Director of Communications

About Walker

Since 1961, Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs has been a trusted partner for children, youth, and families, navigating some of life’s most difficult challenges. Based in Needham, our mission is to nurture hope, build strengths, and develop lifelong skills in partnership with the children, youth, families, and communities we serve. We provide comprehensive, trauma-informed residential, educational, and clinical services to children and youth with complex social-emotional, behavioral, and learning needs, while supporting their families every step of the way. Through three specialized divisions—Residential & Educational Programs, Behavioral Health & Community-Based Services, and Walker Solutions—we deliver relationship-based care and capacity-building that makes a lasting difference. Today, we serve children, youth, and families from more than 150 communities across Massachusetts.

Make a Difference Every Day

The Director of Communications plays a pivotal role in advancing Walker’s mission by leading a strategic communications function that elevates the organization’s impact, strengthens its reputation, and deepens engagement with key audiences. Through compelling storytelling and effective communication strategies, this role will highlight Walker’s innovative programs, dedicated workforce, and measurable outcomes while reinforcing the organization’s commitment to children, youth, families, and communities we serve.  

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Director of Communications will build and lead a proactive mission-driven communication strategy that supports Walker’s organizational priorities, including engagement, philanthropy and fundraising, program growth, advocacy, and community partnerships. This individual will ensure consistent, accessible, and high-quality messaging across all internal and external channels, strengthening alignment among staff, families, donors, partners, and the broader community. The Director of Communications will also  help position Walker as a trusted leader in behavioral health, special education, and human services by increasing visibility, enhancing transparency, and supporting communication efforts related to key organizational initiatives and transformational change.

Essential Functions

Strategic Communications & Organizational Messaging

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy that advances Walker’s mission, vision, strategic priorities, and organizational goals.
• Partner with the CEO and Strategic Leadership Team (SLT) to develop communication plans supporting key initiatives, organizational change, advocacy efforts, and strategic growth.
• Ensure consistent, mission-driven messaging across all internal and external communication channels.
• Monitor emerging trends and audience needs to proactively shape communication strategies and organizational positioning.
• Serve as an advisor to leadership on communication approaches, messaging, and brand stewardship.

Brand management, storytelling & Content development

• Strengthen and protect Walker’s brand identity, voice, and reputation across all platforms and communications materials.
• Develop compelling stories that showcase Walker’s impact on children, families, employees, and communities.
• Create, edit, and oversee high-quality communications content including newsletters, annual reports, presentations, digital content, promotional materials, and executive communications.
• Establish editorial standards and ensure communications are accurate, accessible, engaging, and aligned with organizational values.
• Manage a content calendar to support organizational priorities and audience engagement efforts.

external relations, media & public affairs

• Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries and public communications.
• Develop media relations strategies that increase awareness of Walker’s programs, expertise, and community impact.
• Draft press releases, talking points, statements, speeches, and media materials.
• Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with media representatives, community organizations, and key external partners.
• Partner with leadership to develop thoughtful, transparent communications that foster trust, strengthen relationships, and support the organization during periods of change, growth, and matters of public interest.

digital communications & marketing channels

• Oversee Walker’s website, social media platforms, and digital communications channels.
• Develop and execute integrated digital communication campaigns that increase engagement, visibility, recruitment, and community awareness.
• Monitor analytics and audience engagement metrics to drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure digital content reflects best practices for accessibility, usability, and brand consistency.
• Evaluate and adopt emerging communication tools and technologies to enhance organizational effectiveness.

Community engagement, advancement & partnership support

• Partner with Advancement, Program, and SLT to support fundraising, donor engagement, and community relations efforts.
• Develop communications materials that strengthen relationships with donors, referral sources, foundations, community partners, and partners.
• Promote Walker’s thought leadership and expertise in behavioral health, special education, and human services.
• Support public events, community outreach initiatives, and organizational recognition opportunities.
• Enhance awareness of Walker’s services, outcomes, and impact throughout the communities it serves.

Measurement, evaluation & continuous improvement

• Establish communication goals, key performance indicators, and reporting mechanisms.
• Analyze communication effectiveness using qualitative and quantitative measures.
• Conduct audience research and gather feedback to inform communication strategies and priorities.
• Regularly assess brand awareness, community engagement, and communication outcomes.
• Provide leadership with recommendations for continuous improvement based on communication performance data.

Additional duties and responsibilities

• All other duties as assigned. 

Skills and Abilities

• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages for diverse audiences.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning skills, with the ability to align communications initiatives with organizational priorities and business objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to develop compelling stories and content that communicate mission, impact, and organizational values.
• Excellent editorial, proofreading, and content management skills with a high level of attention to detail.
• Strong presentation and public speaking abilities.
• Ability to advice and coach leadership on messaging, communication strategy, and audience engagement.
• Ability to navigate sensitive situations with professionalism, sound judgment, discretion, and diplomacy.
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to work effectively across departments and organizational levels.
• Creative problem-solving skills and a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, prioritize among competing priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing environments and organizational needs.
• Ability to sit at workstation for prolonged periods of time, consistent with OSHA suggestions and requirements. 
• Ability to lift packages up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to travel to multiple building locations on and off campus.

Schedule:

• Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm; flexibility required for evenings and weekends based on organizational needs

Qualifications

Education and Certifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, English, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Business Administration, Nonprofit Leadership, or a related field.

Experience

Required:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, marketing, media relations, or corporate communications.
• Minimum of 3 years of leadership experience with responsibility for developing and executing strategic communications initiatives.

Preferred:

• 6-7 years of communications experience in a nonprofit, healthcare, behavioral health, education, human services, or mission-driven organization.

Other Requirements:

• Successfully complete background check suitability requirements
• Must have reliable transportation

Supervision:

• Supervisor: CEO or designee
• Supervises: N/A

Equal Opportunity Statement

Walker is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon an individual's race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, national guard or reserve unit obligations, participation in discrimination complaint-related activities, or membership in any category protected by federal or state law.