Director of Communications and Advocacy

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.