Communications Director

License/Certification Requirements: Valid MN Driver’s License, current insurance or be insurable is preferred.

Summary:   This role provides strategic leadership for the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe’s internal and external communications, government relations, public information, community engagement and special events. Directs and oversees communications programs and strategies that effectively strengthen transparency, build community trust, promote organizational priorities and enhance engagement with Tribal membership, employees, governmental partners and the public.  Responsible for supervision & oversight of communications staff, government relations, event planning, graphic design, publication of the Tribe’s De-Bah-Ji-Mon Newspaper, oversight of the Tribe’s KOJB radio station and managing the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe’s website(s). Must ensure communications reflect the values, culture and priorities of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe.

Education Requirements and Experience:

 Bachelors’ Degree in: Communications, English, Journalism, Multimedia Services, Marketing or related field.

A minimum of 5yrs experience in organizational leadership and Communications.

A minimum of 3yrs supervisory experience.

A portfolio showcasing previous communication experience.

Experience in: creating and implementing strategic communication plans at organizational level towards targeted audiences.  

Experience in writing – develop content using any number of multi-media formats for readers, listeners or viewers.

Experience in; business, accounting, grant writing, organization, program development and management.

Experience in: journalistic writing, public speaking, layout and design – original written materials for newspaper, magazines, television, radio, company newsletters or advertisements.

Experience in: Developing and overseeing internal communication strategies that improve information sharing across organizations.
Experience in: Oversight of Federal, State and local government relations monitoring and coordinating legislative priorities.

Radio communication (broadcasting) and management experience.

Experience in Web and Graphic Designing.

Experience working with Tribal Governments preferred.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

 Familiarity with: technology, micro soft applications, publishing systems and multi-media software.

Knowledge of HTML, CSS and Photoshop required.

Knowledge of: public relations principles and means of disseminating important information.

Knowledge of interactive technologies of the web to blend text, graphics and sound together.

Knowledge of: television, radio and newspaper operations.

Knowledge of: Adobe creative suite, website content management systems and social media management platforms.

Knowledge of online newspapers (marketing tools).

Knowledge of publishing and broadcasting business.

Thorough knowledge of Tribal Government operations and functions.

Demonstrate good judgment & strong sense of ethics in deciding what material to publish.

Detail oriented.

Excellent people skills.

Excellent skills in: oral, written communications, as well as customer service.

Ability to; coordinate special activities and events to meet deadlines and to make sound judgments.

Ability to; relate positively and professionally with American Indians, government officials and the general public.

Ability to solve technical and professional problems.

Ability to write content for newspaper and web site; must have excellent writing and spelling/grammar skills.
Ability to: Lead multiple teams simultaneously

Ability to: Build relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Ability to express ideas clearly & logically.

Ability to multi-task; achieve deadlines as required.

Ability to concentrate amid confusion and to work under pressure often is essential.

Ability to guide and encourage others.

Proficient in editing materials from print and broadcast journalism.

Supervisory Duties:

 Supervise, train, evaluate and provide general guidance to the Government relations staff, Event staff, Powwow Coordinator, Tribal newspaper staff, Office Manager, Graphic Designer and KOJB manager.

Responsibilities include: Hiring, coaching, performance evaluations, professional development, scheduling, budget oversight and policy compliance.

 Duties/Responsibilities:

 Serve as the Tribe’s senior communications advisor to the Executive Director and Tribal Leadership.

Develop and implement a comprehensive communication strategy supporting Tribal priorities.

Provide strategic communications planning for organizational initiatives, emergencies and major announcements.

Build collaborative relationships with Tribal divisions, leadership, elected officials and external partners.

Ensure communications of the Tribe reflect the mission, values and culture of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe.

Responsible for the coordination of; De-Bah-Ji-Mon newspaper.

Support the creation and publishing of media for divisions, businesses and programs.

Coordinate the production of brochures and handbooks that represent the Leech Lake Tribe’s current endeavors, history, culture and philosophy.

Prepare speeches for RTC.

Oversees all press releases, daily publications, internet, etc.

Renders a final editorial decision.

Evaluate marketing outreach to local communities.

Responsible for such activities as; assessing internal/external communication needs, initiating stories and answering correspondence.

Follow events and lobby actions that affect “Indian Country”.

Responsible for overall; planning and direction of the LLBO mission statement.

Assures that all communication programs are appropriate to accomplish mission goals of the organization.

Attend and or conduct all mandatory meetings and trainings as required.

Maintain confidentiality and professional ethics at all times.

Travel in and out of the state on a possibly regular basis.

Understanding and sensitivity to Native American culture.

Adhere to policies governing staff conduct.

All other related duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements:

 Sedentary work.

Subject to internal working conditions.

Non-smoking environment.

DOQ