Director of Communications Washington DC

Director of Communications job at DC Bar Foundation. Washington DC.

Title: Director of Communications

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer

Classification: Exempt

Date: November 2025

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.

• 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
• 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 experience working with the media to promote an organizations impact
• A documented history of successfully driving projects to completion
• A demonstrated ability to understand and articulate complex issues
• A practiced public speaker who can think on their feet
• A “teamwork” mindset and ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness
• Experience managing staff and liaising with contractors and consultants
• Takes initiative to propose fresh ideas, openness to feedback on those ideas, and a persistence to bring those ideas to life
• Project management skills, with a knack for working backward from deadlines
• Keen attention to detail, adherence to organizational systems, and high-quality work-product
• High level of integrity and confidentiality; able to manage sensitive information about donors, team members, and beneficiaries
• Ability to think strategically and see the forest for the trees and vice versa
• Accustomed to working on multiple projects with different deadlines simultaneously
• Ability to act as a dynamic, professional, and poised ambassador for DCBF
• A reliable and friendly communicator who reaches out and follows up
• Strong self-motivation
• Ability to think creatively and willing to test out new ideas
• Believes in anecdote and data in equal measure