Communications Director

For The People • Oakland, CA

1d • $135,000 - $155,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Communications Director manages all aspects of the organization’s external-facing communications, elevating our profile with funders; prosecutors and other law enforcement audiences; policymakers; community partners; criminal justice reform advocates; the media; and other key stakeholders. The Director partners with Executive Leadership to develop and lead FTP’s marketing and communication strategies and campaigns, managing staff and consultants to deliver high-quality work that align with organizational strategies and goals.
The Communications Director reports to the Chief Executive Officer, participates on the Leadership Team, and directly manages one other Communications colleague. This is a highly collaborative and hands-on leadership role for someone who is equally comfortable shaping strategy, guiding teams, and actively driving execution.

Requirements

• A dedication to our mission of safely releasing people from prison, ending institutional racism, and restoring dignity to those impacted by the criminal justice system.
• Experience working in a team environment with a diverse group of organizations and people across a wide range of backgrounds and sectors.
• Experience developing and implementing plans that blend PR, marketing, social media, and advocacy to influence key audiences.
• A track record of elevating brands and leaders to advance organizational goals.
• Excellent writing and editing skills for opinion pieces, strategy documents, reports, and newsletters; a keen eye for brand style.
• The willingness and ability to bring new, creative ideas to the table.
• Extensive experience in project management with the ability to deliver high-quality results under multiple, competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Track record of managing individuals and teams.
• Working knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs, Salesforce, Box, and Asana.
• Ability to adjust to changing needs, including rapid-response communications and occasional evening or weekend events.
• 10+ years of work experience in marketing, communications, journalism, social media, or other related fields with increasing levels of responsibility and a demonstrated ability to manage individuals and teams.
• Experience working with diverse communities and a deep commitment to social justice.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license and be willing to drive to locations in the San Francisco Bay Area, including prison releases.
• Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States to be considered for this role.

Nice To Haves

• We are open to considering flexible arrangements for the right candidate.

Responsibilities

• Act as a thought-partner to the CEO and leadership team; capable of generating and capturing expansive ideas, and translating them into a clear, actionable communications strategy and roadmap.
• Partner with Executive Leadership to develop and lead organization’s overarching communications and marketing plan, including annual and quarterly goals, milestones and metrics, integrated campaigns and initiatives, and implementation planning.
• Collaborate with the CEO, team, and consultants to manage implementation of our organization’s communication plan to ensure all deliverables are met.
• Lead internal communication strategies to ensure the team remains unified and informed as the organization evolves; manage change and serve as the lead for crisis communications and rapid response needs.
• Manage the Communications Team budget at the organizational and project level based on annual budget planning done with leadership, including selection and management of consultants and vendors.
• Oversee media relations, directly or by managing staff or consultants, for reactive and proactive opportunities and thought-leadership.
• Identify and secure opportunities to showcase the organization’s work, solutions, team members, thought leadership, partners, and people who benefit from our approaches.
• Develop compelling messaging and narratives that strengthen brand visibility, deepen engagement, and position FTP as a leading voice in the field.
• Pitch events, awards, and other recognitions that elevate FTP’s and staff’s profiles.
• Serve as Executive Editor for all organizational publications to ensure content is on-message and approved for distribution.
• Manage the development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic collateral (newsletters, brochures, donor communications, and reports).
• Oversee all social media activities, including branding, advocacy campaigns, and ensuring a consistent, dynamic presence across platforms (Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn).
• Oversee the production of ethical, high-quality multimedia storytelling and video projects that showcase FTP’s impact (e.g., prison releases, family reunifications) with the highest degree of care, sensitivity, and respect.
• Ensure the organization’s website is properly maintained and updated with relevant, compelling information.
• Partner with development and executive staff to create compelling fundraising content for donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Collaborate cross-functionally and direct staff and consultants in the execution of communications and marketing events.
• Lead, mentor and manage members of the Communications Team ensuring the effective, successful and professional completion of all tasks.
• Support prioritization and delegation across communications initiatives, ensuring projects move forward effectively in alignment with organizational goals and evolving needs.
• Lead the identification, capture, analysis, and reporting of data for marketing and communications to leadership, the Board, and funders.

Benefits

• Salary of $135,000 - $155,000, depending on experience
• 100%-paid benefits package for the employee, including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, holidays and paid time off
• 25 paid hours for professional development/coaching
• Option to enroll in our 403(b) retirement plan

What This Job Offers

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