Director of Visual and Graphic Communications

Overall Description of Position:

The Director of Visual and Graphic Communications is a NEW full-time position in our Public Affairs (Communications) department to enhance and support The ESOP Association’s various communications efforts with key audiences through improved graphic design, video content, website management, and other formats.  The Director of Visual and Graphic Communications will lead various content creation efforts (including graphic design), help launch and maintain new efforts, and manage collateral and assets for several ongoing efforts.  Among the existing materials The ESOP Association (TEA) produces are programs for its annual conferences and events, several newsletters for its membership, invitations to a variety of Association events, and other support such as presentation materials.  The Director of Visual and Graphic Communications will also collect, organize, build, and utilize the photo and video assets of the Association to communicate its mission and attract new attention to its efforts through the creation of new content for this purpose.  Additionally, the Director will serve the primary staff member responsible for updating and tracking all facets of the Association’s website, in conjunction with any outside contractor services, to include regular reporting on and strategies to increase website traffic and optimization.  The Director will also support the graphic, video and website needs and efforts of The ESOP Association’s chapter team that service our current 18 TEA chapters nationwide.  Additionally, the Director of Video and Graphic Communications will provide some of the same support to the Employee Ownership Foundation, TEA’s affiliated 501(c)(3), including creating, maintaining, and utilizing various design and video collateral to promote its mission and events, as well as maintaining the Foundation’s website.     

This is an ideal position for an early- to mid-career creative design professional with a breadth of knowledge and skills who wants to gain hands-on experience, help innovate and expand vital programs, and support our positive mission of broadening the availability of employee ownership and wealth building through equity ownership in America.   

About The ESOP Association (TEA):

The ESOP Association is the oldest and largest national trade association representing companies with Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and the professionals who provide services to them.  An ESOP is a mechanism created under ERISA that allows the employees of a company to purchase and own the company where they work through a retirement plan in which they share ownership.  Nearly 11 million American workers own part or all of the company where they work through an ESOP.  That represents more American workers than the entire U.S. auto industry.  There are nearly 7,000 ESOPs in America spanning every sector of the economy.  However, some of the most recognizable ESOP companies include: Bob’s Red Mill, Publix Grocery Stores, Wawa, Taylor Guitars, Gore-Tex, Trex Bicycles, Harpoon Brewery, Clif Bars, and many more.  

The ESOP Association is the only organization that advocates on behalf of all ESOP (Employee Owned) companies. Dedicated to education and expansion of Employee Ownership in general, and working with the Employee Ownership Foundation, The ESOP Association attracts more than 10,000 people annually to its 18 chapters & five national meetings — including the Employee-Owned Conference in Las Vegas, which is the largest ESOP event in the world.  

The ESOP Association (TEA) is a dynamic and forward leaning organization that has been experiencing a significant refresh and dramatic increase in interest and activity.  In 2020 we opened new offices at the International Employee Ownership Center in Washington, DC that includes our own in-house digital production studio and post-production editing suite.  Our high caliber staff includes former national political party leaders, congressional chiefs of staff, senior White House officials, and recognized event and communications specialists.  We are looking for other dynamic and forward leaning professionals ready to roll up their sleeves and bring their talents to our impactful, mission-driven organization.

Responsibilities:

• Assembles and publishes the ESOP Report on monthly basis (content provided). 
• Assembles annual EOF end of year report (content provided). 
• Design support for quarterly EOAN (advocacy) newsletter.
• Layout and design of TEA conference programs (2 national conferences, CEO Summit, Professionals Forum, etc.) 
• Manages/maintains graphic design assets and collateral for all TEA and EOF events, programs, and properties (advocacy programs, conferences, and other events).  
• Builds, catalogues, and maintains photography and video library for all TEA and EOF events, programs, and properties.
• Layout, design, and maintenance of other event assets (e.g., Oxford Symposium). 
• Manages/maintains TEA and EOF websites – all updates, posts, content, graphics, and video, including regular reporting that includes data-driven analysis. 
• Creates and implements strategies to maximize TEA and EOF website traffic and exposure.   
• Video production and editing in support of conferences, events, and the general TEA mission.    
• Produces event invitations (ESOP PAC events, receptions, related conference events, etc.) 
• Maintains sponsorship content and TEA/EOF ads for conference programs, ESOP Report, and other publications. 
• Assists producing slides and related assets for conferences, events and presentations (content provided). 
• Maintains and regularly updates TEA and EOF brochures and other collateral and materials.
• Provides technical management for The ESOP Association’s HUB network. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Desired Skills:

• Significant experience in graphic design programs -- Adobe Suite tools and especially InDesign, Microsoft Office tools (e.g. PowerPoint) to help generate materials like newsletters, white papers, invitations, and other collateral.  
• Experience with design and layout of newsletters, conference programs, and similar material.  
• Experience generating and editing video content that will support the Association’s mission.  
• Comprehensive technical skills and knowledge to provide website management, including regular updates, that aligns the website with the Association’s brand, strategy, and standards. 
• Ability to perform data-driven analysis and reporting to help improve SEO and website traffic (Google Analytics). 
• Desire to be part of a small proactive team that highly values collaboration.

Attributes of the Director of Visual and Graphic Communications 

• Project manager. You can juggle multiple tasks, allocate & optimize resources, & manage timelines. You enjoy creating & implementing processes & procedures that uphold rigorous standards. You manage a task from start to finish.
• Collaborative. You work well with colleagues & members, understanding their concerns & realistically managing their expectations – you build trust & rapport across all levels of the organization. You give respect; you earn yours. You are grounded in our organizational values of sharing information & working cooperatively.
• Ownership. You succeed in a team environment, work well independently, & carry your weight, learning from others & contributing in equal measure.
• Exceptional communicator. You are known for your poise, tact, & diplomacy. You are comfortable in a professional but fun work environment & can confidently engage at all levels & across multiple stakeholder groups. You collaborate on projects & communicate results, & you are willing to listen & learn from others.
• Cool under pressure. You do your best work when the pressure is highest. You grow more controlled & confident in your abilities to solve problems the more problems arise.

• Service drive. You set the standard for meeting & exceeding expectations. You are responsive & committed. You are clear, tactful, & diplomatic about what’s realistic & what’s possible.
• Strong initiative & judgment. You have good judgment & a thoughtful approach. You are sensitive to the challenges, goals, & varying needs of all stakeholders.

TEA is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit & business need. We are currently a hybrid work environment and have returned to the brand-new International Employee Ownership Center offices of The ESOP Association, located on Capitol Hill.  TEA offers a competitive salary & benefits package. Interested individuals should forward a cover letter, relevant work samples & resume to job@esopassociation.org. TEA is currently hiring in multiple areas, so please include a reference to the position in the subject line.