[Hiring] Executive Director Communications @New Leaders Inc

Role Description

The Executive Director, Communications will be based out of a home office located anywhere within the contiguous United States (Pacific, Mountain, Central, and Eastern time zones) or United States territories that fall within the Atlantic time zone.

The Executive Director, Communications is responsible for establishing the annual strategic direction and objectives across integrated communications. In partnership with the Chief Communications Officer, this position oversees the comprehensive communications strategy in alignment with New Leaders' mission, vision, and values.

The Executive Director, Communications reports to the Chief Communications Officer.

Specific Responsibilities

• Brand, Content, and Message Development:
  • Lead the development and execution of a cohesive communications and brand strategy that strengthens visibility, credibility, and audience engagement across New Leaders’ priority audiences.
  • Partner with senior leadership to define and implement an integrated communications and editorial strategy aligned with organizational priorities; draft speeches, talking points, op-eds, and executive communications that reflect organizational priorities and leadership voice.
  • Lead the creation of compelling, multi-channel content that clearly articulates the organization’s mission, vision, programs, and impact.
  • Develop and refine core narratives, messaging frameworks, and storytelling approaches that resonate across stakeholders.
  • Establish and maintain brand voice, positioning, and architecture, ensuring consistency across all internal and external communications.
  • Create standardized messaging tools including boilerplates, fact sheets, templates, and presentation materials.
  • Oversee the development and evolution of brand guidelines, ensuring consistency across all platforms, collateral, and communications.
  • Lead the development of thought leadership content including blogs, op-eds, white papers, and executive-level materials.
  • Develop key internal communications for staff, including leadership messages, updates, and key organizational announcements.
  • Ensure alignment and consistency across executive messaging and organizational communications.
• Earned Media and Public Relations:
  • Own a proactive earned media strategy that elevates the organization’s voice and positions leadership as trusted experts in the field.
  • Develop and execute media relations strategies, including proactive pitching, press outreach, and story placement across local, national, and trade outlets.
  • Draft and distribute press releases, media advisories, and statements aligned with organizational priorities and announcements.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, and media influencers.
  • Identify timely opportunities for thought leadership and commentary within the media landscape.
  • Prepare executive-level staff for media engagements, including talking points, briefing documents, and message guidance.
  • Lead issue management and crisis communications, including message development, response coordination, and media handling.
  • Monitor media coverage and trends to inform strategy and ensure consistent, timely engagement.
• Digital, Social Media, and Website Strategy:
  • Oversee digital communications channels to expand reach, strengthen engagement, and ensure consistent brand presence.
  • Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive social media strategy across platforms, including both organic and paid campaigns.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams where appropriate to manage editorial calendars and oversee the creation and publication of high-quality social content.
  • Monitor social performance and engagement, using analytics to refine strategy and optimize impact.
  • Oversee website strategy, including content updates, page development, and overall user experience, ensuring website content reflects current priorities, messaging, and storytelling.
  • Conduct keyword research and implement SEO best practices to improve visibility and search performance.
  • Manage digital campaigns that amplify key announcements, thought leadership, and organizational initiatives.
• Event Communications and Support:
  • Provide strategic communications support for key organizational events and milestones.
  • Develop communications plans for events, including messaging, media outreach, and promotional strategies.
  • Support event execution through run-of-show development, speaker preparation, and content creation.
  • Coordinate media engagement around events, including press invitations, on-site support, and post-event coverage.
  • Oversee the development of event-related materials such as signage, programs, and digital assets.
• Integrated Communications Leadership and Operations:
  • Lead cross-functional communications efforts to ensure alignment, consistency, high-quality execution, and cohesive storytelling across all initiatives.
  • Manage external vendors and partners, including PR firms, designers, and digital consultants.
  • Establish processes and systems to streamline communications planning, execution, and content management.
  • Maintain a centralized library of brand assets, messaging tools, and content resources.
  • Track and analyze communications performance, using insights to refine strategies and improve outcomes.
  • Stay current on communications trends, tools, and best practices to continuously enhance effectiveness.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Passionate belief in academic excellence for every student, aligned with New Leaders' mission.
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience required, including experience in communications, public relations, or brand strategy.
• Demonstrated experience with a mission-driven organization preferred.
• Proven success in earned media, including pitching, press placement, and media relationship management.
• Strong writing and storytelling skills, with experience developing press materials, speeches, and executive communications.
• Experience managing social media strategy (organic and paid) and digital communications platforms.
• Demonstrated expertise in website content management and SEO best practices.
• Ability to develop and execute integrated communications strategies across multiple channels.
• Experience supporting executives with thought leadership, media preparation, and public speaking engagements.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with social media and content management platforms (e.g., Sprout, Hootsuite, CMS tools).
• Travel may be required on occasion aligned to New Leaders’ Travel and In-Person Activities policy.

Role-Specific Competencies

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with individuals across a variety of backgrounds and experiences; must be results-driven while maintaining a collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
• Possess deep understanding of integrated communications, bridging gaps, and ensuring functional cohesion.
• Proven ability to break down complex strategies into clear, actionable plans for the communications team.
• Demonstrated ability to ensure communications objectives are in alignment with organizational values while maintaining team cohesion and morale.

Benefits

• Salaries vary based on geographical location. Successful candidates are offered a non-negotiable salary based on their geographical location.
• Employees may be eligible for merit awards and/or bonuses depending on their role, organizational guidelines, and individual performance.
• Employees regularly scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week may be eligible to participate in New Leaders’ benefits, including:
  • New Leaders Wellness Program
  • Medical plan options, dental care, and vision
  • 401K plan
  • Generous paid-time-off (PTO) benefits

Application Deadline

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.