Senior Director, Communications and Strategic Engagement - Foundation

ECMC Foundation is a nationally focused foundation whose mission is to improve higher education for career success among underserved populations through evidence-based innovation. It is one of several affiliates under the ECMC Group enterprise based in Minneapolis. ECMC Foundation makes investments to remove barriers to postsecondary completion; build the capacity of organizations, institutions and systems; and transform the postsecondary ecosystem using a spectrum of funding structures, including strategic grantmaking and program-related investments, to support both nonprofit and for-profit ventures.

The Senior Director of Communications and Strategic Engagement leads a multi-faceted communications department, developing and implementing ECMC Foundation’s communications and field engagement strategy. The primary responsibilities support internal and external communications, applied learning, and convening activities collectively designed to elevate the Foundation’s visibility, brand, and impact, support organizational learning, and advance progress toward the Foundation’s North Star goal. The Senior Director builds strategy, guides a high-performing team, and leads through change with humility as a member of the Foundation’s leadership team.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for higher education and for driving substantial improvements to postsecondary outcomes for students from underserved backgrounds.

Design and execute a comprehensive communications strategy that advances the Foundation’s North Star goal through narrative building and aligns with ECMC Group’s communications strategy

Oversee development and delivery of high-quality written and multimedia content across platforms, including web, social media, publications, presentations, and convenings

Translate learning and evaluation insights into targeted communications products for internal and external audiences, including partners, policymakers, media, higher education leaders, and peer organizations

Enact a relationship management strategy to build and cultivate external partnerships that support progress toward the Foundation’s North Star goal, in alignment with ECMC Group’s overarching strategy

Apply a thought partnership approach to work with internal leaders and subject matter experts to shape and advance the Foundation’s field engagement strategy

Increase the Foundation’s visibility through speaking engagements, sponsor ships, conferences, and other external-facing opportunities

Drive strong results from direct reports across multiple locations by providing appropriate work direction, strategic guidance, and performance management; strengthen communications capabilities across the broader Foundation

Serve on the Foundation’s leadership team and collaborate with ECMC Group partners to ensure coordinated, enterprise-aligned communications

Manage the communications budget and oversee agency and vendor relationships related to communications and field engagement activities

Establish and monitor partner interaction, audience engagement, and other performance metrics to assess impact and inform decision-making

Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations or related discipline or equivalent professional experience

12+ years of progressive communications experience

8+ years in leadership and people management roles

Proven experience developing and executing communications strategies with measurable outcomes

Experience developing and implementing strategic public relations and communications campaigns

Demonstrated ability to develop a learning strategy and detailed plan to support internal and external partners in their development and understanding of complex subject matters

Demonstrated success building, leading, and developing high-performing teams

Strong writing, editing, and content development skills across a variety of communications formats

Demonstrated ability to plan and support external events, including speaking engagements, conferences, and sponsor ships

Experience supporting executive communications and…