Director of Communications

We seek a Director of Communications to serve as the lead storyteller and brand curator for the Foundation. This person will be creative, experienced in employing innovative communication strategies, and excited to share the powerful stories of grassroots nonprofits in ways that honor their work.

Reports to: Executive Director
Position Details:
-Design and implement a mission-aligned communications strategy that highlights Wayfarer’s spiritual and equitable approach to grantmaking and uplifts our partners’ work.
-Define the Wayfarer brand and voice and work to ensure brand integrity across all communication platforms both internally and externally.
-Create and execute a media relations plan that launches new pathways for Wayfarer to share our learnings, using the following mediums: social media; written op-eds and blogs; video; audio; digital campaigns; and traditional print materials.
-Ensure we comply with all legal guidelines related to communications, including those concerning capturing and sharing one’s image and likeness.
-Design and maintain a website that reflects our ethos and serves as a hospitable access point for our potential partners and houses knowledge and resources for our existing partners.
-Create talking points for and coach both our staff and Board to effectively communicate company news or promote external events.
-Develop and implement a crisis communications plan that is able to quickly and professionally address challenges as they arise.
-Serve as the staff liaison to all communications contractors (photographers/videographers, graphic and web designers, press, etc.).
-Serve as the supervisor for Wayfarer Fellows supporting the Foundation’s communications efforts.
-Serve as a liaison between Wayfarer Studios and Foundation regarding cross promotional opportunities.
-Other duties as assigned by leadership.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

-Commitment to and passion for Wayfarer’s mission: “We partner with nonprofits to co-create a unified world.”
-Undergraduate education
-5+ years of experience in a similar role with a non-profit, foundation, educational institution, or other related organization. Direct experience working with BIPOC communities is a plus.
-Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as a lens for all of your work.
-Appreciation for the spiritual dimensions of mission-driven work, especially Baháʼí-inspired practices.
-Excellent and creative verbal and written communication skills in English.
-Willingness to be vulnerable, emotionally intelligent, and service-oriented.
-Collaborative working style, caring and action-oriented supervision skills, project management savviness, and the ability to quickly shift from strategic thinking to granular implementation.
-Flexibility and adaptability, as we strive to provide clear roles all while
navigating the process of being a new and quickly growing nonprofit.

-Proficiency in and/or willingness to quickly learn WF tech platforms: Google apps, major social media platforms, Foundant (grant management system), Slack, Canva, Airtable (project management system), etc.
-Do I have to be a Baháʼí to apply?
While we are guided by the spiritual principles of the Baháʼí faith, we respect and celebrate all religious devotions and differences and provide equal employment opportunities for all. We only ask you to come to the role with an open heart, mind, and interest in learning more about Baháʼí beliefs and the role diverse spiritual traditions can play in creating social change.

WORKING AT WAYFARER

Salary range: $90,000-$125,000
Benefits: We offer a holistic package that aims to care for our team in body, mind, and spirit; it includes:
-Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
=Retirement savings plan (after one year)
-Time off:
Unlimited PTO and National Holidays
Baha’i Holy Days (up to 9/year)
4 days/year for community service (1/quarter)
Organization-wide Winter Break
Professional development stipend (conference, books, trainings, etc.)        m            wellness stipend (spiritual retreats, body care, therapy, etc.), “boundary                  bonuses,” and matching nonprofit donations.
Culture: You can expect
-The mindfulness of a house of worship: We engage in spiritual practices as a team, explore how spirituality can drive social change, and strive to treat one another with compassion and kindness.
-The energy of a startup: As a new organization, we are in an organic learning mode and value risk, innovation, and experimentation.
-The passion for justice of a grassroots non-profit: We celebrate the gifts of diverse individuals, communities, and institutions. We also stand up
for justice for those excluded because we know that together, without -isms, we can find solutions to our most pressing problems.

Where will I work?
We are a hybrid organization; we work 2-3 days at home and 2-3 days in our office in Wilmette, IL (easily accessible by the CTA purple line). You will also be expected to travel ~25% of the time.

TO APPLY

Please visit Director of Communications – Evanston, IL 60201 – Indeed.com. We will review applications on a rolling basis until this position is filled. We anticipate that this person will begin in late March or early April of 2023.

1) A brief cover letter. Please do not repeat what is written on your resume. In your cover letter include the following:
-Why do you want to work with us?
-Please describe your previous work with BIPOC communities.
-What are the responsibilities of the individual in regard to issues of social justice?
-What are your thoughts about working in this kind of workplace that centers spirituality, and how might you see yourself both using it for your growth and contributing to it as a leader/staff member?
2) A 1-2 page resume with 3 references listed.

Wayfarer Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and we strongly encourage BIPOC, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+, Baháʼí, and other underrepresented applicants. We value diverse candidates; your gifts and lived experience matter more to us than titles or numbers.