Director, Communications

Water Environment Federation • Alexandria, VA

17h • $115,000 - $135,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Communications is responsible for shaping, protecting, and amplifying the
Water Environment Federation’s voice and reputation. This leader owns WEF’s message
platform, executive communications, crisis and issues response, media relations, and internal
communications.

The Director of Communications ensures the organization communicates with clarity,
credibility, and consistency across all audiences — including members, media, policymakers,
partners, internal staff, and the Board of Trustees. Working collaboratively across the
Marcomm portfolio and the broader organization, this role strengthens WEF’s presence as a
trusted authority in water and elevates the voices of its leadership.

The Director, Communications must thrive on initiative, problem solving, being agile, inclusive
and be a team player. The ideal candidate will have experience supporting a matrixed
organization and be eager to support WEF’s mission. Candidates must be a self-starter with
motivation to work in a highly collaborative team to make a significant difference in the water
sector.

Requirements

• BS or BA degree with 10+ years of progressively responsible communications leadership.
• 5+ years of people leadership responsibility.
• Proven experience in issues management, crisis communications, and media relations.
• Strong writing, editing, and strategic messaging skills.
• Experience supporting senior executives and governing boards.
• Ability to manage complex, sensitive issues with discretion and strong judgment.
• Collaborative leadership style with ability to influence across departments.
• Ability to travel approximately 20 - 25% of the year to attend WEF events and industry conferences.

Nice To Haves

• Water sector experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Message Platform & Narrative Leadership: Own and maintain WEF’s message platform, narrative architecture, and core talking points. Ensure all internal and external communications are aligned to organizational strategy and brand voice. Collaborate with Marketing to align messaging within organization-wide campaigns reaching membership and cross-WEF narratives.
• Executive & Governance Communications: Lead executive communications for the senior leadership team, and key spokespeople. Develop speeches, remarks, op-eds, talking points, and thought leadership content. Manage Board of Trustees and governance communications, ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment.
• Media Relations & Press Office: Oversee proactive and reactive media strategy, including placement, press outreach, spokesperson preparation, and media training. Build and maintain relationships with national, industry, and sector media. Lead development of press materials, statements, and media briefings.
• Crisis & Issues Communications: Serve as the lead strategist and operator for crisis and issues response. Maintain and update crisis communications plans, scenario playbooks, and rapid response protocols. Coordinate across departments and with leadership to ensure timely, accurate response and message discipline.
• Internal Communications: Lead internal communications strategy and execution to strengthen alignment, transparency, and organizational culture. Develop messaging, staff updates, leadership communications, and internal briefings. Partner with HR, and department leaders on organizational announcements.
• Content & Social Collaboration: Partner with Content Creation leaders to ensure editorial coherence and message alignment. Lead WEF social media coordination to ensure consistent voice and reactive support where needed.
• Team Leadership & Management: Manage direct reports and/or agency partners supporting media relations, editorial planning, and crisis/issue comms. Provide steady leadership, coaching, and clear expectations during both calm and high-pressure periods.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director