Director of Marketing, Education and Public Affairs

POSITION SUMMARY: The Arizona Humane Society is seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking, results-driven leader to serve as the Director of Marketing, Education & Public Affairs. During a time of exciting organizational growth as we transform Maricopa County into the animal welfare community of the future, this person will lead a robust, high-performing team to develop and execute strategies that raise the awareness of AHS as an innovator and leader in animal welfare. The Director is responsible for increasing both brand awareness and demand for AHS services, internal and external communication and optimizing education, outreach, customer experience and advocacy programs. The Director will have the ability to create big ideas and implement them with enthusiasm and impact.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversees the development and execution of organization’s marketing, communication, media relations, advertising, education, advocacy and outreach initiatives.
• Develop and execute comprehensive communications plan in alignment with AHS strategic objectives to elevate AHS in the marketplace and engage/educate key constituencies.
• Execute internal and external brand messaging strategy that is reflected consistently throughout the entire organization.
• Develop and implement strategy to optimize customer experience/lifecycle and voice of the customer.
• Support advocacy strategy in collaborating with coalition partners; communicating with elected officials, staff, and key stakeholders. Develop and maintain communication and relationships with governmental offices including city, county, state and federal levels;
• Direct crisis communication process, providing expert insight and analysis for possible outcomes.
• Establish, nurture and maintain positive external relationships with individuals, businesses and organizations that support the organization’s outreach efforts; serve as the liaison for strategic community partnerships.
• Develop and execute internal communication plan.
• Identify and manage market research opportunities including perception and competitive anaylsis.
• Develop strategy to acquire, retain and reward customers across customer segments, driving conversion and customer loyalty. Responsible for distilling customer feedback, analytics and research into customer insights that cross-functional partners in various departments can act upon to improve the customer experience and optimize AHS’ customer engagement, business operations and financial results.

QUALIFICATIONS & CHARACTERISTICS:

• 8+ years of Public Relations/Marketing/Public Affairs experience required.
• Four-year degree required; Graduate degree preferred.
• Candidates must have a demonstrated track record in leading and developing a team.
• A self-starter who can balance multiple priorities simultaneously, able to work to tight deadlines, establish clear priorities and maintain professionalism under pressure.
• Critical, creative, and innovative thinker is a must.
• Exceptional written and spoken communications skills with expertise in crisis communication and brand management.
• Experience developing and executing internal communication and crisis strategy.
• Strategic thinker who can translate complex concepts into actionable, understandable plans and programs.
• Experience in customer experience/CRM.
• Knowledge and understanding of government affairs, legislative processes, and advocacy.

Language Skills: Able to speak, read and write English; Spanish language helpful.

Mathematical Skills: Able to develop budgets, proformas and financial reviews.

Computer Skills: Proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook and Explorer; able to learn other software programs as necessary.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Valid Driver’s License.

Other Skills, Abilities and Qualifications: Regular attendance is required. Access to reliable transportation.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment: Adaptability and ability to work in a fast-paced environment is critical.