The Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE) is North America's fastest growing network of socially responsible businesses, comprised of 80 community networks with over 21,000 business members across the U.S. and Canada. Founded in 2001, BALLE believes in the power of local businesses to transform communities, and works to catalyze, connect and strengthen networks of locally owned, independent businesses dedicated to building local living economies. BALLE networks create local living economies through the building blocks of independent retail, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, green building, local zero-waste manufacturing, independent media and community capital.

BALLE is a results-oriented, small team workplace. This position will be located in BALLE’s downtown Bellingham headquarters office. This position will report directly to BALLE’s executive director, will work closely with BALLE’s management team including the Network Services Director and the Research & Economic Development Director, will hire and supervise an IT Manager, and will manage a variety of technology, PR and re-branding consultants.

The fundamental measures of success for the Communications Director will be:

• A well-articulated case for local living economies, including synthesis of research and thought-leader support, creation of compelling stories and case studies, and a focus on demonstrated outcomes and measurements
• The visibility of BALLE as the leader of the local living economies movement, including an understanding of the value proposition of BALLE and our member networks by business, government, media, community organizers and funders
• The creation and management of an effective online platform for connecting BALLE networks and their thousands of business members into a learning community and marketplace

The successful applicant will be an accomplished professional, experienced manager, creative, and comfortable juggling numerous tasks in a fast-paced environment. The right candidate will be well versed in technological platforms for online communities, astute at social media, and experienced in all aspects of communications, branding and marketing, media relations, and social media development. The individual who fills this position will have a significant opportunity to shape programs and the creative license to present and develop new ideas that serve BALLE’s overall vision and mission.

Job Roles & Responsibilities

Communications Planning and Execution

• Develop and implement short- and long-term communications strategies including ongoing analysis of audiences, messages and communications vehicles for BALLE as a whole and for specific products and campaigns to include in 2010: new BALLE How-To Guides, the new local living economy economic development framework, three new local living economy leakage calculators, the new Community of Practice Immersion Program and the recurring national annual Buy Local Week
• Direct all aspects of print and electronic communications including design, content development and delivery, and oversight of graphic designers
• Measure performance: Conduct baseline analysis along with regular tracking and performance measurement of all BALLE communications

 Public & Media Relations

• Direct organizational re-branding and marketing efforts with input from BALLE staff and members
• Proactively develop existing and new media relationships including tracking, facilitating and disseminating coverage of BALLE, member networks and the local living economies movement
• Lead organizational strategy and response to media inquiries; initiating and fielding interview requests for BALLE board members, staff and member networks
• Advise BALLE staff, board members and member networks on how to effectively communicate on behalf of BALLE including development of talking points for key questions and issues
• Oversee effective response to public information requests with support from our Administrative Coordinator

Communications Technology

• Design a position description and then hire an IT Manager who manages the interconnectivity of organizational databases at BALLE and among BALLE networks including customer relationship management, email marketing, event management, online advertising and website content management systems
• Direct website design and development including an analysis of the effectiveness of the current website, regular, hands-on website maintenance as needed, training for and oversight of staff website support, and oversight of support contractor(s)
• Develop and execute a strategy for effective use of social media platforms, and ensure connectivity between BALLE social media presence and that of our member networks
• Manage organizational photo and video holdings including development of a photo bank and a variety of marketing and educational videos

Network Communications Support

• In partnership with the Network Services Director, regularly collect and disseminate stories about the work of BALLE member networks with a focus on local network successes and measures of impact, proven local living economy business models, and the connectivity of BALLE networks in the larger local living economies movement
• In partnership with the Network Services Director, develop and distribute training and resource tools to help BALLE member networks with their marketing and public relations campaigns and materials development, and advise BALLE member networks on their communications efforts
• Lead organizational strategy and speaker placement for new BALLE Speakers Bureau, with support from our Administrative Coordinator

 Annual Conference Communications

• With the Events Manager, hire an event publicist; help oversee work plan execution
• Work with publicist and Events Manager to ensure consistent and timely event promotion through BALLE social media, newsletters and website
• Support networks, board and BALLE partners in promoting the conference

Skills & Qualifications of the Ideal Candidate

• 10+ years planning and executing organizational communications and outreach, with 5+ years in a senior-level position

• Significant experience in or knowledge of communications strategy development, public relations, branding and marketing, social media, and printed and electronic communications
• Significant experience managing staff and contractors, as well as developing and managing organizational budgets
• Significant experience with technology platforms and forums for online learning communities
• Excellent inter-personal skills, upbeat attitude, and the ability to represent BALLE in a professional manner with diverse constituencies
• Superior organizational skills with a proven ability to successfully handle multiple projects and meet critical deadlines
• Comfortable with ambiguity and a rapidly growing/changing workplace
• Self-motivated and self-regulated (a professional who works hard and avoids burn out)
• Passion for the mission of BALLE
• Strong skills with all Microsoft Office software products and email list management
• Moderate skills with desktop publishing/graphic design, customer relationship management and website development software
• Experience working with networked organizations and distributed staff teams preferred
• Experience working with entrepreneurs and business owners preferred
• Bachelor’s Degree

Compensation

This is a full-time, salaried position with healthcare benefits and paid time off. Additional benefits include a great office space, a flexible working schedule and the opportunity to contribute to an organization that is having a transformative societal impact.

To Apply

Qualified applicants send a cover letter and resume with any links to project/writing portfolio and three references by email to alie@livingeconomies.org by July 26, 2010.  (Subject: Communications Director)

BALLE is an equal opportunity employer and seeks applicants who will contribute to the diversity of its staff.