Details
05/15/2026
Director of Communications
North Carolina Retail Merchants Association (NCRMA)
Director of Communications
North Carolina Retail Merchants Association (NCRMA)
Position Summary
The Director of Communications leads the strategy, development, and execution of all communications,
marketing, and media relations for the North Carolina Retail Merchants Association (NCRMA) and its affiliated
organizations (collectively, “the Association”). This role is responsible for shaping how the Association shows
up to its members, prospective members, and the broader public - ensuring a cohesive, compelling, and
consistent narrative across all channels.
The Director serves as the primary architect of the Association’s voice, brand, and visibility, aligning
communications with the Association’s advocacy, member services, and industry leadership.
This role requires a genuine passion for the retail industry and an appreciation for its full spectrum - from small, independent businesses to national and global brands - and the vital role retailers play in North Carolina’s communities and economy.
Reporting & Team Structure
• Reports to: NCRMA President & General Counsel
• Direct Reports: 1 (Multimedia Design Specialist)
Core Responsibilities
1. Member Communications & Value Storytelling
- Own how the Association communicates its value to current members by clearly and consistently
showcasing the work done on their behalf. - Serve as a strategic communications partner across all member-facing communications - including
legislative updates, newsletters, publications, and operational resources - providing editorial guidance
to ensure clarity, accuracy, and consistency in voice, messaging, and brand - Coordinate and maintain the editorial calendar for key publications, including The Retailer and
ExpressLine, in collaboration with internal teams - Partner with government relations and member services teams to translate complex advocacy,
regulatory, and industry issues into clear, engaging content - Ensure communications reflect and represent the diversity of the Association’s membership - from
independent retailers to large national brands - while highlighting their shared impact - Support grassroots advocacy efforts through strategic messaging and member engagement campaigns
2. Marketing & Membership Growth
- Lead marketing efforts to attract and retain members, with an emphasis on storytelling, referrals, and
demonstrating member value. - Develop and execute marketing strategies in partnership with membership and leadership to support
recruitment, retention, and strategic growth - Create compelling marketing materials (digital and print), including brochures, videos, and campaigns
- Elevate member stories and testimonials as a core driver of recruitment and engagement
- Identify and cultivate relationships with industry leaders, partners, and institutions to expand the
Association’s reach and visibility
3. Public Relations, Media & Brand Leadership
- Shape the Association’s public presence and reputation through strategic media engagement and
strong brand stewardship. - Serve as the primary media relations lead, developing press materials, coordinating interviews, and
building relationships with reporters and media outlets - Oversee third-party PR efforts and targeted media placements
- Lead public-facing campaigns (e.g., ShopNC) to promote the retail industry’s impact on communities,
careers, and innovation - Own the Association’s brand identity, ensuring consistency in messaging, visuals, and tone across all
platforms - Lead strategy for digital presence, including websites, social media, and emerging channels
In addition to the core responsibilities above, this role also encompasses:
Leadership & Organizational Strategy
- Collaborate with the President, staff, and Board to define and execute communications and marketing
strategy, while leading brand and communications efforts across the Association - Manage and mentor the Multimedia Design Specialist, overseeing all design-related projects
- Continuously evaluate and refine communications strategies to increase engagement, visibility, and
impact
Qualifications
- Experience in communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field, including media relations
and strategic communications - Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills across multiple formats
- Demonstrated ability to translate complex issues into clear, compelling messaging
- Experience managing brand strategy and multi-channel communications
- Ability to collaborate across teams and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Familiarity with emerging communications tools and technologies (including AI), with the ability to use
them as tools to enhance - rather than replace - strategic thinking, creativity, and sound judgment - Experience in associations, public policy, or advocacy environments preferred, including familiarity
with the legislative and regulatory process - Ability to attend events and travel periodically within North and South Carolina
About You
- You are passionate about the retail industry and understand its impact on local communities, economic
growth, and innovation - You appreciate the unique challenges and opportunities facing both independent retailers and large,
multi-state operators - and can communicate in a way that resonates with both - You are a strategic communicator and storyteller who can translate complex issues into compelling
narratives that drive engagement, advocacy, and growth - You are collaborative, proactive, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced, relationship-driven
environment - You are adaptable and comfortable working in a highly collaborative, cross-functional environment,
and are willing to step in where needed - whether supporting events, assisting with logistics, or
contributing beyond your core responsibilities
Affiliated organizations include the Carolinas Food Industry Council (CFIC), the Carolinas Organized Retail Crime Alliance (CORCA), the South Carolina Retail Association (SCRA), and the Retail Consumer Alliance Foundation (RCA).
For questions or to express interest in this position, please contact: [email protected]
