Are you passionate about open source, community engagement, and shaping the future of technology? Open Plans is seeking a dynamic and experienced Communications Director to lead our communications strategy and amplify our impact. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for developing and executing comprehensive communications plans that promote Open Plans' mission, projects, and values. You will work closely with our team of talented engineers, designers, and community organizers to craft compelling narratives, engage diverse audiences, and build a strong brand presence. If you are a strategic thinker with a proven track record in communications, public relations, or marketing, we encourage you to apply and join our mission-driven organization.

About Open Plans

Let's dive into what makes Open Plans tick! Open Plans is not your average organization; we're a passionate collective dedicated to fostering open-source technology solutions that empower communities and drive positive change. Our mission is rooted in the belief that technology should be accessible, transparent, and serve the public good. We're committed to building and supporting open-source projects that address critical needs in areas such as urban planning, transportation, and civic engagement. We work collaboratively with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community groups to develop innovative tools and platforms that promote data-driven decision-making and enhance public participation.

At Open Plans, we're more than just developers and designers; we're advocates for open data, open standards, and open government. We believe that transparency and collaboration are essential for building trust and accountability in our institutions. That's why we actively engage with the open-source community, sharing our knowledge, contributing to existing projects, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Our work is guided by a set of core values that include inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainability. We strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute their unique skills and perspectives. By embracing open-source principles, we aim to create solutions that are not only effective but also scalable, adaptable, and sustainable over the long term.

Responsibilities of the Communications Director

As the Communications Director at Open Plans, you'll wear many hats and play a crucial role in shaping our public image and amplifying our message. You will be the voice of Open Plans, responsible for crafting compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences, including policymakers, community members, and the broader tech community. Your primary responsibilities will include developing and implementing comprehensive communications strategies, managing media relations, and overseeing the creation of engaging content across various platforms.

Strategic Communications Planning: You will lead the development and execution of strategic communications plans that align with Open Plans' overall goals and objectives. This involves conducting market research, analyzing audience demographics, and identifying key messages to communicate our mission and impact effectively.

Media Relations: You will serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries, building and maintaining relationships with journalists, bloggers, and other media influencers. You will proactively pitch stories, coordinate interviews, and manage press releases to ensure positive media coverage for Open Plans and its projects.

Content Creation: You will oversee the creation of high-quality content, including blog posts, articles, social media updates, newsletters, and website copy. You will work closely with our team of writers, designers, and developers to ensure that our content is engaging, informative, and aligned with our brand guidelines.

Social Media Management: You will manage Open Plans' social media presence, developing and executing strategies to grow our audience, increase engagement, and promote our projects and initiatives. You will monitor social media channels, respond to inquiries, and track key metrics to measure the effectiveness of our social media efforts.

Brand Management: You will be responsible for maintaining and enhancing Open Plans' brand identity, ensuring consistency in messaging, visuals, and tone across all communications channels. You will develop and enforce brand guidelines and work with internal teams to ensure that our brand is represented accurately and effectively.

Event Planning: You will play a key role in planning and executing events, such as conferences, workshops, and webinars, to promote Open Plans' work and engage with our community. This includes coordinating logistics, developing marketing materials, and managing event communications.

Crisis Communications: You will develop and implement crisis communications plans to protect Open Plans' reputation in the event of a crisis or negative publicity. This involves identifying potential risks, developing response strategies, and coordinating communications with internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications and Skills

To thrive as the Communications Director at Open Plans, you'll need a unique blend of skills and experiences. We're looking for someone who is not only a strategic thinker and effective communicator but also passionate about our mission and values. Here's a breakdown of the qualifications and skills we're seeking:

• Experience: A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in communications, public relations, or marketing, preferably in the technology or non-profit sector.
• Strategic Thinking: The ability to develop and execute comprehensive communications strategies that align with organizational goals and objectives.
• Writing and Editing: Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives and engaging content for diverse audiences.
• Media Relations: Proven experience in building and maintaining relationships with journalists, bloggers, and other media influencers.
• Social Media Expertise: A deep understanding of social media platforms and best practices, with the ability to develop and execute effective social media strategies.
• Brand Management: Experience in developing and enforcing brand guidelines and ensuring consistency in messaging, visuals, and tone across all communications channels.
• Project Management: Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Passion for Open Source: A genuine interest in open-source technology and its potential to drive positive change.

How to Apply

If you're excited about the opportunity to join Open Plans as our Communications Director, we encourage you to apply! To submit your application, please send a cover letter, resume, and three writing samples to [insert email address here]. In your cover letter, please highlight your relevant experience and skills, and explain why you're passionate about Open Plans' mission. We're looking for someone who is not only qualified for the role but also a great fit for our team and culture. Be sure to showcase your strategic thinking, writing abilities, and media relations experience in your application materials. We'll be reviewing applications on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. We're excited to hear from you and learn more about how you can contribute to Open Plans' success!

Benefits of Working at Open Plans

Open Plans is not just a workplace; it's a community of passionate individuals dedicated to making a difference. We offer a supportive and collaborative environment where you can grow your skills, contribute to meaningful projects, and be part of something bigger than yourself. In addition to a competitive salary and benefits package, we offer a range of perks and benefits that make Open Plans a great place to work. We provide comprehensive health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, to ensure that our employees have access to the care they need. We also offer generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays, to help our employees maintain a healthy work-life balance. At Open Plans, we believe in investing in our employees' professional development. We offer opportunities for training, conferences, and workshops to help our employees stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and trends. We also encourage our employees to participate in open-source projects and contribute to the broader tech community. We foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. We provide a flexible work environment, allowing our employees to work remotely or in our office, depending on their preferences and the needs of their team. We also offer flexible hours to help our employees balance their work and personal lives. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique skills and perspectives. We actively promote diversity in our hiring practices and strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all employees. If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding career opportunity where you can make a real difference, Open Plans is the place for you!

Open Plans: Shaping the Future through Open Source

At Open Plans, we are driven by a vision of a future where technology empowers communities and promotes the public good. We believe that open-source technology is the key to unlocking this future, and we are committed to building and supporting projects that make a real impact. By joining Open Plans as our Communications Director, you will play a critical role in shaping our public image, amplifying our message, and engaging with diverse audiences. You will work alongside a team of talented and passionate individuals who are dedicated to making a difference in the world. Together, we can build a more open, transparent, and equitable future for all. We invite you to explore our website to learn more about our projects, our values, and our impact. We are excited to hear from you and discuss how you can contribute to our mission. Join us in shaping the future through open source!