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Clementine, Director of Communications and Outreach at Lumina Alliance: Advize Career Interview
A career in communications and outreach at a non-profit like Lumina Alliance offers a dynamic and impactful path.
This professional's journey, starting with a sociology and anthropology degree and fueled by a passion for social justice, led to internships addressing critical social issues and ultimately a direct service role at Lumina Alliance.
The Director of Communications and Outreach role is incredibly varied, encompassing social media management, website oversight, press release writing, media relations, and even direct client service, all while navigating the complexities of nonprofit communications.
Success in this field requires initiative, strong writing skills, relationship-building, and the ability to effectively communicate with diverse audiences, from clients and donors to legislators.
The most rewarding aspect is aligning personal passion with professional impact, making a tangible difference in raising awareness about domestic and family violence.
The interviewee's experience highlights the significance of proactive communication, self-advocacy, and leveraging available resources to build a fulfilling career that combines professional expertise and social impact.
Entry-level opportunities focus on developing key skills like writing and social media management, emphasizing that the ability to effectively communicate and sell oneself is equally valuable.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Clementine Ellis
Director of Communications and Outreach
Lumina Alliance
Agnes Scott College
University of Florida, MA, Sociology
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Anthropology, Sociology
Nonprofit
Communication and Marketing
Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, LGBTQ
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Career Path of a Director of Communications and Outreach at Lumina Alliance
Clementine's career path, beginning with a sociology and anthropology degree fueled by a passion for social justice, led to internships focusing on homelessness and domestic violence, ultimately shaping their interest in "the intersection between mass shootings and domestic violence". This trajectory, including a master's degree and initial PhD pursuit, evolved into direct service roles at Lumina Alliance, culminating in their current position as Director of Communications and Outreach, a role they "loved" and found to be a perfect fit after gaining valuable experience and skills in communications.
Main Responsibilities of a Director of Communications and Outreach at Lumina Alliance
Clementine's role as Director of Communications and Outreach at Lumina Alliance encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, from "managing social media, managing [the] website, and writing press releases," to cultivating media relationships and staying abreast of relevant policy changes in the domestic and sexual violence sectors. This requires strategic planning and proactive communication to ensure Lumina Alliance's message reaches key audiences effectively.
A Day in the Life of a Director of Communications and Outreach at Lumina Alliance
A Director of Communications and Outreach at a non-profit experiences "no day [that] looks the same," juggling tasks from drafting press releases and coordinating campaigns ("talking to the graphic designer, talking to the grant people") to community presentations and direct client services, even answering the crisis line. This variety reflects the dynamic needs of a non-profit with limited resources, where the role demands adaptability and a broad skill set.
Most Important Skills For A Director Of Communications And Outreach At Lumina Alliance
Clementine, a Director of Communications and Outreach, emphasizes the importance of "staying calm under pressure" and proactive "taking initiative" in communications, highlighting the need to build relationships and consistently produce high-quality writing. The role demands humility to gracefully incorporate feedback from various stakeholders, recognizing that communications work is "the most visible component of the organization."
Favorite Parts Of Being A Director Of Communications And Outreach At Lumina Alliance
Clementine, Director of Communications and Outreach at Lumina Alliance, finds immense satisfaction in aligning her passion with her profession, stating that "I really get to make my passion the center of my job" in raising awareness about domestic and family violence, a cause kept "in the dark for so long." This allows Clementine to make a direct impact, unlike many for-profit roles where such alignment is less common.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Communications and Outreach Director at Lumina Alliance
Clementine's biggest challenge as Director of Communications and Outreach is balancing communication needs across diverse audiences, including "clients, potential clients, donors, community members, and legislators," with internal debates frequently arising on prioritization, highlighting the inherent complexities of nonprofit communications.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Nonprofit Industry as a Director of Communications and Outreach
Clementine, Director of Communications and Outreach at Lumina Alliance, most enjoys bridging communication gaps between researchers, advocates, and lawmakers in the intimate partner violence field, stating that "all of these people just aren't talking to each other". This allows for the sharing of crucial research findings and real-world experiences to create more effective policies and support for survivors.
What Type of Person Thrives in the Communications Industry According to a Communications Director at Lumina Alliance
Success in communications, according to Clementine, Director of Communications and Outreach at Lumina Alliance, requires proactive individuals who are not afraid to be a "nuisance," "email[ing], call[ing], and email[ing] again" to initiate conversations and build relationships. This self-described "severe" approach demonstrates the importance of initiative and persistence in securing media coverage and advancing an organization's interests.
What a Communications Outreach Director at Lumina Alliance Wishes They Had Known Before Entering Nonprofit Work
Clementine, a Director of Communications and Outreach, lacking a communications background, discovered that the common misconception of nonprofits creating only "small scale" change is inaccurate; the impact of nonprofit work, particularly "insights and input as people that work directly with survivors," significantly influences policymakers, proving that "you can do both those things at once."
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Communications Professionals
Clementine, a Director of Communications and Outreach, advises undergraduate students interested in communications to prioritize skill development—"writing, social media management, technical skills"—over specific entry-level job titles like "social media management" or "communications associate," because the ability to "sell yourself" and highlight transferable skills is a valuable communication skill in itself.
Significant career lesson from a Director of Communications and Outreach at Lumina Alliance
Clementine, Director of Communications and Outreach at Lumina Alliance, emphasizes the importance of direct communication in career advancement, stating, "If you want something, you have to ask." This proactive approach, exemplified by offering to take on additional responsibilities like drafting press releases, has proven crucial throughout their career progression.
College Experiences That Helped A Director Of Communications And Outreach At Lumina Alliance Succeed
Clementine's undergraduate success stemmed from leveraging privileged access to opportunities, actively participating in extracurriculars like student government and club leadership ("all of the extracurriculars I could"), and demonstrating self-advocacy by seizing unexpected leadership roles ("I just stood up and said, I'll do it"). This proactive approach, combined with recognizing and utilizing available resources, built a strong foundation for their career in communications and outreach.
How Identity Has Influenced a Communications and Outreach Director's Career at Lumina Alliance
Clementine's queer identity has led to assumptions that they possess expert knowledge on all LGBTQ+ issues, a misconception they actively addresses; this experience highlights the importance of diverse perspectives in communications and the need to avoid speaking for the entire community, emphasizing that "just because I'm a part of that identity doesn't mean I'm an expert on everyone else's experience."
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