ABOUT FLOW:
Everything we do is reflected in our name: For Love of Water or simply “FLOW.” Our vision is a future where healthy waters sustain healthy communities in the Great Lakes Basin. Our mission is to ensure the waters of the Great Lakes Basin are healthy, public, and protected for all. FLOW’s law and policy work focuses on: (1) maintaining public ownership of water and water infrastructure; (2) promoting awareness and use of the public trust doctrine to defend public waters and public trust uses; (3) ensuring that water is safe and affordable for all; (4) strengthening state and local protection of groundwater and drinking water. Through our targeted policy initiatives, FLOW has built key partnerships with state and regional Great Lakes groups, leveraged our expertise to influence agencies and impact state and federal legislation, and grown to be a trusted source of current information on issues affecting our freshwater seas. For more information about FLOW’s history, programs, staff, or board visit: www.ForLoveOfWater.org.
FLOW is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a diverse and inclusive workplace, and seeks a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds. FLOW is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment, promotion, compensation, or other terms and conditions of employment on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. FLOW encourages all qualified candidates to apply!
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Director of Public Engagement is a strategic and creative thinker tasked with expanding FLOW’s reach and effectiveness. Key duties include establishing consistent and compelling messaging, strengthening the organization’s brand identity, and implementing campaigns to shift cultural norms and behaviors in support of FLOW’s mission.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Increase engagement and outreach. Tell FLOW’s story to attract, educate, and empower the public and partners. Develop and implement a robust public engagement strategy with measurable outcomes that advance the organization’s policy priorities and build FLOW’s brand. Build a water-stewardship movement with segmented audiences across Michigan with resonance throughout the Great Lakes Basin. Direct or collaborate on FLOW’s events. Deliver public presentations and foster external relationships with key stakeholders and the news media. Project a positive organizational image.
Lead the Communications Team. Oversee and work closely with the Communications Manager and interns, and collaborate with the Executive Director and fund development and program staff—as well as an informal network of internal and external advisors—to plan, coordinate, and produce FLOW’s annual communications and marketing plan, digital and print communications, and events, for the purpose of growing our reach and engagement with all audiences. Goal-setting, audience segmentation, performance measurement, analysis, and the application of insights are critical to this leadership position. Developing contacts and relationships with media members, peers, advisors, influencers, and community leaders also is central to the position.
Direct all content development and build brand identity. Establish and drive a cohesive, multi-channel communications, engagement, and marketing plan. Manage and execute the creation of all communications and marketing content. Develop and seamlessly integrate strategic communications into FLOW’s programs and fund development efforts to advance public policy outcomes and organizational strength. Support FLOW staff and board to carry consistent brand messaging and identity. Build and strengthen FLOW’s brand identity and position among peer organizations.
Oversee FLOW’s communications and marketing budget and respond to the administrative needs of the Executive Director and Board of Directors in order to maintain fiscal responsibility.
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, or a related discipline; master’s degree preferred.
Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in communications or marketing required, preferably in advocacy-oriented communications.
Proven track record of effectively developing, implementing, managing, and evaluating communications and marketing plans, initiatives, and events.
Experience leading teams of internal and external members, advisors, and contractors to develop and deliver compelling content.
History of working with the news media to establish relationships with reporters and earn coverage of an organization and its work.
Skills and Proficiencies
Ability to craft messages that engage target audiences and ensure that all print and electronic materials adhere to compelling, overarching narratives.
Superior spoken and written communication skills and problem-solving ability.
Demonstrated ability to be highly organized, self-driven, and in possession of excellent time-management skills.
Strong budget skills for marketing and communications.
Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, including managing several communications efforts at once.
Proficiency or professional experience with essential software, including Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, content management systems (WordPress, etc.), social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, etc.), graphic design (Canva, Adobe InDesign, etc.) and email sending programs (MailChimp, etc.).
Generalist fundraising knowledge and skills.
Sound judgment and ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
Willingness to travel and work occasional nights and weekends for events.
Shared Values
Commitment to FLOW’s mission to ensure the waters of the Great Lakes Basin are healthy, public, and protected for all.
Dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion and an ability to infuse those elements into communications strategies and organizational and campaign planning.
Commitment to building a healthy work culture based on collegiality, teamwork, collaboration, partnerships, and public engagement.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
FLOW is based in downtown Traverse City, Michigan, and we offer a hybrid remote-work option upon completion of necessary training. It will require additional moderate programmatic travel associated with the position.
COMPENSATION, BENEFITS, AND APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
This is a full-time, director-level position with a salary range of $70,000-$80,000, commensurate with experience, and benefits.
