Director of Communications

Walker•Needham, MA

About The Position

Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs is a Massachusetts-based organization serving children, youth, and families through trauma-informed residential, educational, clinical, behavioral health, and community-based services. The Director of Communications leads a strategic, mission-driven communications function to elevate Walker’s impact, strengthen its reputation, and deepen engagement with key audiences. Reporting directly to the CEO or designee, the Director develops and leads communications strategies that support organizational priorities, including engagement, philanthropy and fundraising, program growth, advocacy, and community partnerships. The Director ensures consistent, accessible, high-quality messaging across internal and external channels and positions Walker as a trusted leader in behavioral health, special education, and human services. The role works closely with the CEO, Strategic Leadership Team, Advancement, and program teams to communicate organizational initiatives, change, impact, and expertise. This position is scheduled 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 building locations 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 to 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 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 up to 25 pounds.
Ability to travel to multiple building locations on and off campus.
Successfully complete background check suitability requirements.
Have reliable transportation.

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 that advances Walker’s mission, vision, strategic priorities, and organizational goals.
Partner with the CEO and Strategic Leadership Team to develop communication plans for key initiatives, organizational change, advocacy, and strategic growth.
Ensure consistent, mission-driven messaging across internal and external communication channels.
Monitor emerging trends and audience needs to shape communications strategy and organizational positioning.
Advise leadership on communications approaches, messaging, and brand stewardship.
Strengthen and protect Walker’s brand identity, voice, and reputation.
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 and ensure communications are accurate, accessible, engaging, and aligned with organizational values.
Manage a content calendar supporting organizational priorities and audience engagement.
Serve as the primary contact for media inquiries and public communications.
Develop media relations strategies and draft press releases, talking points, statements, speeches, and other media materials.
Cultivate relationships with media representatives, community organizations, and external partners.
Partner with leadership on transparent communications that foster trust and support the organization during 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 audience engagement metrics and use them to improve communications.
Ensure digital content follows accessibility, usability, and brand-consistency best practices.
Evaluate and adopt emerging communications tools and technologies.
Partner with Advancement, Program, and the Strategic Leadership Team to support fundraising, donor engagement, and community relations.
Develop communications materials for donors, referral sources, foundations, community partners, and other audiences.
Promote Walker’s thought leadership and expertise in behavioral health, special education, and human services.
Support public events, community outreach, and organizational 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 communications effectiveness using qualitative and quantitative measures.
Conduct audience research and gather feedback to guide communications strategy and priorities.
Assess brand awareness, community engagement, and communications outcomes.
Provide leadership with recommendations for continuous improvement based on performance data.
Perform other duties as assigned.