Job Description
Metro Drug Coalition
Communications Director

Metro Drug Coalition (MDC) is a nonprofit organization striving to create a healthy and safe community, free of substance misuse. We have served the Knoxville community for 36 years. Our goal is to increase access to evidence-based prevention education, harm reduction programs and recovery support services for anyone desiring to maintain or seek a life free from substance misuse. Through community collaborative efforts, we can all strengthen families and prevent future generations from the devastating consequences of addiction.

The Communications Director is responsible for the coordination, development and execution of both internal and external communications for the organization. This position assists with organization strategic planning and development to assure continuity in mission/vision/implementation activities. This position will work closely and will directly report to the Executive Director.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in related field of Communications, Public Relations, Marketing or related field
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in communications or related field
  • Proven ability to proactively seek out and respond to media inquiries
  • Demonstrate excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
  • Must have experience working in WordPress for website editing
  • Ability to work independently and problem solve
  • Must be detail oriented, calm under pressure, and have the ability to think creatively while working both independently and as part of a team
  • Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and juggle multiple responsibilities, while working collaboratively with internal and external team members
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Design
  • Must be able to creatively develop and produce graphic designs
  • Maintain a valid Tennessee driver’s license and show proof of insurance

MDC’s Communications Director duties include:

  • Creates, implements and maintains a communications strategy that aligns with the overall strategy, goals and objectives of the organization
  • Leads, manages and executes the organization’s internal and external communication strategy including: marketing, social media, digital, print, website development, and graphics
  • Develops all graphics material for organization and leads projects with outside advertising and marketing firms on campaigns, if necessary
  • Manages organization’s communications and grant media budgets
  • Develops communication plans and directly manages communication activities that promote, enhance and protect the organization’s brand reputation
  • Manages event communications, coordination, planning and execution
  • Builds strategic partnerships and serves as spokesperson/liaison with media and community partners to advance MDC’s mission
  • Manages response to all media-related inquires, preparation of media articles/talking points and ensures message consistency
  • Assists with grant deliverables, as appropriate, and works with the Director of Prevention Services on grant-related activities as assigned
  • Works with Executive Director to align internal strategic planning with external communications
  • Works across all areas of MDC to assure the organizational vision and strategy are balanced and filling needed gaps, based on community needs assessment
  • Assists Executive Director on donor development and relations, providing direction on message development, engagement and special event fundraising efforts
  • Works with Director of Primary Prevention Services and Director of Recovery Support Services to ensure communications needs and grant opportunities are being met

For persons interested in applying for this position, please submit a cover letter, resume, references and a minimum of three work/writing samples no later than April 11th by emailing Karen Pershing at kpershing@metrodrug.org.  No phone calls please.

Metro Drug Coalition is an equal opportunity employer and a smoke-free/drug-free workplace.