Strategic Communications Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

About Locus:

At Locus, we know communities thrive when they have equitable access to capital. We collaborate with stakeholders across the community development ecosystem to invest in communities with strong aspirations, while addressing challenges like a shortage of affordable housing, limited access to fresh food, a lack of quality jobs, and clean energy innovation. We believe a capital system that centers community input and impact is essential to ensure that everyone, no matter their background, location, or economic status, can live in healthy, thriving places.

Locus is the parent organization for a family of community development enterprises, which includes a nonprofit CDFI loan fund, a CDFI bank, a fund management practice, and a national guarantee program. With offices in Christiansburg and Richmond, Virginia, Locus offers innovative and flexible financing tools and strategic consulting services to individuals and organizations in underestimated and excluded communities, most of which are low-to-moderate income. Alongside our many partners, Locus has generated over $2 billion dollars in total impact.

Locus is a nonprofit holding company regulated by the Federal Reserve. Locus Bank is an FDIC-insured, certified bank and B Corp offering products tailored to socially conscious investors. Locus Bank is a majority-owned subsidiary of Locus. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. Learn more at

Opportunity:

Locus is seeking a Strategic Communications Specialist with 5+ years’ experience to lead the development and execution of 1) an internal communications strategy that supports an internal culture of transparency and informed collaboration and 2) an external communications strategy that expands brand awareness and clearly positions Locus as a trusted partner. This role ensures that our messaging and storytelling reflect our values and value proposition and strengthens trust among internal and external stakeholders. This full-time position will require occasional local, statewide, or regional travel (up to 25% as needed).

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Internal Communications
• Develop and implement internal communications strategies for various projects and corporate initiatives that foster clear, consistent, and regular communication within the organization.
• Standardize and improve internal communications systems to ensure clarity, alignment, and consistent information flow across the organization.
• Develop tactics and messaging that keep staff informed, inspired, and connected to our mission and work.
• Assist executives in communicating organizational priorities, strategic initiatives, and updates.
• Support the management team in sharing timely and consistent departmental initiatives, successes, and updates across the organization.
• Foster culture-building and brand advocacy through internal campaigns and storytelling.
• Create clear, compelling talking points, scripts, and supporting materials for executive and staff presentations and speaking engagements.
• External Communications
• Craft compelling messaging and stories that highlight our impact in communities and advance our vision for economic growth.
• Support the development and implementation of multi-channel communications plans that align with organizational goals and priorities.
• Manage media relations by building relationships with mission-aligned media outlets and thought leaders and managing press releases, interviews, and other media opportunities.
• Develop and edit compelling copy for email marketing (including newsletters), reports, website, and other campaigns.
• Measure communications effectiveness using analytics and feedback and adjust strategies to maximize reach and engagement.
• Support communications efforts during sensitive situations to maintain transparency and trust.

Education & Key Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in strategic communications, preferably in nonprofit, financial services, government, or mission-driven organizations.
• Experience in developing internal communications strategies that foster consistent and effective information sharing from leadership and across teams.
• Exceptional writing and impact-focused storytelling skills with an ability to adapt messaging for various audiences and products/services.
• Strong understanding of media relations, advocacy communications, and digital communications platforms.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field required.

Key Skills

• Ability to align internal and external communication strategies with organizational goals and impact objectives.
• Expertise crafting messages that engage staff, draw customers, influence policy, attract funding, and demonstrate measurable impact.
• Ability to translate complex financial concepts into accessible, compelling stories for various internal and external audiences.
• Ability to identify content opportunities and take responsibility for execution.
• Can maintain brand voice and write with the audience in mind, focusing on clarity, engagement, and accessibility.
• Understands how messaging impacts user experience and brand perception.
• Cultural competency and sensitivity to communicate effectively with various internal and external audiences.
• Collaborative mindset to work cross-functionally with staff, leadership, and external partners.
• Qualified candidates will be asked to submit examples of their work.

Compensation and Benefits:

• $73,000-$81,000 annual salary, depending on skills and experience
• Annual bonus opportunity
• 18 days of PTO per year
• 13 paid holidays per year
• Medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid family leave options
• 401k savings plan with employer match
• Hybrid Remote (candidates within driving distance of the Richmond Locus office only)

Locus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Locus does not discriminate in hiring or employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, national origin, non-job-related disability, or status as a veteran.