Leadership, Administration & Management 

• Leads the narrative team with inspiring, empowering leadership that guides the sometimes competing priorities and removes roadblocks so that creative team members can work creatively to achieve goals. 
• Ensures that the best combination of work is initiated to meet the mission and achieve the vision. Serve as an advisor and proofreader for other Cities United communications Co-Manages the brand & narrative across departments to gather findings and identify opportunities for creative content development and implementation 
• Approves work plans, facilitates performance reviews, approves time-off requests, and serves as a conflict mediator between team members Effectively communicates project expectations to team members and stakeholders in a timely and transparent fashion 
• Manages the performance of the team toward organizational goals and individual development goals. Manages external communication partnerships (including Consultants) As part of the senior leadership team, the Director of Narrative Change is responsible for supporting and engaging professionally with individuals from Cities United’s key stakeholder groups 
• Each senior leadership team member is expected to lead by example and represent Cities United’s core values and principles in their day-to-day activities. 
• Members of the senior leadership team are responsible for supporting the organization in reaching its annual fund development goals.

Strategy & Data Management 

• Co-Develops, manages, and updates departmental portfolio/scope of work Generates anecdotes and data to tell stories that exemplify Cities United’s mission and strategic direction 
• Manages narrative change projects from strategic inception through implementation, looking beyond the scheduling to an understanding of the implications of projects for the whole 
• Department of Impact and organizational strategies Contribute to the development of an integrated storytelling plan, thinking strategically about the roles of marketing communications: public relations, website, collateral, advertising, and social media 
• Reviews approve and monitor all departmental project plans, scopes of work, and concept papers Develops/maintains productive, strategic relationships with Cities United partners. 
• Partners with executive leadership and leadership team to develop and implement a recruitment strategy 
• Develops news releases and leverages relationships within the media community to gain coverage for important Cities United events, stories, and announcements. 
• From initial assessment to impact evaluation, partner with the Deputy of Impact and the Director of Digital Storytelling to create straightforward, common sense ways to measure the impact of departmental initiatives 
• Recommends and implements proactive and creative approaches to support narrative change strategies at the national and local levels Monitors current events and works with Executive Leadership Team to identify Cities United’s response and make recommendations for creative content in response to national or local occurrences 
• Works across the organization to create a storytelling culture Leads the development of written pieces highlighting activities and experiences related to Cities United’s approach to safe, healthy, and hopeful communities

Growth & Development 

• Ensures that the work is suitable, on schedule, within budget and scope (including quality). 
• In partnership with the Deputy of Impact, develops and monitors departmental budget, including program and project budgets and approves team member expenditures. 
• Monitors and analyzes departmental capacities; advocates for resource needs Co-develops approves, and oversees team member professional development 
• Supports the development and creation of fundraising and comprehensive campaign marketing collateral, including direct appeals, case statements, gift proposals, and videos. 
• Supports grant writing to ensure alignment with Cities United’s overall message.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supports special projects, including the Cities United Annual Convening, National Youth Violence Prevention Week, Crime Prevention Month, and more. 
• Meets regularly with other Directors to strategize, develop and implement departmental communication plans