Position Title: Deputy Director of Communications

Location: Remote 

Application Deadline: June 30, 2023

Reports To: Director of Communications

The Organization:

NDN Collective is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that builds the power of Indigenous Peoples, Communities, and Nations to exercise our inherent right to self-determination, while fostering a world that is built on a foundation of justice. 

Job Summary:

The Deputy Director of Communications provides support to the Director of Communications and Communications and Narrative team, supporting all aspects of content production and targeted outreach. With special attention to media strategy, narrative and copy editing, the Deputy Director of Communications  works across a host of disciplines and platforms, including email, social media, blogs, website, and management of internal and external communications systems. The ideal candidate has lived experience in Indigenous community and a  strong awareness, political analysis, and articulation of Indigenous issues. 

WHO WE ARE

NDN Collective is the most ambitious, systemic effort to empower Indigenous communities in the history of philanthropy. We are creating a paradigm change in how society invests in Indigenous Peoples by dramatically scaling up investment and shifting decision-making power to Indigenous Peoples. We are doing four key things to create a new ecosystem that supports Indigenous self-determination:

1. We are dramatically increasing philanthropic investment into Indigenous-led organizations, with the goal of giving out $50M per year in grants.
2. We are creating an Indigenous-led Community Development Financial Institution to move $100M of for-profit investment into projects led by and serving Indigenous communities.
3. We are building capacity in Indigenous communities to be able to absorb this new influx of capital.
4. We are advocating for Indigenous rights and policy changes that will enable our peoples and communities to thrive.

WHAT SETS US APART

• We represent the people we serve—we are Indigenous-led and support Indigenous people and organizations
• We think in systems and recognize the interconnectedness of all living things
• We are changemakers that have and model a mindset of abundance
• We believe in the power of Indigenous self-determination to create a just, equitable world for all people and the planet
• We integrate culture and ceremony into our work
• We acknowledge and pay respects to our elders and past while taking ownership and control of our future

THE POSITION

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in the  implementation of  the NDN Collective communications and narrative plan through a comprehensive communications and media strategy to enhance the reach of NDN Collective’s narrative and program goals 
• Assist in the leadership of the Communications and Narrative Team, including facilitation of meetings and standing in for the Director of Communications in critical meetings as needed 
• Work with the Director of Communications and Media and Public Relations Officer  to develop and implement a media relations plan 
• Work with the Director of Communications, Director of Tactical Media, and Rapid Response Team  to develop and implement a rapid response communications and media strategy 
• Participate as a member of the Rapid Response Communications Team requiring on-call emergency status  
• Assist the Communications and Narrative Team with multiple copywriting activities such as email blasts, newsletters, blogs, press releases, social media, graphic copy, marketing materials, and scriptwriting for video and podcast work. 
• Collaborate with the Communications and Narrative Team in developing communications and narrative strategies from an Indigenous lens that appeals to our audiences. 
• Support efforts to expand our relationships with stakeholders who are aligned with our interests.
• Travel nationally and internationally as needed. 
• Other duties assigned.

WHO YOU ARE

Education, Skills and Experience

• Master’s Degree preferred with 3-5 years of professional experience preferred.
• Experience working in a non-profit or Tribal setting with media and communications, including strong skills in copy writing and editing for media and communications 
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with a range of groups, including campaigns, consultants and community members/partners.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills, ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities and provide administrative/programmatic support to NDN communications and narrative team staff.
• Experience working with Gmail Suite (Docs, Sheets, Forms, Drive), database development experience a plus!
• Experience with media, including print, digital, and broadcast media 
• Strong political analysis of Indigenous issues from both lived and professional experience.
• Strong ability and desire to work in a team environment which may include remote/virtual work.
• Strong motivation and ability to take initiative.  

Personal Characteristics

• ACTIVATOR: You are a self-reliant person and are strong at making things happen by turning thoughts into Partners. You have a proven track record of successfully building or sustaining a nonprofit fundraising operation.
• LEARNER: You have strong learning agility and are able to rapidly understand and analyze new situations. You learn from your successes and failures and improve processes to drive our fundraising.
• COMMUNICATOR: You are an exceptionally strong communicator who can create high-quality materials and deliver compelling messages and presentations. You have experience using this strength in securing funds for nonprofits.
• ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT: You are ambitious and creative and enjoy the process of building something from the ground up. You are excited by the opportunity to come in and have a heavy hand in shaping our development operations. 
• SOCIALLY & EMOTIONALLY INTELLIGENT: You are able to work efficiently and respectfully with others. You understand how individuals, groups, and societies work and you build rapport through being trustworthy and empathetic. 
• DETAIL ORIENTED: You strive for perfection and are able to move from the high level of a project to its smallest details. 
• FLEXIBLE: You thrive in a fast-paced environment and are flexible when it is necessary. You are willing to travel when needed.

MISSION DRIVEN

Ideal candidate has a strong belief in the NDN Collective mission and wants to be a part of a growing and constantly evolving organization. 

This position is salaried, commensurate with experience, ranging from $65,000 to $80,000.  Benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance as well as 401(k) retirement plan, a wellness program, sick leave, personal leave and professional development.

HOW TO APPLY

Send an email to jobs@ndncollective.org with the subject line “Deputy Director of Communications – [YOUR NAME].” In the email, please include:

As a single PDF attachment, include:

• Your resume
• 1-page cover letter explaining your interest in the organization and position
• Short answers to the following questions:
  • What is your philosophy about media and communications?
  • What do decolonization and building Indigenous power mean to you?
  • What would you be most nervous about going into this role if you were offered and accepted the position?
  • NDN Collective conducts background checks, is there anything you want to share with us about your background?
  • What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

• In the body of the email, please copy and paste the content of your short answers and include your name, phone number, and email address.

As attention to detail is critical for success in this role, only applicants who follow these specific application guidelines will be considered.

Note: Please apply to one position only.

NDN Collective is committed to equal opportunity for all persons without regard to sex, age, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, marital status, disability, or sexual orientation, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination.  It is NDN Collective’s policy to comply with all federal, state, tribal and local laws and regulations regarding equal opportunity. In keeping with that policy, NDN Collective is committed to maintaining a work environment that is free of unlawful discrimination and harassment and will not tolerate unlawful discrimination against or harassment of any of our employees or others present at our facilities by anyone, including any NDN Collective supervisor, co-worker, vendor or client.