Child Welfare Communications Director

Work at JBS--a values driven health consulting firm dedicated to improving the lives of real people every day --and build a career with impact. Our over 400 passionate and diverse employees across the country create sustainable change in health care, social services, and education by providing our clients with individualized service and big reach. Our deep expertise is enhanced by access to JBS' parent company, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina (BCBSSC) and its team of subsidiary companies, the Celerian Group.

We are looking for a Communications Director to oversee the development, planning, execution, and evaluation of communication strategies, programs and products. This individual should bring a results-driven approach, an understanding of emerging issues, policies, and evidence-based practices across communications and a passion for improving the well-being and safety of children and families. Help us bring real change while we support your professional growth.

Essential job functions

• Lead all communications activities including strategic outreach and dissemination plans that promote awareness, create engagement and build capacity.
• Lead the development of messaging and content for a variety of products, resources and tools tailored to audiences including child welfare professionals and partners on relevant topics; ensure accuracy of content while adhering to project budget and timeline.
• Oversees formative research, e.g., focus groups, surveys, etc. to gain insights into audience needs, and preferences; act as facilitator; review data and prepare research reports
• Collaborates with team members to identify client needs and generate forward-thinking ideas to engage with audiences through shared information and resources
• Develops and manages subcontractor, vendor, and consultant relationships, performance, and agreements
• Reviews client-ready deliverables created by team members that reflect discussions with clients and outline actionable next steps.
• Ensures that all contractual obligations are met for assigned activities; manages budgets and maintains operation of assigned activities and troubleshoot issues
• Provides overall leadership and management to a team of communication professionals; Supervises and guides direct reports in conducting their jobs.

Minimum job requirements

• Bachelor's degree and 10+ years of solid communication experience or Master's degree and 7+ years of solid communication experience
• Proven experience developing strategic communications plans, executing outreach and dissemination strategies, developing key messages and content, and working with a range of social media platforms and other channels
• Experience translating messages and content into actionable products and resources
• Experience with and knowledge of public child welfare issues related to child welfare practice, policy, and research.
• Experience working with states and jurisdictions on child welfare related issues
• Familiarity with a federal contracting environment and proven ability to collaborate with team members and clients effectively and professionally.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, working knowledge of design software such as Adobe Creative Cloud and media monitoring tools (e.g., Cision)
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust Clearance (federal government background check).

Competencies

• Proven skills producing high-quality deliverables and multitasking in a fast-paced collaborative environment.
• Strategic thinker: comfortable working across multiple teams to achieve desired outcomes.
• Consistent demonstration of initiative, innovation, and ongoing efforts to expand job knowledge.
• Strong organizing and problem-solving abilities with excellent written and verbal communication skills

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for prolonged periods at a desk or computer workstation.
• Regularly uses a computer, keyboard, and mouse.
• Normal or corrected vision to read documents, view computer screens, and perform tasks that require visual accuracy.
• Ability to hear and understand spoken information in person and over the phone.
• Minimal lifting and carrying may be required, typically light office supplies or documents.
• Ability to move within the office environment to access equipment, files, and interact with colleagues.
• Ability to handle occasional stress related to deadlines, workloads, or challenging tasks.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED: This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position, nor will it be the sole basis for any subsequent employee evaluations. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as may be required by their supervisor.

This position is subject to availability of funds and to any and all restrictions contained in the contract or contracts that provide funding for this position.

APPLICATION INFORMATION:

If you meet the minimum requirements for this position, please click on the "Apply" link posted below and complete the application. Please include cover letter, resume, and at least (3) professional references.

Our company is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Applicants can learn more about the company's status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the federal "EEO is the Law" poster at EEOPost.pdf. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.