Director of Communications

Director of Communications

Full Time - Exempt

Vice President, Marketing & Communications

Marketing & Communications

$87,000 to $103,000 with some flexibility, based on the academic, professional, and community experiences and credentials of a candidate

The Director of Communications is Arizona Community Foundation’s (ACF) chief writer, editor, and message strategist, responsible for producing high‑quality content that clearly communicates impact, strengthens donor confidence, and amplifies ACF’s statewide brand and impact. This role leads all executive communications, oversees storytelling for major publications, and ensures clarity, accuracy, and consistency across every channel. This position is located in our Phoenix office.

Executive Communications & Thought Leadership

• Serve as the primary liaison with the President & CEO’s office to collaborate and execute on drafting speeches, remarks, op-eds, presentations, and thought leadership pieces.
• Provide talking points for Board Chair and other members of the board, as requested.
• Ensure the CEO’s voice is authentic and consistent across public media outlets and communications and that messaging aligns with ACF’s mission, values, strategy, and brand.
• Develop and execute editorial engagement strategies, including partnering with external editorial contacts to write and pitch stories that amplify brand awareness and elevate the organization's thought leadership in the community.
• Manage crisis communications protocols and draft messaging as needed

Content Strategy & High‑Quality Copywriting

• Develop and oversee an enterprise-wide content strategy that supports ACF’s mission,  strategy, partnerships and impact.  Regularly collaborate with key colleagues on the Impact and Development & Donor Experience Teams in strategy development and implementation.

• Produce clear, compelling, mission‑aligned copy for donor communications, impact stories, website content, campaigns, and education materials.
• Maintain editorial consistency, tone, and style across the organization.

Publications

               Annual Report

• • Lead development, writing, and production of the Annual Report in both print and digital formats.
  • Oversee data collection, story sourcing, writing, editing, design collaboration, photography, videography and production.

Newsletters & Other Publication Management

• • Serve as managing editor for all newsletters (board, staff, other key audiences) and collaborate with key colleagues to secure compelling and timely content. 
  • Translate complex initiatives into accessible stories for a wide variety of audiences across Arizona.
  • Maintain editorial calendars and establish an internal quality review process.

Brand Storytelling & Impact Narratives

• Identify and elevate inspirational stories that highlight both donor generosity and community impact.  This includes highlighting the work of our Supporting Organizations, Collaborative Funds, Corporate and Nonprofit Fundholders, and Grantees. 
• Ensure storytelling reflects the communities and audiences ACF is trying to reach across the state and leverage regional expertise for our work outside of Maricopa County.

Media Relations & Public Information

• Write media statements, press releases, and talking points for ACF staff.
• Prepare executives for interviews, events and speaking engagements.
• Support and contribute to strategies to strengthen media relationships statewide and nationally, where appropriate.

Editorial & Style Governance

• Maintain ACF’s editorial guidelines, voice, and messaging frameworks.
• Approve all externally facing copy to ensure alignment with mission and brand identity.

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field.
• 8–12 years of experience in communications with a strong writing portfolio.
• Experience overseeing content creation and distribution across multiple channels.
• Experience supervising marketing and communications projects and providing direction on branding and marketing strategy.
• Proven experience drafting speeches, executive letters, and publications.
• Excellence in long-form writing, digital storytelling, and concise messaging.
• Exceptional project management skills, including use of digital tools (project management, CRM, etc.).
• Strong technology skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office products, Adobe Creative Suite, events management software, and knowledge of HTML.
• Proficiency with data analytics and related tools.
• Ability to be a self-starter, function independently and as a part of a dynamic team, and make sound decisions based on experience, knowledge, and business acumen.
• Experience creating and delivering presentations, leading group discussions, and building consensus among various parties. 
• Excellent organizational skills including attention to detail and ability to follow through.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills and a customer service mindset.
• Experience working collaboratively across departments with colleagues at all levels to accomplish work.
• Embodies ACF’s core values in working with internal and external stakeholders and has a passion for community service and impact.
• Experience working with internal and external stakeholders and a passion for community service and impact.
• Nonprofit sector experience is very helpful.
• Proficiency in Spanish (written and verbal) is a plus.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of the position. Incumbents may be required to perform other job-related tasks other than or in addition to those specifically presented in this description.