The Role
This member of the DRC Communications Team reports to the VP of Communications, and assists with all communications, including media relations, as well as writing, speechwriting, and editing. Media relations will include responding to the media’s inquiries, as well as proactively seeking opportunities to share the DRC’s priorities and accomplishments with a broad audience in the areas of Prosperity & Economic Development; Education, Talent & Workforce; Quality of Life; and Public Policy.
Reporting Structure
This individual will report directly to the Vice President of Communications and assist with overall operations of this team.
Our Guiding Principles
Our guiding principles underpin everything we do. The Director of Communications and Storytelling is expected to consistently demonstrate the DRC’s GREAT guiding principles.
- Growth: We foster a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and personal and professional growth, empowering our team members to reach their full potential.
- Responsibility: We are self-starters who take ownership of our actions and commitments and honor our responsibilities to our teammates, members, partners, and community.
- Excellence: We strive for excellence in everything, delivering high-quality services, and experiences that drive positive outcomes for our members and the Dallas Region.
- Adaptability: We embrace the chance to improve every day, constantly looking for opportunities to help the Dallas Region be even better tomorrow than it is today.
- Teamwork: We play a team sport, working together to achieve common goals, making sure our teammates feel valued and included, and cheering each other on along the way.
Key Responsibilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily. The duties and responsibilities include the following, though other duties may be assigned.
Media Relations:
- Support the EVP, who serves as the DRC’s point of contact with the media and assist as a spokesperson when required.
- Lead media management for DRC events, serving as a primary contact for logistics and supporting the EVP with pitching.
- Build and maintain a trusted relationship with the media by exercising sound news judgment and being in constant touch.
- Proactively seek widespread and accurate media coverage of the DRC’s accomplishments and priorities.
- Handle and/or escalate all crisis communications needs as they arise.
- Monitor key media outlets daily for relevant stories about the DRC or stories related to the DRC’s work.
Writing:
- Serve as the lead story writer for the DRC, working with all departments to identify and develop compelling stories that highlight the DRC’s expertise and impact.
- Identify opportunities to optimize the DRC’s writing style for engagement and audience interests.
- Support the VP to create strategic messaging, including talking points, for DRC initiatives and positioning.
Speechwriting:
- Serve as the primary reviewer and collaborator for scripts for DRC non-signature events.
- Lead the script management for DRC signature events, ensuring internal deadlines are met.
- Serve as the lead speechwriter for SVPs.
- Assist Senior Team members with their needs for speeches, talking points, and presentations.
Editing:
- Edit various materials generated by the Communications team as well as the Marketing team.
Working Alongside Marketing:
- Serve as the webmaster for the DRC blog, posting stories on the DRC’s website.
- Curate imagery to complement the DRC’s online content and support social media marketing.
- Lead the DRC’s Staff Social Media Champions program, helping DRC employees talk about and serve as spokespeople for the DRC’s work.
- Regularly audit the DRC’s website, identifying outdated content and opportunities for refreshes that ensure the DRC’s work and impact is highlighted.
Collaborative, Creative, Strategic:
- Bring a collaborative spirit as well as creativity and strategic advice to every discussion.
