Pursuit is a social impact organization consisting of a 501c3 non-profit and a Public Benefit Corporation, focused on creating economic transformation for high-need, high-potential adults through technology. We are a mission-driven organization that goes beyond technical instruction to offer coaching, career development, and employer partnerships that help our Fellows secure high-paying software engineering jobs and thrive in their new careers. 

We are One Big Team

The passionate and collaborative team at Pursuit gives its all to achieve our mission. And it’s not just staff. We work with employer partners that love hiring our Fellows because they are so well prepared, ranging from big financial firms to scrappy startups, and everything in between. We also activate and engage hundreds of volunteers that come from all areas of the tech industry. These experts and professionals help keep our curriculum fresh and our standards for achievement high by participating in our admissions process, as well as program-specific activities such as interview training, DemoDays, Hackathons, and Capstone projects. 

Pursuit is seeking an experienced communications and PR leader to join our team to build and grow our communications function and further our mission of economic transformation. The Senior Director of Communications will lead strategy and execution for all Communications efforts, optimizing Pursuit’s earned media presence across all channels, building awareness of Pursuit’s brands and program offerings. You’ll develop company narratives for both the PBC and 501c3, and raise the profile of our company and executive team. The best candidates will have deep knowledge of the tech industry landscape and an extensive track record of securing earned media in the NYC market. 

As the Sr Director of Communications you will: 

• Reporting to the CEO, create and execute the Communications & PR strategy for Pursuit with a particular focus on the NYC media market and technology sector
• Evolve the company story, developing compelling narratives in an evolving tech industry to increase awareness and engagement for Pursuit 501c3 and Pursuit Public Benefit Corporation
• Create compelling narratives for all members of our One Big Team from Fellows, employer partners, impact investors, to volunteers
• Bring and build relationships with media and delivering regular top-tier coverage
• Write press releases, manage distribution and deliver top-tier media coverage
• Secure and manage executive thought leadership, ranging from op-eds to speaking opportunities and panel appearances 
• Provide speaker/media training to executive team, developing talking points and preparing them for interviews
• Create a Content Marketing strategy and function, including management of a Content Marketing Manager and the proposal of team structure for a growing organization
• Manage existing contractors and agencies to optimize results
• Create and manage KPIs to measure success
• Stay apprised of timely relevant press opportunities and news-driven conversations 
• Manage inbound press outreach as well as strategic internal communications

What you need to be considered for this role: 

• 8+ years of experience in communications & PR, with a successful track record of earned media, preferably both agency and in-house
• 2+ years (minimum) people management experience
• Demonstrated experience developing, directing, and executing strategic communications, landing PR and earned media end to end
• Existing media relationships with media outlets, experience continually growing contact base with strategic partners
• A strong understanding of the technology landscape
• A love of building process, functions and teams and a willingness to do the heavy lifting to build the foundation

Where you’ll work: 

• Virtually—for now—from your home or our community office space in Long Island City, NYC
• Because we are One Big Team, we are having conversations on what a return to in-person work schedules would look like and are actively gathering feedback from staff and fellows to determine the best course of action 

Pursuit offers: 

• Great culture where transparency, respect, teamwork, and kindness are valued
• Competitive compensation in base, plus bonus and a full benefits package
• Unlimited PTO and an all-Pursuit week-long holiday the last week of December
• An opportunity to continue building brand awareness and engagement, while contributing to a mission that is changing the tech industry from the inside out

Pursuit values diversity: 

Our team has a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, and we value the richness that diversity brings to our organization. We welcome new perspectives and affirm that all employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, age, familial or marital status, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Pursuit is an equal opportunity employer.