Communications Director

Position Summary — The Director of Communications develops and implements communication strategies for an organization, managing both internal and external communications.

This role involves overseeing a team, crafting narratives, and acting as a spokesperson. The Director will be working cross-functionally with all CIN departments as well as across other CIN entities.

One key responsibility is building and maintaining the Catawba Nation brand, managing public relations, and ensuring consistent messaging across various channels.

Essential Functions — The individual in this role must be able to perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Creating and executing comprehensive communication plans that align with organizational goals.
• Building and maintaining a strong brand image through consistent messaging and strategic communication.
• Managing media relations, developing press releases, and acting as a spokesperson for the organization.
• Write and distribute press releases, respond to media inquiries, arrange interviews and/or media appearances.
• Overseeing the development of compelling content for various platforms, including websites, social media, and print materials.
• Monitoring and engaging social media platforms, managing online reputation and promoting positive brand awareness.
• Managing communication with employees, ensuring they are informed and engaged.
• Supervising and mentoring a team of communications professionals.
• Managing the communications budget and ensuring efficient allocation of resources.
• Develop and maintain relationships with journalists, bloggers, and other influencers.
• Develop and lead crisis communication strategies to address crisis and real time responses.
• Tracking and analyzing the effectiveness of communication efforts and adjusting as needed.
• Manage communications projects, events, and calendars to align needs across the team and the organization.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with media, industry partners, and community stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Government Affairs Officer.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to operate in culturally diverse environments.
• Engage effectively with a diverse range of tribal, business and government stakeholders – both internal and external.
• Work independently, exercise discretion in decision making, and communicate effectively to various leader levels.
• Exceptional planning, project, and time management skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and communications and event software (Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, Photoshop etc.)
• Proven ability to lead personnel, sustain and foster progressive, community focused culture.
• Skilled in establishing and maintaining professional and productive working relationships with all levels of the organization.
• Maintain professionalism, composure, and objectivity under high-pressure situations.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive matters with the utmost discretion.
• Willingness and the ability to travel for training, leadership development, and other events.
• High emotional intelligence, diplomacy, and sound judgment in complex or sensitive situations.
• Skilled in conducting research and understanding industry trends.
• Strong critical and strategic thinking with hands-on and an execution-oriented approach.
• Occasional travel may be required (25%) to participate in events, meetings, and trainings.

Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Exposure to normal office environment with occasional visits to program sites.
• Capacity to maintain high concentration levels and work long, irregular hours as needed.
• Ability to travel for training, leadership development, and other events.
• Relocation within 60 miles of Catawba Nation Tribal Offices.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds, handle paperwork, and operate office machinery.
• Some travel required.

Catawba Indian Nation exercises INDIAN PREFERENCE:

Native American Indian preference shall apply to this position pursuant to the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (24 U.S.C. 450, et seq.), 25 CFR 271.44 and other relevant laws (title 25, U.S. code, Section 472 & 473).

Qualifications

Experience:

• 7-10 years of experience in communications specializing in comms management, social media management, public relations, marketing, and any further related areas.
• Experience in providing leadership and guidance to reporting staff.
• Proven track record of operational leadership, contributing to or developing departmental policies, operational procedures, strategic planning and budgeting.
• Experience in coordinating operations and teams while maintaining productive partnerships with both internal and external partners.
• Demonstrable ability to handle crisis/emergency communication planning and real response efforts.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, communications, marketing or related field required. Relevant experience will be taken into consideration in the absence of a degree.

Licenses & Certifications:

• Valid State Driver’s License and insurable driving record.