Director of Communications
Washington, DC
6+ Months
PART TIME-Ideal schedule would be 4 days a week 5 hours per day.
Key Responsibilities
The Thought Leadership Communications Strategist is responsible for developing and executing strategic communications initiatives that elevate client Foundation research. This role serves as a trusted advisor to the Vice President, Content and Communications, helping to translate complex research and programmatic work into compelling narratives that drive engagement and action.
Working across client Foundation Research, Programs, Marketing and Communications, as well as with client colleagues and vendors, the strategist develops integrated communications plans, thought leadership platforms, audience-centered messaging, and scalable frameworks that bolster the Foundation's influence. The role combines strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement, storytelling, and communications planning to ensure that client Foundation's insights and impact reach the audiences that matter most.
" Develop strategic plans and oversee their implementation to promote thought leadership dissemination initiatives (10-12 annually). Create integrated communication strategies that increase awareness, engagement, and influence among key audiences.
" Develop messaging architecture, narrative frameworks, and storytelling strategies that translate complex research, policy issues, and programmatic work into clear, compelling, and audience-specific communications.
" Build alignment across Foundation and enterprise stakeholders, convening cross-functional teams to improve communications processes and drive successful execution of strategic initiatives.
" Create communications playbooks, frameworks, and measurement approaches that improve consistency, scalability, and effectiveness across research dissemination, thought leadership marketing, and reputation-building efforts.
What Success Looks Like
" client Foundation research and insights consistently reach and influence priority audiences.
" Thought leadership initiatives are supported by clear messaging, compelling human stories, and measurable communications strategies.
" Cross-functional stakeholders have repeatable frameworks and processes that improve coordination and execution.
" Communications efforts strengthen both the Foundation's brand reputation and its ability to advance Foundation 2030 priorities.
Preferred Qualifications
" 8-10+ years of experience in strategic communications, thought leadership, public affairs, research communications, content strategy, or a related field.
" Demonstrated success translating complex research, data, public policy, or social impact issues into compelling communications and narratives.
" Exceptional writing, messaging, storytelling, and stakeholder management skills.
" Experience working with nonprofit, philanthropy, advocacy, public affairs, research, or mission-driven organizations preferred.
" Familiarity with audience engagement, reputation management, media relations, executive communications, and content strategy.
" Bachelor's degree required
" Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Ect.) and Project Management softwares (ex. Asana)