Director of Communications

The Director of Communications leads the strategy and execution of the Foundation’s communications efforts, overseeing the development, implementation, and evaluation of an annual communications plan. This role shapes and manages the Foundation’s internal and external presence, advancing its mission and strengthening its reputation.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in communications and marketing—including media relations, branding, messaging, and project management—and a passion for the Foundation’s mission. With strong strategic thinking and hands‑on leadership, the Director will elevate the Foundation’s visibility and impact.

Building on insights from the Foundation’s recent communications audit, the Director of Communications will seize new opportunities to highlight the essential role of civil legal aid in Washington, DC’s health and vibrancy. They will also play a central role in leading communications efforts for the Foundation’s 50th anniversary in 2027.

The following list of duties is not exhaustive. The Foundation may also outline additional duties and responsibilities that are not included in this job description.

• Participate in the overall management of the organization as a Senior Leadership Team member
• Set the strategic communications direction for the Foundation, identifying key themes and messages that will most clearly communicate the Foundation's vision, mission, and values to its stakeholders
• Demonstrate a team‑oriented approach by supporting peers and contributing to collective success
• Manage the Foundation’s communications team

• Develop a communications calendar, content plan, and design and an approval process that covers all social media, online, and offline communications in collaboration with other key team members
• Develop a deep understanding of the Foundation’s work to gather stories that highlight the impact of the Foundation’s work
• Proactively develop relationships with staff and other stakeholders to source stories
• Develop creative and mission‑centric messaging that articulates the special role and impact of DCBF in the local legal and civil legal aid landscape
• Lead the Foundation’s storytelling efforts, crafting narratives that convey the breadth and impact of its work to priority audiences

• Manage creation, development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic collateral including, but not limited to, newsletters, brochures, annual report, the Foundation’s website, and social media accounts
• Deftly draft communications targeted to the diverse audiences (e.g., policymakers, local/national legal aid organizations, legal community, grantees, influencers, news media, etc.) in the Foundation’s community
• Serve as lead staff for CEO’s speaking engagements including drafting talking points and written/oral testimony for DC Council hearings
• Equip Foundation team members for external engagements—including media interviews and public testimony—by providing guidance, key messages, and communications support
• Build relationships with a variety of media outlets to expand the Foundation’s voice and increase its earned media
• Support the CEO in preparing for media interviews and weekly Linked In posts
• Lead strategies and tactics for social media (i.e., Facebook, Instagram, X, You Tube, etc.) for both marketing and development purposes
• Use Google Analytics, paid advertising, web marketing (SEM and SEO), and digital strategy to expand virtual reach
• Design and track engagement metrics to determine success of DCBF’s communications efforts
• Represent the Foundation to outside communications and marketing vendors

• 8‑10 years of nonprofit communications and marketing experience
• Demonstrable experience and success as a communications generalist, with hands‑on practice at branding, messaging, website, social media, media relations, producing print and electronic collateral (including newsletters, brochures, annual report, e‑newsletters, direct mail, etc.), and storytelling
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Extensive…