Director of Communications and Advocacy

Job description

Accountabilities: Set and execute the overall communications strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities, brand standards, equity commitments, and policy objectives. Oversee brand management, editorial planning, communications workflows, digital channels, and ongoing evaluation of communications effectiveness. Lead media relations by developing journalist relationships, coordinating interviews and briefings, managing rapid-response communications, and proactively identifying opportunities for earned media. Direct the creation of high-quality communications materials, including press releases, op-eds, blog content, research reports, policy briefs, social media content, digital campaigns, and multimedia assets. Oversee the organization’s website, social media, email marketing, podcasts, and other digital platforms to strengthen reach and engagement. Develop and implement communications strategies that advance state and federal policy priorities, translating research and evidence into accessible and persuasive narratives for policymakers and legislative audiences. Build and maintain relationships with advocacy partners, coalitions, allied organizations, and other stakeholders to expand policy influence and amplify shared priorities. Monitor state and federal policy developments and coordinate rapid-response communications when legislative or political developments intersect with organizational priorities. Partner with strategy, alliance engagement, research, and program teams to develop advocacy messaging that supports equity-focused policy goals. Represent the organization in relevant coalitions, conferences, stakeholder forums, and external convenings. Advise senior leaders on communications strategy, public affairs positioning, media opportunities, stakeholder engagement, and emerging reputational or policy considerations. Supervise a Communications Manager and external consultants or freelancers, providing direction, coaching, feedback, and quality oversight. Support communications and content development for major organizational events and annual convenings. Produce communications-related reporting and insights for funders, senior leadership, and the Board. Serve as a cross-functional communications resource, helping teams maintain consistent messaging and translating organizational priorities into effective external communications. Contribute to broader organizational strategy and planning through collaboration with senior leadership and cross-functional teams. Requirements: Bachelor’s degree required; a master’s degree is preferred, or equivalent relevant professional experience in communications, public affairs, advocacy, policy, or a related field. At least five years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public affairs, advocacy, or a related function, including at least two years in a leadership or supervisory capacity. Demonstrated experience developing and executing communications strategies designed to advance state and/or federal policy priorities. Strong knowledge of the U.S. higher education and postsecondary landscape, including policy, equity issues, and challenges affecting underrepresented and first-generation students. Proven ability to transform complex research, data, and policy information into clear, compelling narratives for diverse audiences. Experience building coalitions, managing stakeholder relationships, and developing productive external partnerships. Strong media relations expertise, including journalist engagement, earned media campaigns, and placement of opinion pieces or op-eds. Demonstrated people leadership and project management skills, with experience managing employees, consultants, freelancers, or external partners in a fast-paced environment. Strong proficiency with social media platforms, web content management systems, email marketing tools, and digital communications channels. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including strong command of AP style and the ability to maintain a consistent organizational voice and tone. Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite tools such as Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop; HTML/CSS knowledge is a plus. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Strong strategic judgment, political awareness, storytelling ability, and the capacity to communicate effectively with senior leaders and external stakeholders. Clear commitment to equity, inclusion, and improving outcomes for historically underserved student populations. Alignment with the organization’s mission, values, goals, and approach to systems-level change. Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, when organizational or policy priorities require it. Ability to work remotely and travel frequently for meetings, convenings, coalition activities, and other organizational priorities. Benefits: Competitive annual salary of $90,000–$110,000, with final compensation based on relevant education, experience, and professional expertise. Comprehensive and competitive benefits package in addition to base salary. Fully remote position based in the United States. Full-time employment within a mission-driven organization focused on improving higher education outcomes and advancing equity. Opportunities to influence state and federal policy and contribute to meaningful systems-level change. Leadership and professional development opportunities through cross-functional collaboration and external stakeholder engagement. Supportive environment focused on diversity, inclusion, and equitable outcomes. Reasonable accommodations available for qualified individuals with disabilities. Frequent opportunities to engage with policymakers, advocates, researchers, institutional leaders, and national education stakeholders. How Jobgether works: We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team. We appreciate your interest and wish you the best! Why Apply Through Jobgether? Data Privacy Notice: By submitting your application, you acknowledge that Jobgether will process your personal data to evaluate your candidacy and share relevant information with the hiring employer. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual measures under applicable data protection laws (including GDPR). You may exercise your rights (access, rectification, erasure, objection) at any time. #LI-CL1 This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Director of Communications and Advocacy based in United States. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity at the intersection of strategic communications, public policy, and higher education advocacy.The role will shape the organization’s voice, brand, and policy influence across state and federal audiences.You will translate complex research, data, and policy priorities into compelling narratives that inspire action and advance equity.Working across communications, research, development, strategy, and program teams, you will ensure consistent and influential external messaging.You will also cultivate relationships with journalists, advocacy partners, coalitions, policymakers, and other stakeholders across the postsecondary ecosystem.The position combines strategic leadership with hands-on communications execution, team management, and rapid response to emerging policy developments.This fully remote role offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, systems-level change, with frequent travel and occasional flexible-hours requirements.