Reporting to the Senior Director of Communications & Celebrity Engagement, the Director of Communications will oversee and be responsible for the development, management and implementation of public relations, executive and advocacy communications that expand public awareness and support for the March of Dimes mission. In addition, the position will also oversee the management of sensitive issues and crisis communications as needed.
The role will be based in the organization’s Washington DC headquarters. The Director of Communications must have extensive knowledge of national and DC media, government relations, advocacy and local influencers and have an understanding of the broader policy and legislative landscape. Experience handling executive communications as well as experience managing communications for sensitive issues is a requirement. Knowledge of non-profit and science/health media is a plus. The Director of Communications should be highly proficient with strategic outreach, working with executive leadership, advocacy groups, government offices and local and national media.
The Director of Communications will partner with work with the Senior Director of Communications as well as with agency partners to build and implement communications plans that map to the organization’s strategic goals annually; and support the amplification of these strategies across the organization.
Strategy & Leadership
- Develop and manage the execution of public relations strategies and plans for March of Dimes priority campaigns nationally and in DC, for partners, events and announcements
- Oversee external executive communications, working to raise the profile of the March of Dimes president on behalf of the organization
- Work in partnership with the Office of Government Affairs to devise and implement media and social media advocacy communications strategy for the organization
- Oversee and manage the strategy for sensitive issue and crisis communications as needed
- Respond to reporter inquiries, maintain day-to-day relations with national, local and locally-based national media outlets, handling incoming requests and proactively pitching March of Dimes to media outlets
- Create and oversee briefing documents and talking points for media appearances and events in coordination with Senior Director of Communications & Celebrity Engagement
Advocacy & Partnerships
- Manage organization’s media relations efforts around maternal and child health advocacy issues; keeping March of Dimes staff members abreast of new developments; and working with the Office of Government Affairs to provide organization-wide guidance on messaging about issues and March of Dimes’ work
- Alert senior staff to emerging political / governmental issues being covered in the media that would affect March of Dimes and advise on media strategies and responses
- Conduct and oversee research on high-profile March of Dimes issues, ensuring evidence is available to support media outreach
Corporate & Campaign-Focused Communications
- Oversee media outreach efforts in support of key March of Dimes campaigns & events, working in tandem with Regional Communications Directors
- Collaborate with the Regional Communications Directors and Corporate Partnerships team to implement and/or support partner communications plans and activities, including events, press releases, key messages, and support of media outreach efforts
- Experience working in executive, advocacy, non-profit and crisis communications
- Strong organizational, management and written communication skills
- Must have an understanding of fundraising and knowledge of how advocacy can be used to leverage awareness
- Ability to manage high level relationships within March of Dimes and with the media
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule that includes some weekend and evening commitments, as well as business related travel.
- Proven experience with writing and editing.