SUPERVISOR: Chief Executive Officer

APPLICATION STATUS: Open till filled

SUMMARY: The Communications Director is a high-level, single-incumbent position responsible for architecting and executing the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)’s global communication strategy. This role is focused on establishing comprehensive internal and external communications policies, elevating the professional narrative, and driving strategic revenue growth through innovative communications initiatives. The Director will take the lead and consult with the CEO and other Directors regarding the execution model, choosing to perform work in-house (do), or manage external contractors (outsource) based on efficiency, budget, and strategic goals.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES & STRATEGIC OVERSIGHT

The Director’s core duty is to provide visionary leadership in all aspects of RID’s organizational narrative, engagement, and strategic positioning.

• Strategic Vision and Policy: Develop, present, and implement a high-level, multi-year communications strategy that aligns with the organization’s mission and future growth objectives. This includes creating and enforcing clear, defensible internal and external communications policies for all stakeholders and members.
• Public Relations and Brand Advocacy: Cultivate and monitor RID’s external reputation and public image. This includes managing media relations, cultivating strategic partnerships, and ensuring RID is positioned as the leading authority and voice of the interpreting profession to the public and legislative bodies.
• Sourcing and Vendor Management: Decide the execution method for all communications deliverables. The Director has the authority, within a budget, to outsource (manage external contractors and agencies) or execute the work personally (in-house) to ensure timely, high-quality delivery.
• Revenue Generation and Innovation: Proactively identify and design creative communications initiatives aimed at generating diverse, non-dues revenue streams for RID, including the monetization of publications, research materials, and digital assets. This role will also oversee the strategic narrative for the RID Press while simultaneously leading the communication strategy for donor relations and fundraising efforts to maximize engagement and philanthropic support.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

STRATEGY & POLICY DEVELOPMENT

• Develop and standardize the organization’s overarching narrative, ensuring all communications consistently advance the profession, are responsive to member demographic, available technology, and engagement trends, and champion the organization.
• Serve as the chief guardian of RID’s visual and narrative brand, ensuring all departments adhere to a unified, professional identity.
• Regularly conduct a comprehensive audit of all legacy communications and assets; reorganize and standardize content to eliminate inconsistencies and “clean up” the organizational narrative.
• In collaboration within the organization, build, lead, and oversee internal communications strategies, ensuring clear and consistent messaging across staff, departments, membership and Board by developing internal policies and scaling communications workflows and systems.
• Design and implement policies and protocols for communications during critical incidents and crises, malpractice issues, or urgent community events, providing guidance to RID staff and leadership.
• Ensure all communications are crafted with a high degree of sensitivity, anticipating and considering the viewpoints and potential impacts on all key stakeholders (members, consumers, staff, stakeholders, and the Deaf community).
• Provide high-level consultation and support to the CEO, Directors, and both Boards (RID and CASLI/RIDCC), crisis management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Maintain a constant strategic approach on our publishing house methods and revenue opportunities.

EXECUTIVE AND REPORT OVERSIGHT

• Oversee, manage, or produce the RID Annual Report and the RID Industry Report (including gathering data, determining the scope, writing/editing, and production) ensuring the final product meets the highest standards of quality and transparency.
• Manage public and media relations inquiries, ensuring timely and effective external responses that align with RID’s policies.

EXECUTION & CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

• Direct the end-to-end production of all RID publications, research materials, and digital assets, strategically determining the most effective delivery model through either in-house execution or external vendor management.
• When outsourcing, manage the entire lifecycle: sourcing, vetting, negotiating contracts, managing budgets, and ensuring quality assurance following organization contract protocols.
• Ensure our website is easily accessible and navigable at all times and up to current trends.
• Develop member-focused communication strategies (such as social media) to build trust, improve transparency, and strengthen engagement across RID’s diverse membership.

EXECUTIVE & BOARD COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT

• Support the CEO and Board in preparing key messaging, statements, or communications for external stakeholders, membership, or media.
• Assist in developing clear, consistent talking points and communication plans for executive leadership during critical announcements or public engagements.
• Ensure messaging aligns with RID’s strategic goals, values, and community expectations.