Communications Director

Responsibilities

• Coordinate all communications work across the organization’s communications goal areas: policy advocacy, thought leadership, public relations, audience growth and engagement, service marketing, and fundraising.
• Hire and supervise communications staff and contractors; provide clear goals, feedback, and professional development.
• Manage departmental budget and ensure efficient use of resources.
• Develop, coordinate, and implement a comprehensive communications strategy that aligns with the organization’s strategic priorities.
• Develop goals and key performance indicators to track and monitor the impact, effectiveness, efficiency, and performance of the organization’s communications.
• Implement systems that track and manage the communications activities for the organization.
• Partner with leadership and HR to enhance internal communications that strengthen staff engagement and organizational culture.
• Advocacy Communications Strategy. Develop communications strategies tied to specific policy and legislative goals, identifying target audiences, decision-makers, messengers, messages, tactics, and key moments of influence throughout a campaign.
• Legislative and Policy Communications. Work closely with policy and advocacy staff to translate legislative, regulatory, and budget developments into timely communications strategies and materials, including testimony, policy briefs, fact sheets, action alerts, stakeholder communications, and materials for decision-makers.
• Campaign Narrative and Message Strategy. Develop persuasive narrative frameworks and message architecture that connect NJF's policy proposals to people's lived experiences, anticipate opposition arguments, and equip staff and partners to communicate consistently and effectively.

Requirements

• Motivated by the organization’s issues and a strong mission-driven work ethic.
• Experience successfully and inclusively supervising staff, leading and mentoring team members, and managing cross-functional collaborations, including a demonstrated track record of working well in a diverse, collaborative team environment.
• Results- and detail-oriented critical thinker with demonstrated ability to plan, track, and meet goals on time and to develop and execute strategic communications plans.
• High-energy approach and strong desire to see policy change happen, with at least 5 years of experience in advancing public policy campaigns and advocacy agendas, ideally within the nonprofit policy sector.
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely to inform and engage various audiences.
• An understanding of media trends and best practices for story pitching, message development, and storytelling, including demonstrated experience working with the media, including during breaking news and in rapid response environments.
• Ability to work diplomatically, calmly, strategically, decisively, and collaboratively under pressure, especially with short turnaround times for breaking news or fast-moving legislative actions.
• Familiarity with communications tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, social media platforms, website back-end platforms, email marketing software, and managing modern digital advocacy tools (Ujoin preferred).
• Knowledge of New Jersey’s political environment and public policy landscape.

Benefits

• BENEFITS : New Jersey Future values high standards and excellence, along with a healthy work-life balance by offering flexible, family-friendly employment policies. Our competitive benefits package for full-time employees includes 100% employer-sponsored medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance coverage for staff and partial sponsorship of dependents. In addition, we offer a generous health reimbursement account and options for pre-tax flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care costs. New Jersey Future employees enjoy a defined contribution 401(k) retirement plan with a variable employer match, flexible work schedules including the opportunity to work partially remotely, generous paid time off policies, and paid holidays. To encourage use of public and active transportation, we offer commuter transit subsidies and access to a company car for work meetings. New Jersey Future is committed to the growth and development of staff and fostering a creative, inclusive workplace culture.
• NEW JERSEY FUTURE values high standards and excellence, along with a healthy work-life balance by offering flexible, family-friendly employment policies. Our competitive benefits package for full-time employees includes 100% employer-sponsored medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance coverage for staff and partial sponsorship of dependents. In addition, we offer a generous health reimbursement account and options for pre-tax flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care costs. New Jersey Future employees enjoy a defined contribution 401(k) retirement plan with a variable employer match, flexible work schedules including the opportunity to work partially remotely, generous paid time off policies, and paid holidays. To encourage use of public and active transportation, we offer commuter transit subsidies and access to a company car for work meetings. New Jersey Future is committed to the growth and development of staff and fostering a creative, inclusive workplace culture.