Marketing and Communications Director

ABOUT JOLT

Jolt is a non-profit organization founded in 2016 to increase the civic participation of Latinos in Texas to build a stronger democracy and ensure that everyone’s voice is heard. Jolt knows that our democracy works best when everyone gets a seat at the table. That’s why Jolt builds the leadership capacity of Latinos to mobilize their peers to action. Jolt lifts up the voices of young Latinos in Texas to tell their own stories through creative arts and acts, development institutes, and student leadership. 

Jolt believes that Texas is poised for change, with a growing and disaffected Latino population. Today, 1 in 3 eligible voters in Texas is Latino and projections indicate that by 2030, Latinos will make up the majority of the state’s population. But demographics alone aren’t destiny. Winning change requires building a homegrown movement and a smart, focused, long-term strategy that can deliver equality and power to those who are most excluded and often first impacted.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Jolt is seeking an experienced and visionary Marketing & Communications Director to lead our Marketing & Communications team. This individual will oversee the Marketing & Communications Manager and the Marketing & Communications Coordinator, ensuring all external communications align with Jolt's mission and advocacy focus. The ideal candidate will have substantial media relations expertise, a strong background in policy and advocacy work, and a proven ability to develop and execute comprehensive communications strategies. They will serve as the primary media liaison while actively networking with the State Capitol and partner advocacy organizations to amplify Jolt’s message and impact. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Lead and supervise the Marketing & Communications team, fostering collaboration and growth. 
• Develop and implement a cohesive marketing and communications strategy that elevates Jolt’s visibility and advocacy efforts. 
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Texas-based media outlets, reporters, and journalists to ensure robust media coverage. 
• Act as Jolt’s primary spokesperson for media inquiries and public engagements. 
• Collaborate with leadership to frame policy and advocacy messages that resonate with target audiences. 
• Actively network and engage with members of the Texas State Legislature and partner advocacy groups to strengthen coalition-building efforts. 
• Work collaboratively with the Development team and executive director to build and strengthen Jolt’s fundraising programs. This role plays a lead role in individual giving initiatives and a supportive role in major gifts, grants, and events 
• Work with and oversee vendor partners, such as communications agencies and consultants. 
• Lead the management of a comprehensive editorial calendar and oversee a cross-channel content strategy.  
• Oversee the creation of content for press releases, media kits, op-eds, newsletters, and social channels, ensuring all materials are compelling and on-brand. 
• Track, evaluate, and report on media engagement and communications outcomes to demonstrate impact. 
• Work collaboratively with Policy & Advocacy Managers to produce timely communications and rapid response campaigns as policy issues arise. 
• Serve as crisis communications lead, overseeing execution of Jolt’s crisis communication plan as needs arise. 

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Political Science, or a related field. 
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in strategic communications, media relations, or related roles. 
• Demonstrated success in managing teams and overseeing large-scale communications initiatives. 
• Direct experience in policy advocacy, legislative engagement, or issue-based campaigning. 
• Knowledge of the Texas media landscape and established relationships with reporters and outlets. 
• Familiarity with Texas State Legislature dynamics and ability to engage effectively with legislators and staff. 
• Background in fundraising, especially digital campaigns and understanding of the fundraising landscape. 
• Experience with crisis communications. 
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to craft persuasive messages. 
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation, ability to commute across the city (ies) and nationwide as needed 
• Standard hours are Monday through Friday 9 AM to 5 PM with strong flexibility to adjust schedule in accordance with assignments
• Ability to carry and set up tabling/event equipment of at least 20 pounds 
• Ability to stand or sit for an extended period of time while working in an indoor environment
• Travel is required as needed (including overnight stays, weekends and evenings) with the ability to visit new media locations, public and private events, donor events, or other agreed locations of the position

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bilingual (English and Spanish) 
• Experience working with Latino communities and/or advocacy campaigns. 
• Expertise in data-driven decision-making, using social media analytics and communications metrics. 
• Experience in working with Google Suite, Loomly, EveryAction, social media (FB, IG, TikTok, YouTube, etc.), Google and Meta Ads, etc.  

BENEFITS 

• Jolt’s benefit package includes full employer-covered health care, employer match retirement contribution up to 4%, employer-provided life insurance policy, monthly cell phone reimbursement, holidays, and 30 days of paid time off (inclusive of sick, personal, and vacation time). Standard business office hours apply to this position and will discuss with selected candidates during the interview.