Associate Director, Communications
About The Position
As the Associate Director of Communications, you'll lead JASA's communications strategy, elevate the organization's brand, and oversee agency-wide messaging that highlights the impact of JASA's programs and services. Reporting to the Chief External Relations Officer, you'll collaborate with executive leadership, program teams, trustees, and external partners to develop innovative communications initiatives, manage media relations, supervise a talented communications team, and strengthen JASA's visibility throughout New York City. The Associate Director of Communications is responsible for developing and executing JASA's comprehensive communications strategy while strengthening the organization's brand recognition, media presence, and community engagement. This position oversees communications planning, media relations, content development, digital communications, publications, social media strategy, and special initiatives that advance JASA's mission. This role requires working from JASA's Central Office or in the field at least three days per week, with additional evening and weekend attendance required for events and media opportunities.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree required
- 6–10 years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, marketing, or public relations
- Experience working within complex nonprofit organizations is preferred
- Experience supervising communications staff and consultants
- Proven experience leading organization-wide communications strategies
- Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills
- Strong executive communications abilities
- Experience working with New York media outlets
- Crisis communications and reputation management experience
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities
- Strong strategic planning and organizational skills
- Ability to analyze communications effectiveness
- Familiarity with fundraising communications
- Positive, collaborative attitude with a sense of humor
- Ability to manage confidential information with discretion
- Willingness to travel throughout all five boroughs of New York City and Long Island
- Ability to work evenings or off-hours during urgent communications situations
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Google Workspace
- Canva
- Emma or similar email marketing platform
- Other social media platforms
- Ability to quickly learn new communications technologies
Nice To Haves
- Adobe Creative Suite preferred
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement JASA's annual communications strategy
- Build communications plans that support fundraising, advocacy, and organizational growth
- Increase brand visibility among donors, prospective supporters, clients, caregivers, government officials, community organizations, corporate partners, media outlets, and the general public
- Support agency-wide marketing, branding, and communications initiatives
- Assist with projects including website redesign with accessibility focus, brand redesign and rollout, marketing campaigns, and organizational messaging
- Lead the development of JASA's annual Impact Report
- Collaborate with program leadership to identify compelling client stories
- Conduct client interviews (virtual and in-person)
- Develop engaging written content for multiple audiences
- Coordinate photography, metrics, testimonials, and program highlights
- Ensure consistent messaging across all communications
- Work closely with JASA's PR consultants to identify media opportunities
- Develop media pitches supporting organizational campaigns
- Coordinate interviews and press opportunities
- Identify opportunities for JASA leadership and staff to serve as subject matter experts, conference speakers, award nominees, and media spokespersons
- Support crisis communications and reputation management efforts
- Oversee social media strategy across multiple platforms
- Expand JASA's online presence and digital engagement
- Explore opportunities to maximize Google Grant resources
- Ensure consistent messaging across Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, email campaigns, website, and digital marketing platforms
- Supervise the Digital Content & Communications Manager and Communications Associate
- Review and approve communications materials
- Provide coaching and professional development
- Ensure staff receive Canva and Emma training
- Oversee communications consultants and vendors
- Monitor project timelines, budgets, and deliverables
- Co-chair JASA's Outreach Committee
- Build relationships with Trustees, Program leadership, Advocacy team, Corporate partners, Community organizations, and Government officials
- Oversee the Client Ambassador Program
- Identify clients for media opportunities, corporate volunteer events, donor engagement, and public speaking opportunities
- Support fundraising initiatives through strategic communications
- Partner with the Advocacy Team to develop newsletters and outreach materials
- Create communications highlighting JASA's impact within elected officials' districts
- Recommend new audiences and engagement opportunities
- Prepare Board Communications Reports
- Monitor communications projects from concept through completion
- Travel throughout New York City as needed
- Attend occasional evening and weekend events
- Perform other duties as assigned
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage options
- Employee Wellness Programs (fitness + mental health support)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- 403(b) retirement plan
- Pension plan with employer contributions
- Paid vacation time
- Holidays and floating holidays
- Paid time off for work-life balance
- Training and continuing education opportunities
- Career growth within the organization
- Employee recognition programs celebrating contributions
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
