Senior Director, Communications and Spokesperson

ABOUT UNIDOSUS

UnidosUS, previously known as NCLR (National Council of La Raza), is the nation’s largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization. Through its unique combination of expert research, advocacy, programs, and an Affiliate Network of nearly 300 community-based organizations across the United States and Puerto Rico, UnidosUS simultaneously challenges the social, economic, and political barriers that affect Latinos at the national and local levels. For more than 55 years, UnidosUS has united communities and different groups seeking common ground through collaboration and that share a desire to make our community stronger. For more information on UnidosUS, visit www.unidosus.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

POSITION SUMMARYUnidosUS seeks a Senior Director, Communications and Spokesperson, to develop and oversee the organization’s day-to-day communication efforts across platforms. This leader will be responsible for the daily execution of UnidosUS’ communication strategy, focused on crafting timely and compelling communications to navigate the political and media landscapes effectively.

Reporting to the Vice President, Communications and Marketing (VP) and overseeing the media relations, social media, and executive communications teams, the Senior Director will oversee the creation and dissemination of daily content, manage real-time media engagement, and help develop robust, rapid response capabilities to effectively address emerging issues and opportunities to advance UnidosUS’ mission, enhance organizational brand reputation, and drive engagement with key stakeholders.

The Senior Director also serves as a primary spokesperson for UnidosUS, and oversees the three teams to ensure daily consistent and compelling messaging across all media platforms. They will help plan and execute strategies to reach national, statewide, and local Latino and general audiences and assist in managing external communications with press, surrogates and Unidos affiliates to ensure accurate and consistent representation of the organization’s work. The Senior Director will work to elevate the Latino perspective in the public dialogue during high-stakes media moments in service of the organization’s strategy to grow the wealth, health, and power of the Latino community.

The Senior Director combines excellence in communications and team leadership with the willingness to contribute individually as needed across projects. This position requires a deep understanding of the Latino community, the current political landscape, and best practices in political and rapid response communications and media relations. Additionally, this leader will demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively across departments.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Strategic Communications and Messaging:

• Manage and execute daily external communications, public and media relations, and messaging strategies for UnidosUS to support the organization’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities.
• Develop, refine, and execute key messaging strategies across the Media Relations, Social Media, and Executive Communications teams, in partnership with the VP, that elevate UnidosUS’ brand with national and local Hispanic, general market audiences, and other key stakeholders and Affiliates to align with the organization's strategic goals.
• Oversee the development of key communication materials, including press releases, talking points, speeches, social media content, and other messaging tools.
• Engage with communications staff to gather and effectively translate program information into compelling messaging.
• Collaborate with the VP and relevant teams to help coordinate communications with UnidosUS Affiliates and stakeholders and to ensure consistent messaging across platforms.

Communications & Rapid Response:

• In collaboration with the VP, help lead UnidosUS rapid response activities across functions, including message development, content creation, and implementation through UnidosUS communications channels.
• Develop and maintain a robust, rapid response plan to address emerging issues, crises, and press promptly and effectively.
• Serve as a key spokesperson during crisis situations, ensuring clear, consistent, and accurate communication.
• Proactively monitor traditional media and social media, with the relevant teams, for potential issues and develop proactive communication strategies to mitigate risks.

Media Relations & Spokesperson:

• Serve as a primary spokesperson for the organization, responsible for delivering statements and responding to media inquiries, both print and on-camera, in coordination with the VP.
• Oversee the team's ongoing efforts which include cultivating relationships with journalists, pitching stories, and responding to media inquiries.
• Represent UnidosUS externally to ensure the Latino perspective is inserted into the media and public dialogue when there is breaking news, current affairs, or crises related or adjacent to UnidosUS strategy and priorities.
• Demonstrate deep familiarity with UnidosUS’ goals, programs, and impact areas and convey them compellingly and clearly.

Team Leadership:Manage, mentor, and provide strategic support to the leads for media relations, social media, and executive communications teams, creating opportunities for staff growth and development.

• Promote a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability aligned with UnidosUS’ strategic priorities, mission, and audiences.
• Strengthen team structure, processes, and skills to support the organization’s communications needs, ensuring the team has the tools and training needed.