Director of Brand & Communications

7–10+ years of progressive experience in strategic communications, brand marketing, public relations, or digital strategy. At least 2–3 years in a leadership or management role. Proven track record of evolving or managing a cohesive enterprise brand, including developing voice, visual identity, or narrative architecture. Demonstrated success in securing earned media placements, including pitching to national outlets. Experience managing an editorial calendar and producing high-quality content across various mediums. Experience managing direct reports and overseeing external relationships with agencies, PR firms, and freelancers. Must have lived rural experience.

Build and steward CORI’s brand identity—voice, visuals, narrative architecture—and ensure coherence across all channels. Develop bold, future-forward messaging that elevates rural innovation as a national priority. Lead storytelling that translates CORI’s research, AI insights, ecosystem work, and venture investments into compelling narratives. Lead creation of high-impact stories about rural founders, learners, and community leaders. Oversee editorial calendars, newsletters, blogs, social content, case studies, and digital storytelling. Design and execute integrated digital campaigns that expand awareness and inspire engagement. Build CORI’s national media strategy, securing earned media and elevating CORI’s role in rural innovation, AI, and tech economy conversations. Manage and mentor a small communications and marketing team, fostering creativity, collaboration, and high performance. Lead external vendor relationships (designers, PR firms, videographers, agencies) to expand capacity and creative range. Develop compelling materials that support fundraising, corporate partnerships, sponsorships, and federal opportunities.