigns, email marketing, SEO, and online advertising, to engage supporters and expand the organization's reach.
• External Communication: Coordinate press events, interviews, and speaking engagements for organizational leaders to promote key initiatives and raise awareness about important issues.
• Internal Communication: Develop internal communication strategies to ensure staff members are informed, engaged, and aligned with the organization's mission and goals.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with key stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, partner organizations, and community members, to foster meaningful relationships and support fundraising and advocacy efforts.
• Evaluation and Reporting: Track and analyze communication metrics to measure the effectiveness of strategies and campaigns and provide regular reports to leadership.
• Team Leadership (future requirement): Supervise and mentor communication staff members, providing guidance, support, and professional development opportunities to maximize their performance and contribution to the organization.
• Working closely with AFAS graphic design team, maintain a library of tools and templates to ensure brand and messaging consistency.
• Ensure engagement with AFAS social community through timely, on-brand, and informed responses.
• Leverage analytics and audience analysis to inform future outreach strategies and tactics.
• Directly support marketing and fundraising activities, as requested on social media.
• Help evolve and elevate AFAS’ social media presence and performance through sophisticated and novel outreach strategies and campaigns.

Preferred Skills, Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s or graduate degree in a communication-related subject.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant, full-time social media employment.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to problem solve and track multiple projects.
• Expert knowledge of social platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube).
• Experience working with nonprofits of similar size and focus as AFAS.
• Proven experience executing successful multi-channel social media campaigns.
• Experience creating the strategy and executing paid social media campaigns.
• Fluency in navigating analytics tools, including Facebook Business Manager, Insights, Ads Managers, Google Analytics, etc.
• Experience with Microsoft Suite, Adobe Creative Cloud Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Canva, etc. a plus.
• Experience developing video content for social channels using video editing programs (e.g., Adobe Premier, After Effects).
• Strong understanding of design principles, including color, typography, and composition.
• Understanding of how audience analysis, storytelling tactics, and analytics support each other.
• U.S. work authorization required for this position.

AFAS is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all who apply.