Director of Communications Strategy
$130,000–$145,000 year
RemoteUnited States or Christiansburg, Virginia, United States
Job Summary
Develop and execute external communications strategies that advance Locus's mission, business priorities, reputation, and stakeholder relationships. Translate organizational strategy, products, partnerships, impact, and market insights into clear narratives for external audiences. Draft and edit press releases, statements, talking points, opinion pieces, articles, presentations, briefing materials, stakeholder communications, and other public-facing content. Serve as a trusted communications partner to the CEO and other senior leaders by drafting speeches, remarks, presentations, opinion pieces, letters, external emails, social content, and other executive communications. Prepare concise briefing materials for interviews, panels, conferences, government meetings, partner conversations, and other external engagements. Support media engagement, including developing story angles, preparing spokespeople, responding to inquiries, and coordinating with external partners as needed. Maintain an integrated communications calendar covering announcements, executive engagements, events, policy moments, thought leadership, and internal communications. Manage communications projects from initial concept through drafting, review, approval, and distribution. Recruit, interview, hire, and train staff in the department. Provide constructive and timely performance feedback and evaluations. Handle discipline and termination of employees in accordance with company policy.
Required Qualifications
- Approximately 8 or more years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public affairs, executive communications, journalism, government, financial services, economic development, or a related field
- Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to produce clear, persuasive, executive-level content under tight timelines
- Demonstrated experience supporting senior executives and preparing leaders for external engagements
- Experience developing external communications strategies and translating complex subject matter for varied audiences
- Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public affairs, public policy, marketing, or a related field preferred, or equivalent professional experience
- Familiarity with government affairs, public policy, regulated industries, financial services, community development, or mission-driven organizations is strongly preferred
- Experience supporting media relations, issues management, public events, or thought-leadership initiatives
- Strong judgment and discretion when handling confidential, sensitive, or reputationally important matters
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, coordinate across functions, and move work forward in a environment where information may be incomplete or evolving
- Comfortable operating both strategically and tactically, from shaping a narrative to finalizing a briefing document or event run of show
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams) and Adobe is mandatory
- Strong technical experience with Salesforce or other CRM tools
- Demonstrated web research skills
- Ability and willingness to learn new software applications and technologies is required
- Must be able to work independently in a stable remote environment
Desired Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public affairs, public policy, marketing, or a related field preferred
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