Director of Communications & Engagement

Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR)
New Orleans, Louisiana
Reports to: CEO, working closely with BGR’s Research Director and Director of Development

About BGR

The Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) is New Orleans’s independent, nonpartisan solutions-oriented public policy research organization. BGR’s mission is to promote informed debate, good government, and civic engagement through rigorous, accessible research and analysis. Through reports, data, and commentary, BGR plays a pivotal role in shaping policy conversations, overcoming challenges, and increasing accountability in the New Orleans region.

This is BGR’s first dedicated communications & engagement leadership role — an opportunity to build strategic communication functions from the ground up, amplify BGR’s voice, and deepen public impact across media, civic, and community audiences.

Purpose of the Role

The Director of Communications & Engagement will lead BGR’s external messaging, branding, digital content strategy, stakeholder engagement and media relations to raise the visibility, reputation and impact of BGR’s work. The ideal leader is strategic, creative, media-savvy, and informed about civic issues in New Orleans. The director will oversee content production, design, video, social media, and event communications by managing at least one communications intern and other potential contractors and collaborating across BGR’s teams.

Key Responsibilities

Brand, Messaging Strategy & Storytelling

·       Lead BGR’s message development (core narratives, organizational branding and differentiation, key messages, issue framing).

·       Ensure consistency of tone, voice and style across all external materials

·       Advise the CEO and senior staff on communications strategies tied to BGR’s research themes

·       Oversee, create or contribute to special publications, reports, annual reports, brochures, and donor-facing collateral

·       Ensure coordination of messaging and communications planning across the organization

·       Support fundraising or development team with messaging, grant narratives, and communications alignment

Multimedia Content & Social Media

·       Lead a content strategy for BGR’s owned media platforms, including website, blog, digital newsletters and social media platforms

·       Oversee development of multimedia content (e.g. short video, infographics, digital storytelling, podcast)

·       Direct content calendar, posting cadence, tone, engagement, and format guidelines

·       Work with contractors/designers/production vendors to expand capacity and ensure high-quality execution. Work with influencers.

·       Track analytics (web, social, email) and use metrics to refine strategies

Media Relations & Public Visibility

·       Serve as principal media contact, coordinating interviews for the CEO

·       Cultivate and sustain relationships with local, regional, and specialty press

·       Proactively pitch news stories, op-eds, commentary, and responses aligned with BGR’s work

·       Prepare press releases, expert briefs, talking points, Q&A, and media advisories in collaboration with the research team.

·       Monitor media coverage, analyze trends, and report to leadership

Public Outreach & Community Engagement

·       Inspire others to use BGR’s work for the betterment of our community.

·       Develop  opportunities  to engage with civic organizations, universities and community groups, including in-person appearances

·       Serve as liaison to external networks and coalitions relevant to BGR’s topics

·       Oversee and create presentations and other communications support for events and public forums

Team Leadership & Management

·       Supervise contractors, interns or potential staff in communications roles

·       Set objectives, timelines, and performance expectations

·       Manage the BGR board of directors’ communications and Breakfast Briefing committees

·       Collaborate across departments to align communications with organizational goals

·       Carry the torch for Smart Brevity and visual communications.

Qualifications & Attributes

Required / Strongly Preferred:

·       At least 5 years of experience in marketing, communications, integrated marketing communications, public relations, journalism, or related fields

·       Demonstrated success in media placement, storytelling, and audience engagement

·       Strong digital and social media fluency and familiarity with analytics tools

·       Excellent writing and editing skills; ability to translate complex research into accessible, actionable narratives

·       Leadership mindset with strong project management skills

·       Proactive, entrepreneurial attitude and capacity to innovate

·       Strong interpersonal and influencing skills

·       Commitment to BGR’s mission and values

Desirable / Plus:

·       Existing local media relationships in New Orleans / Louisiana

·       Experience with issue-based public outreach and education campaigns

·       Experience in public policy or civic-sector communications

·       Familiarity with video, podcasting and/or visual storytelling

LOCATION, COMPENSATION, AND BENEFITS

Salary for the position is commensurate with experience; the salary range is $85k to $107k. BGR offers a competitive benefits package. The Director of Communications and Engagement must be located in, or willing to relocate to, the greater New Orleans area. Some early morning or evening work is required in connection with BGR events.

TO APPLY

If you are interested, please submit a cover letter and resume to careers@bgr.org. Applicants will be interviewed on a rolling basis and will be notified within three weeks of submission if selected for an interview. For any questions, please contact Rebecca Mowbray, BGR’s President and CEO, at 504-717-6394, or rmowbray@bgr.org.

Why Join BGR

·       Opportunity to build and shape a communications function in a respected, mission-driven organization

·       Collaborate with a small but highly capable team doing influential research and policy work

·       Be a central voice in local public discourse and help elevate civic accountability in New Orleans

·       Stimulating work environment with autonomy and community impact

Health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, paid sick leave, paid vacation time, retirement savings program.