Director of Communications

WALKER INC•Needham, MA

4d•$95,000 - $115,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Communications leads Walker’s strategic communications function to elevate the organization’s impact, strengthen its reputation, and deepen engagement with key audiences. Reporting directly to the CEO or designee, this role builds and leads a proactive, mission-driven communications strategy supporting organizational priorities such as engagement, philanthropy and fundraising, program growth, advocacy, and community partnerships. The Director ensures consistent, accessible, high-quality messaging across internal and external channels and helps position Walker as a trusted leader in behavioral health, special education, and human services. Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs is a Needham-based organization serving children, youth, and families from more than 150 Massachusetts communities. Its trauma-informed residential, educational, and clinical services address complex social-emotional, behavioral, and learning needs. The organization delivers services through Residential & Educational Programs, Behavioral Health & Community-Based Services, and Walker Solutions. The Director oversees organizational messaging, brand management, storytelling and content development, media and public affairs, digital communications, community engagement, advancement support, and communications measurement. The role collaborates with the CEO, Strategic Leadership Team, Advancement, and Program teams; manages communications channels and content; advises leadership; and uses audience feedback and performance measures to improve communications. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with flexibility required for evenings and weekends based on organizational needs. Travel to multiple buildings on and off campus is required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, English, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.
At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, marketing, media relations, or corporate communications.
At least 3 years of leadership experience developing and executing strategic communications initiatives.
Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages for diverse audiences.
Strong strategic thinking and planning skills, and the ability to align communications initiatives with organizational priorities and business objectives.
Ability to develop compelling stories and content that communicate mission, impact, and organizational values.
Excellent editorial, proofreading, and content management skills with strong attention to detail.
Strong presentation and public-speaking abilities.
Ability to advise and coach leadership on messaging, communications strategy, and audience engagement.
Ability to handle sensitive situations with professionalism, sound judgment, discretion, and diplomacy.
Strong collaboration skills and ability to work effectively across departments and organizational levels.
Creative problem-solving skills and a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset.
Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, prioritize competing demands, and meet deadlines.
Flexibility to adapt to changing environments and organizational needs.
Ability to sit at a workstation for prolonged periods, consistent with OSHA suggestions and requirements.
Ability to lift packages weighing up to 25 pounds.
Ability to travel to multiple building locations on and off campus.
Successfully complete background check suitability requirements.
Must have reliable transportation.
Flexibility to work evenings and weekends based on organizational needs.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Business Administration, Nonprofit Leadership, or a related field.
6–7 years of communications experience in a nonprofit, healthcare, behavioral health, education, human services, or mission-driven organization.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with Walker’s mission, vision, strategic priorities, and organizational goals.
Partner with the CEO and Strategic Leadership Team to develop communications plans for initiatives, organizational change, advocacy, and strategic growth.
Ensure consistent, mission-driven messaging across internal and external channels and advise leadership on communications, messaging, and brand stewardship.
Monitor trends and audience needs to shape communications strategies and organizational positioning.
Strengthen and protect Walker’s brand identity, voice, and reputation across platforms and materials.
Develop stories highlighting Walker’s impact on children, families, employees, and communities.
Create, edit, and oversee newsletters, annual reports, presentations, digital content, promotional materials, and executive communications.
Establish editorial standards, ensure communications are accurate and accessible, and manage a content calendar.
Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries and public communications; develop media relations strategies and draft press releases, talking points, statements, speeches, and other media materials.
Build relationships with media representatives, community organizations, and external partners, and support transparent communications during organizational change, growth, and matters of public interest.
Oversee Walker’s website, social media platforms, and digital communications channels.
Develop and execute integrated digital campaigns to increase engagement, visibility, recruitment, and community awareness; monitor analytics and engagement metrics.
Ensure digital content follows accessibility, usability, and brand-consistency practices, and evaluate emerging communications tools and technologies.
Partner with Advancement, Program, and Strategic Leadership teams on fundraising, donor engagement, and community relations.
Develop communications materials for donors, referral sources, foundations, and community partners; promote Walker’s expertise and support public events, outreach, and recognition opportunities.
Increase awareness of Walker’s services, outcomes, and impact in the communities it serves.
Establish communications goals, key performance indicators, and reporting mechanisms; analyze effectiveness and conduct audience research.
Assess brand awareness, community engagement, and communications outcomes, and recommend improvements based on performance data.
Perform other duties as assigned.