Director of Communications & Partnerships
AIDS Committee of London
Description:
The AIDS Committee of London (ACOL) is a volunteer driven, non-profit, community-based organization that is expanding its role and HIV service provision in the surrounding communities. ACOL brings people together in partnership to provide leadership in education, support, and advocacy to meet the challenges of HIV/AIDS. By respecting human dignity and diversity, the AIDS Committee of London creates an atmosphere of trust which enables people living and affected by HIV/AIDS to make informed choices. Our philosophy includes adherence to GIPA, Principles in Harm Reduction, Holistic Health and Civil Society.
Position Summary:
The Director of Communications & Partnerships is responsible for positioning ACOL in the public’s eye, developing and delivering key messages that support the organization’s mission and strategic priorities. . Responsible for the support and supervision of department staff that includes fund and volunteer development, the Director develops and implements the agency communications plan that raises HIV/AIDS awareness and increases community support. Collaborating with funding, business, academic and organizational partners, the Director evaluates the effectiveness of communications activities, recommending and implementing improvements.
This is a full time, permanent position. The Director of Communications & Partnerships reports to the Executive Director.
Responsibilities:
- Supervises department staff, coordinates professional development and leads the development, implementation, management and evaluation of the agency’s communication and partnership activities.
- Creates and coordinates internal and external communications materials including newsletters, media releases and promotional information.
- Develops and maintains relations with media, monitoring media activity and ensures the agency’s key messages and activities are introduced.
- Represents ACOL at public meetings and committees and directs partnership relationship strategy to advance the mission and fundraising goals.
- Prepares corporate reports, agency profiles, program descriptions and publications that promote awareness of ACOL’s services.
- Develops, implements, and manages department work plans and budgets, approves and reconciles expenditures, maintains financial income and expenditure records.
- Supports special events and fund development activities; cultivates relationships with current and prospective donors; is a resource for grant applications and proposal submissions.
- Maintains and strengthens existing community partnerships, and actively seeks new opportunities for community partnership and collaboration. Ensures maximum opportunities for community partnerships in all aspects of program development.
- Revises, develops and monitors policies and procedures relating to communications, fundraising and volunteer programs.
- Participates in management team meetings, identifies and plans for communication needs, assesses and analyzes issues to ensure consistent messaging; advises on communications aspects of management actions and decisions.
Qualifications:
- University degree or equivalent with a specialization in communications, public relations or a related discipline combination of education and experience
- A minimum of three years in developing and implementing corporate communications plans, programs and materials for internal and external distribution and fundraising
- Excellent knowledge of the methods used in writing (including journalistic style), editing, designing and producing a wide range of communications materials
- Demonstrated excellence in written, presentation, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external contacts including developing media relations strategies and public relations projects in collaboration with partners
- Excellent knowledge of communications policies, procedures and practices
- Experience in fund and volunteer development and evaluation and knowledge of ethical codes that govern these practices
- Strong leadership, supervisory and project management skills
- Sensitive to issues of diversity and a commitment to support the mission and philosophy of ACOL
- Demonstrated technical literacy in MS Office Suite, and knowledge of database management an asset
- Able and willing to work flexible hours and travel
- Creative, self-directed, results-focused and team player
To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume and an example of communication material that you have produced to hr@aidslondon.com no later 9:00 am Monday March 17, 2008. We appreciate all submissions, however only those invited to an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.
The AIDS Committee of London is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from the communities we serve. We promote the meaningful involvement of people living with HIV/AIDS.
