Director of Communications

Shield-Ayres Enterprise

Director of Communications

The Director of Communications will support and enhance the external and internal communications of the entities that comprise the Shield‑Ayres Enterprise:

Shield Land Stewardship Group (SLS): A passthrough management company providing comprehensive land and facilities management services for the Shield‑Ayres‑Bowen family ranchlands in Central and West Texas, investment properties in Travis and Hays Counties, and the Shield Ranch Foundation.

Shield Ranch Foundation (SRF): A nonprofit organization and private operating foundation offering year‑round programming through the Campsite at Shield Ranch to fulfill its mission to share Shield Ranch Barton Creek in ways that educate, inspire, and transform.

Shield‑Ayres Foundation (SAF): A nonprofit organization and private grantmaking foundation providing opportunities for the Shield‑Ayres‑Bowen family to support shared philanthropic interests.

The Director of Communications reports to Vera Ayres Bowen, President of Shield Ranch Foundation and Shield‑Ayres Foundation and Vice President of Shield Land Stewardship Group.

• Establish and drive communications strategy
• Manage all communications materials (digital and print)
• Maintain brand integrity across all platforms
• Tell our story
• Refine messaging specific to the entities’ public profiles and audiences
• Support entity executives and board leadership in their roles as ambassadors for their organizations
• Lead communications for Shield Ranch Foundation programming, marketing and fundraising, including strategic initiatives
• Support internal communication within the enterprise (multi‑generational family and staff)
• Participate in monthly meetings of the Shield‑Ayres Enterprise Coordinating Council

• Work closely with the executives of each entity to ensure that enterprise websites are effective in connecting with their intended audiences and current in content and design
• Write or review new content for websites as requested by entity executives
• Develop content for the Shield Ranch news section and coordinate with guest contributors

• Build and maintain an effective social media presence that supports Shield Ranch brand development
• Make frequent posts to highlight current activities, successes, events, incorporating seasonal photos and videos
• Direct and implement Camp El Ranchito social media content plan

• Manage media relations and develop contacts with media members, influencers and community leaders
• Actively seek and support the placement of timely news and information regarding enterprise entities in appropriate print and digital media

• Lead the design and visual storytelling efforts across all external communications platforms to ensure brand consistency and audience engagement
• Create compelling visual content, including design for e‑newsletter banners, program flyers, social media posts, digital invitations, one‑pagers, interpretive materials, and web pages
• Provide creative direction for public‑facing materials and campaigns
• Coordinate with photographers and videographers

• Ensure advocacy communications are aligned with strategic goals and adapted to evolving priorities while protecting Shield Ranch’s brand reputation
• Serve as primary point of contact for communications consultants supporting the advocacy of Shield Land Stewardship Group, Shield Ranch Foundation, and Shield‑Ayres Foundation

• Support fundraising and donor relations efforts of the Shield Ranch Foundation through annual Impact Reports, fundraising campaigns, and materials.

• Support the marketing operations of the Shield Ranch Foundation, including the programming of the Campsite at Shield Ranch community use, events, and Camp El Ranchito
• Support publicity around the grantmaking of the Shield‑Ayres Foundation
• Support the revenue‑generating operations of Shield Land Stewardship Group

• Maintain a crisis management plan
• Train staff and board leadership in crisis management plan and protocols
• Support entity executives and board leadership in responding quickly and professionally to crises or challenging situations
• Oc…