POSITION PROFILE

Communications Director

On behalf of our client, Northwest Area Foundation, KeyStone Search is conducting a retained search for a Communications Director.
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MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Northwest Area Foundation is to support efforts by the people, organizations and communities of our eight-state region to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable prosperity. The region served by the Northwest Area Foundation consists of Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and the 75 Native nations that share the same geography. FOUNDATION BACKGROUND The Northwest Area Foundation is a private, independent foundation established in 1934 by Louis W. Hill, son of the railroad entrepreneur James J. Hill, to promote economic revitalization and improve the standard of living for the region's most vulnerable citizens. By tradition, the Foundation works in the section of the country once served by Hills Great Northern Railway. Today, the Foundation supports the work of proven or promising organizations that have either a demonstrated track record or are poised to do innovative or cuttingedge work helping people move out of poverty and toward sustainable prosperity. The Foundations core strategy is to help people build assets that will enable them to get out -- and stay out of poverty. The Foundations grantmaking and related activities are increasingly focused on advancing two essential conditions for asset-building: good jobs and financial capability. Our commitment to support the work of organizations deeply rooted within their communities is a primary expression of our role. Another is building conversations and relationships that promote innovation and the sharing of practical lessons learned. In 2012, the Foundation made grants totaling over $14.5 million. It ended the last fiscal year with approximately $420 million in assets. ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE Vision Statement Motivating the Northwest Area Foundation in their endeavors is the vision of a future in which the well-being of the people living in the eight state area is as well-known and admired as the inspiring landscapes of the region. They see a region: Where diversity is valued and nurtured in rural, urban and American Indian reservation communities. Known for its highly skilled, well-educated population, its living-wage jobs, its innovative public policies and its healthy, vibrant communities. Characterized by thriving local economies within thriving natural ecosystems.

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Where creative entrepreneurship is valued in both for-profit and nonprofit enterprises, and where both investment capital and social capital are steadily expanding. Whose strong public institutions, business community and nonprofit sector collaborate to address pressing needs and help build pathways to prosperity for all residents. Whose people are organized and empowered to lift their voices and actively shape the civic, social, political and economic life of their communities. Whose rich culture of engagement and opportunity makes its eight states prized places to visit, to invest and to live and where all residents have a fair chance to live free of poverty.

Guiding Values The Northwest Area Foundations Guiding Values are: Making a Positive Difference Engagement Accountability Learning Integrity Respect

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION Reporting directly to President & CEO Kevin Walker, the Communications Director will lead all of the Northwest Area Foundations communications, public relations and media programs in support of achieving its goals. The Communication function plays a critical role at the Foundation by engaging and informing a wide variety of audiences around the Foundations mission and the impact of its grantees work. As a result, the Communications Director will play a vital role in building, sustaining and deploying information, knowledge, and brand / reputational matters that connect the Foundation to achieving its overall objectives. The Communications Director will serve as a member of the executive team of the Foundation, along with the Chief Program Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant to the President. He or she will engage and oversee contractors and vendors, as needed, to accomplish the work of the communications function. Communication tools would include press releases, organizational website, special reports and publications, social media, e-communication newsletters and postcards, convenings and Webcasts.

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PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES Provide overall directional leadership for the communications strategies and tactics that support achievement of the Foundations goals. This includes creation and management of an overall communications plan that integrates: o A compelling organizational brand and cohesive image o Communications to internal and external audiences o Use of existing and new communications channels o Support for the Presidents role as primary spokesperson for the Foundation o Integration with Program staff to capture and share information and experiences and qualitative/quantitative data related to the Foundations work. Direct the communications efforts of the organization including training and informing internal staff about engagement / communications strategies, tactics and tools. Build positive, trusting relationships with Program staff; offer pro-active expertise and thoughtful guidance to assist the Program staff in engaging with grantees, grantseekers, and other stakeholders. Focus and improve the Foundations internal communications. Create and implement engagement / communications programs and tools such as websites, social media, web 2.0, publishing, presenting, convening, publicity, media relations and public affairs. Integrate all communications efforts to create a cohesive brand and image. Maintain a close oversight of the organizations brand including on -going assessment of any required enhancements. Actively manage and implement communications projects and produce tangible work products. Cultivate relationships with key thought leaders, elected officials and stakeholders who can advance the mission of the Foundation. Represent the Foundation externally via press releases, appearances and statements. Engage and manage external vendors and consultants. Serve as the Foundations primary contact with vendors and suppliers related to engagement, communications, and outreach. Conduct annual and quarterly budgeting and financial management activities related to the communications function. Actively participate as a member of the executive team, including occasional presentations and interactions with the Foundations board of directors.

QUALIFICATIONS This vital position requires a bachelors degree and minimum of five to ten years experience in creating and executing communication plans and strategies. Experience should include creating and managing social media, on-line media, media relations, published materials and press releases.

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The successful candidate will possess strong organizational and strategic skills, analytical and problem-solving capabilities, as well as copywriting and editing, Website development, project management, vendor management abilities and exceptional communication skills. This individual will also have a track record of building strong, mutually beneficial relationships and achieving results through creativity and execution. He or she will have experience and success in engaging and harnessing stakeholder networks through both traditional and new-media tools and strategies to produce action, change and impact. The successful candidate will have demonstrated his or her capability to think strategically and focus on opportunities while also executing effectively and efficiently. This individual should be driven by finding new ways to solve problems. He or she will maintain an organized approach that values input and creativity from others. The Communications Director will be flexible, resilient and comfortable with change. A history of building strong, mutually beneficial relationships with a variety of individuals and groups inside and outside the organization is a must. Additional qualifications for this position also include: Excellent communication (speaking and writing) and interpersonal skills and the ability to connect to multiple stakeholder groups. Excellent leadership, management, and team building skills. Demonstrated experience working with diverse communities such as communities of color, Native American communities and immigrant communities. Strategic thinker with analytical and planning skills and experience. Strong ability to organize and prioritize tasks, manage time efficiently, meet deadlines, work independently, as well as, in a team environment. A high energy level, sound judgment, and tolerance for a fast-paced work environment. High level of personal and professional integrity and ethics. Ability to travel occasionally within the eight state area served by the Northwest Area Foundation. The candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to and personal alignment with the values and culture of the Northwest Area Foundation. COMPENSATION The compensation package for this position is competitive and attractive. It includes an executive pay structure and participation in the organizations comprehensive benefits plan.

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CONTACT Confidential contacts or nominations may be made to: Marcia Ballinger, PhD Principal 612-375-8895 marciab@keystonesearch.com or Lisa Curtin Principal 612-375-8989 lisac@keystonesearch.com

Because Culture Matters

KeyStone Search is a prominent Minnesota-based executive search firm with a special emphasis on corporate culture fit. KeyStone Search has specialized expertise in the recruitment of C-Suite leaders in general management, sales/marketing, financial, technical/operations, and human resources as well as non-profit executives.

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