The Ruth Mott Foundation (RMF), based in Flint, Michigan, is a non-profit philanthropic organization offering grants and programs that serve the Greater Flint community.  As part of its new strategic plan, RMF seeks to strengthen is communications capacity in order to increase its overall impact. The Director of Communications, a new position at RMF, will be a position of leadership in developing the Foundation’s communications plan and derivative activities. The position will require a creative and entrepreneurial disposition while maintaining flexibility and a highly collaborative style in connecting to and working with teams that span departments and worksites.

The Director of Communications will be an enthusiastic and committed individual who will be responsible for carrying out a variety of communications activities in support of the RMF grantmaking program in north Flint, and the archival, educational, and technical assistance programming based at Applewood, the Charles Stewart Mott Estate. These activities will be conducted by working closely with other RMF staff, trustees, grantees, funding partners and colleagues, and other community stakeholders. The Director of Communications will work to strengthen the communications capacity of all RMF staff by developing key learning tools and resources.

Job Purpose:             

To develop, manage and implement the Ruth Mott Foundation’s communications activities and services, including establishing overall communications goals and strategies; developing, editing and sharing content for Ruth Mott Foundation’s internal and external communications; and structuring and managing the Foundation’s digital/social media strategy. This position will report directly to the President and function as a member of the Managers Circle.

Primary Responsibilities include:

• Work with RMF staff, trustees and grantees to facilitate creation of an overall Foundation communications plan and specific communications goals for the next 5 years.
• Work with the President and Managers Circle to identify and advance issues impacting the Foundation’s overarching goal of assisting residents of north Flint neighborhoods create and sustain opportunities to contribute and thrive.
• Work with the President and Managers Circle to present Applewood as a welcoming and diverse place of beauty, contemplation, fun and learning that supports the normal course of work of the Foundation with the community.
• Collaborate with grantees on how to share their activities and accomplishments; be a resource to grantees on their own communications efforts.
• Work with the President and program and administrative staff to write and edit a variety of content to help the Foundation communicate effectively, and in ways that reflect the RMF core values. This includes content for website and digital media, press releases, newsletters, talking points, presentations, articles and publications.
• Develop and publish web and social media content that articulates RMF’s strategic framework, highlights grantees and their work, and shares what we are learning with relevant audiences.
• Maintain and regularly update the Foundation’s website.
• Coordinate relationships with communications consultants and vendors.
• Develop relationships and maintain print and broadcast media contacts.
• Develop and maintain photographs, videos and graphics that represent the Foundation’s and grantees’s work.
• Assist the President with the development of speeches and/or presentations as needed.
• Provide supervision, mentoring and evaluation of Communications Project coordinator.

Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree in a relevant field of study including English, Journalism, Marketing or Communications, preferred.
• At least 8 years’ experience in public interest communications.
• Experience in fields related to the Foundation’s mission and grantmaking.
• A strong commitment to the Foundation’s mission and values.
• A solid understanding of, or direct experience working with, low-income and/or communities of color and community-based nonprofit organizations.
• Superior written and verbal communications skills.
• Proven conceptual, analytical, research and project management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and adjust to changing and/or competing priorities.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a collegial, mutually supportive team environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact with a wide variety of people both internally and externally.
• Flexibility and willingness to take on a variety of tasks, as is often required in small organizations.

Ruth Mott Foundation recruits team members that are as economically, culturally and ethnically diverse as the community we serve. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in all its forms, including but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, height, weight, marital status, sexual orientation, protected genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

To Apply:  Email resume to [email protected] or mail to Sheryl Johnston, Ruth Mott Foundation, 111 E. Court Street, Suite 3C, Flint, MI, 48502. Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled.