Senior Director, Strategic Communications

Reports To: Executive Director Department/Location: Communications Department Job Type: Full-Time Salaried Exempt About The Industrial Commons: The Industrial Commons is an economic ecosystem located in Morganton, NC, that founds and grows interconnected enterprises that solve problems for businesses and workers and manufactures hope for the people of Southern Appalachia. Our mission is to rebuild a diverse working class based on locally rooted wealth. We address root causes of generational poverty by supporting frontline workers to build an economy for all through our four fields of Workforce Development, Community Engagement, Business Development and Network Development. TIC is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Job Overview: The Senior Director, Strategic Communications, leads the development and execution of a cohesive communications strategy that advances the organization’s mission, strengthens its brand, and ensures clear, consistent storytelling across all channels. This role is responsible for aligning messaging across teams, supporting leadership with strategic communications, and positioning the organization in the media and public sphere. The Senior Director oversees both internal and external communications, including media relations, digital marketing, and content, and establishes strong communications governance to ensure consistency, clarity, and impact. Essential Functions: Strategic Leadership & Planning: 70% Lead the Communications Department, overseeing goals, timelines, and execution to achieve communications and external/internal impact objectives. Collaborate with external stakeholders and staff at all levels, including Directors and the Senior Leadership Team, to create narrative cohesion for the Industrial Commons ecosystem. Develop and implement an organization-wide communications strategy that aligns with strategic priorities, amplifies the mission, and supports key initiatives, including fundraising, advocacy, and community outreach. Partner with program and enterprise leads to develop and execute tailored communications plans that advance specific goals while ensuring cohesion across the organization. Oversee and manage the communications budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to support strategic priorities. Continuously evaluate and improve communications processes and tools, implementing best practices to strengthen collaboration, efficiency, and outcomes. Supervise staff and contractors within the Communications Department, including weekly check-ins, quarterly evaluations, work planning, delegation, and goal setting. Establish clear metrics to evaluate the success of communications efforts. Provide strategic advice and counsel on internal and external communications, branding, and messaging issues. Build and manage cross-team relationships with leadership, program teams, and development to align communications goals, audiences, and opportunities. External Communications, Media & Narrative Strategy: 30% Guide strategic communications - including earned media, editorial, publications, research, and organizational messaging. Develop and implement a proactive media strategy that identifies media opportunities to highlight the organization’s mission, programs, and successes across local, regional, and national outlets. Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries, coordinating responses, and ensuring consistency and professionalism in all public communications. Lead and guide the Communications team in developing high-impact external content, ensuring quality, consistency, and alignment with organizational priorities and audience needs. Provide strategic direction for press events and public engagements, ensuring leadership is effectively prepared and organizational messaging is consistently executed across all media interactions. Other projects and duties as assigned. Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 8+ years of experience in strategic communications, public relations, or a related role, ideally including leadership responsibilities. Excellent strategic thinking and project leadership skills, with the ability to align communications initiatives with organizational vision and priorities. Demonstrated ability to analyze complex information, identify opportunities, and make informed decisions based on data, trends, and insights. Skilled at guiding projects from concept through execution. Proven ability to lead through collaboration, building strong relationships across teams, leadership, and external stakeholders. Skilled in facilitating alignment, navigating competing priorities, and influencing outcomes to advance organizational goals. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly and compellingly articulate complex ideas across diverse audiences. Develops and leads a comprehensive audience strategy by identifying key stakeholder segments, mapping their needs and behaviors, and tailoring messaging, channels, and content to effectively engage and grow each audience group in alignment with organizational goals. Physical Demands and Work Environment: Ability to occasionally lift 15 lbs-50 lbs. Ability to remain in a stationary position with computer work. Must be able to move about various office environments to access office machinery, products, and to communicate with staff. Ability to occasionally commute within the region and travel long distances, including overnight stays if needed. Must be able to access supplies on high shelves. Ability to perceive, receive, and interpret information communicated in written, printed, digital, and spoken formats, including in person, by phone, and through virtual settings. Salary and Benefits Salary: Competitive, with an anticipated range of $70,000 - $90,000 based on experience. Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and holidays. Salary is commensurate with experience. To apply, please send a resume to HR@theindustrialcommons.org with the subject line “Senior Director, Strategic Communications.