Director of Communications

SUMMARY

The Director of Communications is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive communication and engagement strategies that advance the organization's mission, strengthen community partnerships, enhance public awareness, and promote stakeholder engagement. This role oversees internal and external communications, media relations, community outreach, special events, volunteer engagement, and public relations initiatives.

Working closely with the President and CEO, Executive Team, and Board of Directors, this role serves as a strategic communications resource and brand steward, ensuring consistent messaging and meaningful engagement with various stakeholder groups.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with the organization’s mission and strategic plan.

· Manage all media relations, ensuring consistency and accurate messaging.

· Oversee branding, design, and digital content to ensure alignment across platforms.

· Lead the creation of compelling stories, reports, and campaigns that highlight impact and inspire community support.

· Serve as the primary spokesperson and media contact, as appropriate.

· Develop marketing plans for Haven and oversee marketing materials and advertising.

· Manage content on Haven’s website and work with cross-departmental teams to ensure content is updated.

· Manage crisis communications for organization.

· Manage digital communications for organization.

· Strengthen partnerships with community organizations, and coalitions.

· Support public education efforts and community awareness campaigns.

· Collaborate with Development to align communication efforts with fundraising initiatives.

· Give presentations in the community, prepare presentations for leadership.

· Provide strategic oversight of major Haven events.

· Collaborate with leadership and cross-departmental teams to ensure message consistency and alignment.

· Advise executive leadership on communications strategy and public positioning.

Additional Duties

· Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

· Required:

o Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field.

o Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in communications, and community relations, preferably in a nonprofit or public service environment.

o Demonstrated experience managing media relations, advocacy campaigns, and crisis communications.

· Preferred:

o Accredited in Public Relations (APR)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

· Exceptional writing, editing, and presentation skills.

· Organized with demonstrated attention to detail.

· Proven ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders including media, volunteers, and community partners.

· Passion for social impact and commitment to serving people.

· Collaborative and team-oriented approach to work with excellent interpersonal skills.

MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

· Management of Communications Team

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Preferred candidates will possess a valid Texas Driver’s License, a good driving record, reliable transportation, and proper insurance coverage on the automobile used for work. Travel within the city and its surrounding areas may be required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position will require the candidate to be able to regularly perform physical activity such as frequent standing, walking, and sitting, basic motor skills, and the ability to operate a computer, communication devices, and relevant applications and programs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, and this position may occasionally require tasks to be performed in non-climate-controlled environments. This is an in-office position that is not eligible for remote work.