Manager, Policy Communications and Outreach

MANAGER, POLICY COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH

Donors Forum seeks a highly accomplished leader who embraces the vision of the Donors Forum community and welcomes the value that Donors Forum staff place on high expectations and commitment to excellence.

Title: Manager, Policy Communications and Outreach

Reports to: Senior Director, Public Policy

Organizational context: Public Policy advances the policy goals of Donors Forum and the Illinois nonprofit and philanthropic sector more broadly and works closely with the External Relations team and other staff in advancing understanding of the nonprofit sector.

General job description: This position is charged with working closely with the Senior Director to provide strategic communications, organization, and policy analysis to advance Donors Forum’s policy initiatives on behalf of the Illinois nonprofit and philanthropic sector.

Donors Forum is looking for an individual with a background in organization, strategic communications, and policy analysis who is ready to help organize, unite, and strengthen the nonprofit and philanthropic sector throughout Illinois. This position will offer exposure to the wide range of nonprofits and foundations in Illinois, as well as to state government, and is a great opportunity for a strategic thinker interested in using communications and organization to bridge the diversity of the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. The Manager will work in close collaboration with the Senior Director, Public Policy and VP, External Relations to develop appropriate organization and communications strategy and messages that will broaden the reach and impact of Donors Forum’s policy initiatives for internal and external audiences.

Essential job duties and expected outcomes:

Work with the Senior Director and other senior staff to develop and help implement a statewide strategy that utilizes communications and collaborative partnerships among other approaches to promote leadership on behalf of the nonprofit sector.
Work with Senior Director to develop and update policy communications content for the website and e-newsletters targeted at foundations, nonprofits, and government officials as well as external audiences, including opinion leaders.
Manage and disseminate Policy Update and Policy Alert through website, e-newsletters, and other online communications technologies.
Identify opportunities to use media relations to advance our policy agenda.
Help advance government relations at state and federal level with the goal of creating an environment conducive to the nonprofit and philanthropic sector. Activities include planning annual Foundations on the Hill lobbying day, developing programs for Attorney General's Charitable Advisory Council, and assisting with outreach and strategy.
Staff the Charitable Advisory Council and its three working committees.
Develop and coordinate trainings and briefings around advocacy skills and policy issues for nonprofits, foundations, and others.
Performance measures

Public policy communications are timely, relevant, and well prepared.
Donors Forum’s visibility and positioning as a resource and voice of nonprofit/philanthropic community on issues of policy increases.
Constituents understand and are kept informed of our policy goals, positions, and resources.
Advocacy/policy education is creative, well developed, and professionally executed.
Personal qualifications

Five to seven years of experience in public policy-related communications, public relations, media relations organizing, or outreach.
Bachelor's degree with a high G.P.A. in a field requiring strong communications, writing, analytical, and human relations skills; Master's degree preferred but not required.
Must show either strong skills and experience in policy communications, with an aptitude and understanding of organizing or strong skills and experiences in policy-related organizing, with an aptitude and understanding for communications.
Demonstrated experience in creating and managing a comprehensive organizing campaign, including strategic communications and media relations, and working with diverse constituents.
Demonstrated leadership in using online communications strategies and applications as part of an integral communications program.
Passion and commitment to advocating for nonprofit and philanthropic interests, including significant experience in nonprofit public policy advocacy, including an understanding of how to use policy analysis and research to advance organizational objectives.
Extensive writing and editing experience, including at least three years of experience with the development and management of content for websites, e-newsletters, and other online communications and technologies and media. Knowledge of video editing software a plus.
Ability to work and think independently and manage multiple priorities.
Demonstrated experience working in a team environment with strong interpersonal skills, and a knack for supporting and promoting a collegial atmosphere.
A motived, energetic doer, with high standards for quality and creativity.
Working knowledge of Microsoft software in a PC environment, including Word and PowerPoint; and programs such as Quark, Dreamweaver or other HTML editor, or Publisher.
Special conditions:

Some travel required.
Cannot pay relocation costs.
Resumes should be sent to:

Policy Communication and Outreach Manager Search
Donors Forum
208 S. LaSalle St., Suite 1540
Chicago, IL 60604

Or email to: recruitment@donorsforum.org

Due date: July 31, 2010

No phone calls, please.

Donors Forum is an equal opportunity employer.