Communications & Advocacy Lead

Open Arms Perinatal Services • Seattle, WA

3d • $33 - $34 • Hybrid

About The Position

Open Arms is seeking a Communications Lead inspired by its mission and passionate about birth justice and addressing racial and economic health disparities surrounding maternal and infant health. This role requires a blend of strategic communications and compelling storytelling to engage diverse audiences. The ideal candidate possesses a strong equity lens, exceptional writing skills, creativity, vision, and excellent organizational abilities for daily task management. The Communications Lead will be responsible for generating, reviewing, and editing external communications, and will supervise a Communications Coordinator. This position involves close collaboration with the Managing Director and Development Director to develop and execute strategic communications. As Open Arms grows, the team member must be flexible, adaptable, and comfortable with a broad range of communications activities. The role requires independent work, a coaching approach to supervision, and collaborative work within a relational team. The Communications Lead reports to the Managing Director, works closely with the Development team, and supervises the Communications Coordinator and communications consultants/vendors. A key aspect of this role is highlighting the organization's daily work by collaborating with program teams across the organization.

Requirements

• Approximately 2-3 years of previous work experience in communications, marketing, or development, ideally for a nonprofit, and approximately 1 year of successful supervision experience.
• Skilled communicator and compelling storyteller who is both creative and attentive to details and deadlines.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, and the ability to be a skilled editor in English.
• Ability to creatively frame ideas and develop stories to appeal to a diversity of audiences with an approach to storytelling that is respectful and strengths-based.
• Passion for and commitment to the mission of Open Arms and community-based work.
• Background in or understanding community-based work, birthwork, maternal and child health, and early learning issues is preferred.
• Comfortable engaging around topics of social justice and racial equity and dismantling oppressive systems; self-reflective and willing to continually grow and learn.
• Experience in and comfort with working with a diverse staff and with communities of color.
• Strong racial, disability, gender and economic justice framework.
• Commitment to anti-oppression and de-colonization work with a focus on racial equity and reproductive justice, specific to birth justice.
• Self-starter who is able to work independently, but also collaborative and works well as part of a highly relational team.
• Project management experience managing complex projects that involve multiple contributors, deadlines, and audiences.
• Experience understanding and presenting data metrics.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint) and Adobe (Acrobat DC); experience with Constant Contact (or other email marketing services), WordPress, Canva, and social media management; and the ability to adapt to new technologies.
• Ability to make straightforward web content updates (coding not required).
• Experience and comfort with media inquiries.
• Aptitude for solving problems with creativity and resourcefulness.
• Demonstrated success in creating and implementing systems and processes.
• Comfort with change and adapting to new structures and systems.
• Willingness to take part in occasional in-person meetings and events outside of core business hours.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail, follow up, and task management.
• Ability to develop positive relationships with clients, doulas, providers, organizations, and staff and demonstrated success in working collaboratively with others.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality around sensitive information.
• Passion for and commitment to the mission of Open Arms and community-based work.
• Experience in working with a diverse staff and with communities of color.
• Strong racial, disability, gender and economic justice framework.
• Commitment to anti-oppression and de-colonization work with a focus on racial equity and reproductive justice, specific to birth justice.
• COVID-19 proof of full vaccination, booster after January 2022, or medical or religious exemption request is required for in-person work.
• Background check and reference checks are required.
• Proof of eligibility to work as an employee in the U.S. and a Washington state resident.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License and reliable transportation with current automobile insurance for work-related meetings and events.

Nice To Haves

• Background in or understanding community-based work, birthwork, maternal and child health, and early learning issues is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Help tell the stories of Open Arms and community partners to advance birth equity.
• Identify, research, develop, and write impactful stories.
• Work with Communications Coordinator to interview individuals for stories.
• Tailor content for different audiences and purposes.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director, Development team, and Program teams.
• Ensure that stories are authentic, ethical, respectful, strength-based, and aligned with Open Arms’ values.
• Ensure timeliness, organization, and consistency in Open Arms’ communications.
• Supervise Communications Coordinator. Oversee contractors and vendors for communications projects. Apply a coaching approach to supervision.
• Create and manage the annual communications calendar.
• Create and maintain communications templates and tools.
• Manage translation of materials.
• Ensure that content aligns with Open Arms’ mission, vision, and values.
• Be the final editor for errors and tone.
• Lead special projects and stay informed on new opportunities.
• Coordinate the design and content of fundraising materials such as the newsletter, annual report, and the annual appeal. Collaborate with the Development team.
• Coordinate marketing materials for Open Arms programs. Collaborate with the Program teams.
• Maintain tone and brand consistency across platforms.
• Maintain and improve client family communication strategies using tools such as SMS alerts.
• Oversee website management, including content updates and SEO.
• Work with the Communications Coordinator to push content to various platforms (eblasts, social media, video, etc).
• Manage Open Arms’ public relations efforts.
• Seek media coverage and handle press logistics, including press releases and media kits.
• Foster relationships with journalists and content creators.
• Respond to press inquiries and coordinate logistics.
• Attend media-related events as needed.
• Attend community events as needed.
• Work with the Communications Coordinator to stock tabling kits for community events.
• Collaborate with lobbyists and advocacy partners to identify legislative priorities and support advocacy initiatives. Main point of contact for Legislative Liaison.
• Craft and deliver advocacy messages, serving as a spokesperson and co-writer for organizational leaders.
• Seek opportunities and make recommendations for advocacy opportunities for Open Arms.
• Maintain involvement with the Doulas 4 All Coalition and other community groups. Share information with Open Arms.
• Advise the Leadership team on external communications strategy.
• Keep up to date on trends and new tools, and make recommendations for changes.
• Work closely with program directors and leads on strategy.
• Through strategic and intentional communication efforts, elevate Open Arms’ expertise toward being a thought leader in community-based services, birth work, and birth justice.
• Ensure that communications strategies are aligned with organizational goals and values, make recommendations for changes.
• Track engagement and effectiveness of efforts using analytics.
• Use data to enhance storytelling and advocacy efforts.
• Gather feedback to refine approaches.
• Report trends using data and use data to highlight concerns and opportunities.

Benefits

• Paid health, dental, vision, and disability insurance
• Generous paid time off including vacation, sick, and holidays: 13 days of vacation per year for full-time employees with anniversary increases; 13 days for sick and safe time; 23 paid holidays; 2 floating holidays
• Employee assistance program
• Mileage reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities
• 401k employer match starting later in 2026
• Option to contribute to a 401k, flexible spending and dependent care expenses account, and supplemental insurance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed