Communication Director

Job Description:  Communication Director            Reports to:  President & CEO

Job Type:               Exempt Full-time Position           Direct Reports Comm & Membership Coordinator

Position Summary          

Responsible for overall direction and coordination of communication to membership, stakeholders, and the media across the association and its foundation. Oversees print, web, and electronic communication, design, editorial content development, and production of member communication, publications and marketing materials including but not limited to weekly e-newsletter, texting service, web sites, email communication, social media, and buyers’ guide. Responsible for maintaining association brand and voice.  

Primary Duties

• Assumes full responsibility for sourcing, development, and production of electronic newsletters (distributed multiple times per week), CRA Today, Buyer’s Guide, texting service, social media and all other internal and external communication for the organization
• Creates and builds monthly surveys, manages data collection, compiles key findings, and oversees graphic design for use with the media, elected officials, and public
• Manages and maintains website content, including but not limited to, industry news, government affairs, events, press room; posts new original and sourced content to CRA website regularly
• Works with Communication Coordinator to create, edit, and publish written and electronic documents, brochures, and articles as well as oral presentations
• Oversees direction of member and chapter electronic communication including surveys, legislative alerts and updates, monthly meeting and event schedules
• Enforces compliance with legal requirements in print and web content including monitoring contractual agreements, copyright and reprint, photography and design rights and permissions
• Maintains CRA and CRF brands and use of trademarked logo throughout the organization
• Assists with advertising sales development efforts for newsletter and website
• Works with members and staff to develop communication programs to maximize organizational awareness, educate our target markets on CRA & CRF initiatives, and to report our achievements
• Actively explores additional ways to get CRA & CRF messages out to members, the media, elected officials, and public

Additional Responsibilities

• Assists the President & CEO and the Foundation President with government affairs communication, overall program communication, media calls and inquiries, press releases, and clippings
• Collaborates regularly with external media and public relations consultants
• Collaborates regularly with CRA staff to ensure appropriate messaging to members
• Ensures aesthetic and navigational efficiency of website; tracks, captures and evaluates website statistics
• Coordinates marketing and communication for the annual trade show (Colorado Restaurant & Bar Show) and other events
• Contributes to planning efforts to improve communication and marketing program effectiveness
• Provides vision and direction by keeping up to date and informed about industry news, trends, and developments that influence editorial content
• Assists with board and committee communication initiatives and projects; serves as staff liaison to Communication Committee
• Assures that all print, web, and electronic communication conveys the mission and image of the association and complies with association policies and procedures
• Supports projects and cross-organizational efforts by providing communication and marketing expertise for initiatives including membership development, events, industry education, training programs and sponsor recognition
• Maintains budget and financial controls by planning, preparing and monitoring communication budgets         

Contact with Others

• Considerable collaboration with department heads within the organization
• Considerable interaction with outside service providers (e.g. web developers, printers, graphic designers, and PR/media relations consultants)
• Manages Communication & Membership Coordinator
• Regular interaction with VP of Strategic Partnerships, Foundation President and President & CEO
• Frequent interaction with media community, members and partners