<p>Apply</p> <p>Description</p> <p>Purpose:</p> <p>To assume responsibility and lead the development and execution of communication efforts that reflect and amplify the organization's mission, values, and culture. This role places a particular emphasis on program management for Self-Directed Services, ensuring that communications are not only compelling and informative, but also supportive of participants, families, and staff engaging in these individualized programs.</p> <p>The Director will work cross-functionally to align internal and external messaging with AIM's person-first approach, managing storytelling, education, and engagement strategies that elevate the "power of potential" for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A strong focus on culture-centered communication, innovation, and advocacy is essential.</p> <p>Responsible To: Chief Strategy Officer</p> <p>Status: Exempt</p> <p>Qualifications</p> <ul> <li>Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Administration, Human Services, or related field preferred. </li><li>Experience in communications, with at least 1 year experience in a leadership or director role. </li><li>Experience in program management, particularly in Self-Directed Services or disability-related supports, strongly preferred. </li><li>Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling abilities, with experience in both digital and print formats. </li><li>Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional projects and manage multiple priorities. </li><li>Strong organizational skills with a keen ability to prioritize, multi-task and act as a facilitator. </li><li>Deep understanding of disability rights, person-centered planning, and community-based service models. </li><li>Culturally responsive, with a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. </li><li>Ability to exhibit/maintain a professional, kind, courteous and patient manner at all times. </li><li>Valid NYS Drivers License acceptable to Agency Insurance standards preferred. Maintain valid insurance and provide insurance card if you use your own vehicle. </li></ul> <p>Essential Functions:</p> <ul> <li>Strategic Communication & Culture Stewardship </li><li>Serve AIM's mission, vision, and values, embedding them into all Slef-direction related communication strategies and materials. </li><li>Lead initiatives that promote and maintain a strong organizational culture across internal departments and community partnerships. </li><li>Promote creative thinking and positive approaches </li><li>Coordinate and lead special projects within Self-direction. </li><li>Collaborate with leadership to ensure consistent messaging that reflects AIM's Person-First philosophy and value-driven practices. </li><li>Partner with SD program leadership to develop communication strategies that support individuals, families, brokers, and staff in navigating Self-Directed Services. </li><li>Develop, manage, and oversee informational materials, toolkits, and training resources for SD participants. </li><li>Monitor trends, policy updates, and regulatory changes related to SD and coordinate responsive communication plans accordingly. </li><li>Design and implement systems for effective internal communication, ensuring staff are well-informed, aligned, and engaged. </li><li>Create platforms for staff feedback, recognition, and shared success stories, reinforcing a positive, inclusive culture. </li><li>Support SD leadership in change management communications, especially related to new programs or strategic initiatives. </li><li>Oversee SD brand and messaging consistency across all public-facing materials, including newsletters, websites, social media, events, and print collateral. </li><li>Strengthen relationships with stakeholders, families, donors, and community partners through transparent and mission-driven communication. </li><li>Represent AIM Services in public forums and speaking engagements, with a focus on SD education and advocacy. </li></ul> <p>Other Functions:</p> <ul> <li>Administrator on call. </li><li>Committee membership. </li><li>To assist in any/all other related duties as requested by administration. </li></ul> <p>Requirements</p> <p>Physical/Cognitive Requirements:</p> <ul> <li>Ability to communicate in a way that "draws an audience"; creates dynamics in communication methods and situations that encourage positive change and has the strength to challenge the "status quo". </li><li>Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism and confidentiality. Ability to remain calm in stressful or demanding situations. </li><li>Sitting and/or computer use for extended periods of time. </li><li>Bending, reaching, pushing, and pulling as needed in the workplace. </li><li>Lifting - people/items of various weights (minimum of 50 pounds). </li><li>Demonstrated interest/ability to facilitate the personal outcomes of each person receiving services. </li><li>Knowledge and professional skills to meet the changing needs of the people served, the Agency and workforce. </li></ul> <p>Leadership Core Competencies:</p> <p>Respectful: treats everyone with courtesy and compassion recognizing individual uniqueness and needs. Displays honesty, integrity and humility. Makes difficult decisions with empathy.</p> <p>Responsible: accepts accountability for their own actions and the actions of others. Holds others accountable. Puts the interests of the organization above their personal interests. Is personally invested in the success of the organization.</p> <p>Builds Partnerships: values and builds a collaborative culture and spirit. Willing to learn from others. Moves others to take action. Pro-actively resolves conflict. Follows through in a timely manner. Anticipates and solves problems promptly with flexibility and creativity.</p> <p>Commits to Service Excellence: focuses on the needs of the people supported. Constantly reassesses processes, procedures, principles, searching for improvement opportunity. Improves performance by introducing unique and leading-edge concepts. Encourages good ideas from staff. Defines and puts into action, Best Practices. Sets and achieves high standards of performance. Challenges the status quo.</p> <p>Develops People: Inspires and challenges others to reach their full potential. Celebrates the accomplishments of others. Effectively provides feedback to staff and colleagues, including the timely completion of staff's annual performance evaluations. Recruits and retains exemplary staff. Understands and applies all agency policies.</p> <p>Salary Description</p> <p>$34.00 - $36.00</p>