📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Regional Communications Director - Temporary position
🔹 Company: American Red Cross
🔹 Location: Statewide, CA
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Temporary
🔹 Category: Non-profit, Communications
🔹 Date Posted: April 8, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Guiding and overseeing communication, media, and public relations activities
- Driving business objectives and results, publicizing the mission of the Red Cross
- Supporting revenue generation efforts and educating the public about Red Cross services
- Establishing and maintaining strong media relationships to enhance brand exposure
- Providing strategic leadership, counsel, and management to communications processes and technologies
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage experienced professionals.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Execute a strategic communication and public relations plan aligned with organizational strategies
✅ Develop and execute media relations and social media strategy, including platform maintenance, media contact management, news release distributions, pitching, etc.
✅ Support public affairs activities and prepare staff and volunteer spokespersons for interviews, hearings, meetings, etc.
✅ Develop and implement internal communications strategies and initiatives
✅ Stay abreast of emerging business news topics, trends, competitor news, and developing media issues
✅ May be required to deploy physically or virtually and provide public affairs and media support, including serving as a spokesperson
✅ Manage staff and build volunteer engagement
ASSUMPTION: This role requires adaptability, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field required.
Experience: Minimum 5 years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and related experience required.
Management Experience: 3 years of management experience.
Required Skills:
- Outstanding oral and written communication skills with proven knowledge of AP Style
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with media monitoring software
- Strong organizational, multi-tasking, and teamwork skills
- Willingness to serve as a media spokesperson
Preferred Skills:
- Experience managing professional social media accounts
- Familiarity with Cision/TrendKite or other media monitoring software
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in non-profit communications or a related field may have an advantage in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $82,200.00 per year
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package
- Opportunity to make a difference in the community
Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week. Travel may be required 10-25%.
ASSUMPTION: Salary and benefits are in line with industry standards for a non-profit organization of this size.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Non-profit, focusing on disaster relief, preparedness, and health & safety services.
Company Size: 10,001+ employees, providing a large network of opportunities and resources.
Founded: The American Red Cross was founded in 1881 by Clara Barton.
Company Description:
- Prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies
- Mobilizes volunteers and donors to provide compassionate care and support
- Offers a wide range of services, including disaster relief, blood donations, health and safety training, and international humanitarian aid
Company Specialties:
- Biomedical Services
- Disaster Services
- Service to Armed Forces
- International Services
- Preparedness
- Health & Safety
Company Website: www.redcross.org
ASSUMPTION: The American Red Cross is a well-established organization with a strong reputation for its humanitarian work.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to senior, depending on experience and management responsibilities.
Reporting Structure: This role may report to a regional communications manager or a similar position.
Work Arrangement: On-site, with potential travel requirements.
Growth Opportunities:
- Advancement to a regional communications manager or similar role
- Expansion of responsibilities within the communications department
- Opportunities to work on high-profile campaigns or initiatives
ASSUMPTION: Growth opportunities may vary depending on the organization's needs and the candidate's performance.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: The American Red Cross has multiple offices across the United States, with this role being based in a state-wide office.
Office Location(s): Statewide, CA
Geographic Context:
- California is the most populous state in the U.S., with diverse communities and needs
- The state-wide office allows for flexibility in working with various regions and communities
- This role may require travel to different locations within California
Work Schedule: Full-time, with potential on-call or emergency response requirements.
ASSUMPTION: The work environment may be fast-paced and dynamic, with a focus on responding to emergencies and supporting communities in need.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with hiring manager and/or team members
- Background check and reference check
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills and media relations experience
- Strategic thinking and planning abilities
- Leadership and management skills
- Understanding of non-profit organizations and their mission
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of the American Red Cross and its mission
- Prepare examples of your media relations work and strategic communications plans
ATS Keywords: Communications, Public Relations, Media Relations, Strategic Planning, Non-profit, Management, Teamwork, Collaboration, AP Style, Microsoft Office Suite, Media Monitoring Software
ASSUMPTION: The American Red Cross uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications, so including relevant keywords in your resume can help your application stand out.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Media monitoring software (e.g., Cision/TrendKite)
- Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used may vary depending on the organization's needs and the candidate's role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Humanitarian
- Volunteer-driven
- Community-focused
- Collaborative
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic, with a focus on responding to emergencies and supporting communities
- Collaborative and team-oriented, with a strong emphasis on volunteer engagement
- Adaptable and flexible, with a willingness to serve as a media spokesperson
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong commitment to humanitarian values and a passion for supporting communities in need?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and serving as a media spokesperson?
- Do you have experience managing experienced professionals and providing strategic leadership?
ASSUMPTION: The American Red Cross values candidates who are passionate about their mission and committed to supporting communities in need.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with tight deadlines
- Managing experienced professionals and providing strategic leadership
- Serving as a media spokesperson and representing the American Red Cross in various situations
- Balancing the needs of various stakeholders, including volunteers, staff, and the communities served
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong communication skills, strategic thinking, and a commitment to the organization's mission.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Regional Communications Director vs. National Communications Director: The former focuses on a specific geographic area, while the latter oversees communications efforts on a national scale.
- Regional Communications Director vs. Communications Manager: The former has a broader scope of responsibilities and may oversee a larger team, while the latter focuses on specific communications channels or initiatives.
- Career path comparison: This role can serve as a stepping stone to more senior communications positions within the American Red Cross or other non-profit organizations.
ASSUMPTION: The specific responsibilities and career path for this role may vary depending on the organization's structure and needs.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a strategic communications plan to support a large-scale disaster relief effort
- Managing a team of communications professionals to coordinate media relations and public affairs activities during a crisis
- Creating and implementing an internal communications strategy to engage and motivate staff and volunteers
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the strategic and leadership aspects of the role, as well as the ability to work effectively in a team and manage multiple tasks.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the most pressing communications challenges facing the American Red Cross in the region?
- How does this role fit into the organization's overall communications strategy?
- What opportunities are there for growth and professional development in this role?
- How does the American Red Cross support its employees' work-life balance, especially during emergencies?
- What is the team dynamic like, and how does this role collaborate with other departments?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and provides valuable insights into the organization's culture and priorities.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your media relations work and strategic communications plans
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submission to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
