Maryland Nonprofits · 1 day ago
Director of Communications
Columbia, MD
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$140K/yr - $150K/yr
10+ years expThe Horizon Foundation envisions a Howard County free from systemic inequities and is seeking a Director of Communications to catalyze systemic change in public health. The Director will develop and implement communications strategies to amplify the Foundation’s mission and inspire community engagement while managing a communications team and external consultants.
ConsultingLegalNon Profit
Responsibilities
Develop and manage communications strategy for the organization; serve as the steward of the Horizon Foundation’s brand and voice
Leverage the Foundation’s positioning and amplify its brand through the development and execution of communications strategy and messaging that promotes the Foundation as a consistent leader in racial justice and public health innovation in Howard County, Maryland, and the nation
Develop a social marketing and media strategy to promote the Foundation’s programs, advocacy agenda, and brand in coordination with program staff and outside consultants
Develop and maintain relationships with state and local media outlets, prepare key spokespeople for media engagement, and monitor and secure media placements
Promote the Foundation in local and national press by identifying newsworthy stories and pitching ideas to the appropriate media
Expand the Foundation’s reach and influence among diverse stakeholder groups by using creative imagery and storytelling through various platforms
Oversee and maintain integrated communications and marketing products including digital and print materials, social media channels, blogs, newsletters, website, reports, press releases, advertising, and collateral material to maximize impact
Consistently use communications strategies to uplift racial justice, power building, and the need for systemic change
Provide writing and editorial support and communications expertise throughout the organization
Develop, implement, and continuously assess a comprehensive, integrated strategic communications program that will leverage media and public relations to elevate the Foundation’s profile
Support the management of relationships with policymakers and elected officials, grantees and partners, health and social justice organizations, local and national foundations, and key community advocates; cultivate and enhance those relationships through communications strategy and execution
Help shape and execute public policy communications and advocacy campaigns at the local and state levels
Partner with local, regional, and national organizations to amplify communications efforts
Build and maintain strong media relationships to improve breadth and depth of media coverage about the work and impact of the Foundation and its partners
Serve as an ambassador for the Foundation at community, media, and partnership events, which will include nights and weekends
Create communication tools and a common language to help communities address systemic health issues
Serve on the senior executive team as a thought partner while supporting the development and execution of Foundation-wide work
Actively enhance the Foundation’s focus on racial justice by designing communications strategies that further the Foundation’s strategic plan
Work in collaboration with others, identifying new and innovative opportunities to showcase the work and leadership of the Foundation and its grantees and partners
Develop and track metrics to assess effectiveness and impact of communications initiatives and report on success
Manage the communications budget and allocation of resources to meet communications goals
Manage, mentor, and develop staff, enabling the team to embrace and support the Foundation’s values
Oversee projects working collaboratively across departments, building trust and teamwork across the Foundation
Oversee contracts with outside consultants including creative, marketing/PR, and media firms
Embody the Foundation's values of being impactful, trustworthy, anti-racist, catalytic, and courageous
Ensure the quality and professionalism of all Foundation communications collateral
Qualification
Required
10+ years of experience in communications for social change with a demonstrated record of success
Proven ability to influence and engage leaders, trustees, peers, and direct reports
Experience using media to advance policies and programs at the local and state level
Experience in reaching and engaging with diverse residents and communities
Demonstrated experience leading and managing comprehensive strategic communications, including media relations and marketing and advocacy campaigns that promote an organization's vision, mission and values
Experience developing effective communications strategy around narrative change
Flexible and collaborative management style, with demonstrated experience managing a communications team
Energetic leadership style with the ability to position communications discussions at both strategic and tactical levels
Proven experience developing messaging for different audiences that is both effective and impactful in advancing goals
Creative thinker and self-starter who can conceptualize and deliver on ideas in fast-paced environments
Strong knowledge of public policy process and state and local political environment
Proven ability to make decisions in a dynamic environment, with an appreciation for how future needs may affect those decisions
Experience working with broadcast, print, and digital media outlets and reporters
Expertise in overseeing and managing digital assets and in producing marketing materials, newsletters, press releases, and the like
Excellent oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills with an ability to engage, inform, influence, and persuade in a range of formats and platforms
Willingness to iterate a strategy and approach, with the ability to recognize the need to course-correct as necessary
Excellent listening skills, combined with a balanced problem-solving approach
Outstanding writing and editing skills, with an ability to create compelling and persuasive narratives
Fluency with current and emerging communication technologies
Ability to work both in-office and remotely, as well as some nights and weekends
Preferred
Experience in philanthropy or a strong understanding of how the philanthropic ecosystem functions
Master's degree in communications or related field or equivalent professional experience
Benefits
Comprehensive benefits package
Company
Maryland Nonprofits
Maryland Nonprofits is a nonprofit organization that offers consulting, training, and legal services for the nonprofit community.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageLeadership Team
Heather Iliff
President and CEO
Recent News
Maryland Daily Record
2025-03-20
Baltimore Business Journal
2025-02-19
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