Director of Communications

HOMELESS ALLIANCE•Oklahoma City, OK

16d•$45,000 - $55,000

About The Position

The Director of Communications is responsible for overseeing strategic marketing, storytelling, and public relations efforts for the Homeless Alliance and its initiatives. This role collaborates with the Community Engagement team and various department leaders to inform internal and external audiences, shape public understanding of homelessness, and strengthen the organization’s reputation and impact.

Requirements

Strong strategic judgment with the ability to translate organizational priorities into clear, compelling communications.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to adapt messaging for diverse audiences and platforms (AP Style proficiency required).
Demonstrated experience managing brand voice, public messaging, and reputational risk.
Sound understanding of public policy, systems issues, and ethical storytelling related to homelessness or human services.
Ability to communicate complex or sensitive topics with clarity, accuracy, and empathy.
Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple initiatives and meet deadlines.
Proven ability to collaborate across departments and build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Comfort handling confidential information and navigating high-stakes or crisis communication situations.
Ability to engage respectfully and effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including people with lived experience of homelessness.
Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, marketing, journalism, or a related field required; equivalent professional experience may be considered.
At least 2 years of experience in mass communications, public relations, or marketing.
Demonstrated experience executing organization-wide communications strategies.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, social media platforms, and common digital communications tools.

Nice To Haves

Experience serving as a media contact or managing media relations, including drafting press materials and preparing spokespeople.
Experience supporting or participating in nonprofit advocacy, public education, or community engagement efforts within nonprofit or public-sector environments.
Experience communicating about complex or sensitive social issues, preferably within a nonprofit, public-sector, or mission-driven organization.
Working knowledge of fundraising principles and donor communications, including how strategic messaging supports solicitation, stewardship, and donor engagement.
Experience managing digital communications platforms, including email marketing, social media, and websites.
Basic graphic design and photography skills, including experience creating visual assets for digital, print, and social media communications.

Responsibilities

Strategic Communications & Branding
Execute a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with the organization’s mission and goals.
Serve as steward of the Homeless Alliance brand, including messaging frameworks, voice, and visual identity
Ensure clarity, accuracy, and consistency across all internal and external communications.
Media Relations
Build and maintain strong relationships with local and regional media outlets.
Write and distribute press materials, including press releases and story pitches.
Respond to media inquiries and serve as a primary on-call contact for urgent media requests.
Train and prepare organizational spokespeople with key messages and interview talking points.
Advocacy
Monitor and stay informed about local, state, and federal public policy issues affecting homelessness, housing instability, and related services.
Partner with senior leadership and program staff to translate complex policy and systems issues into clear, accessible messaging for the public.
Develop educational communications that elevate lived experience, highlight systemic barriers, and explain the organization’s role in addressing homelessness.
Community Engagement & Public Speaking
Coordinate and manage speaking engagements, community presentations, and facility tours.
Deliver public presentations and train staff to lead tours and engage the public with consistent messaging and storytelling.
Work with the Director of Community Collaboration to identify and develop community-based events that increase awareness and understanding of the organization’s work.
Special Events
As part of the Community Engagement team, support the planning, promotion, and execution of signature events and campaigns such as Fresh StART shows, Clayton’s Turkey Tango, Family Volunteer Days, holiday gift sponsorship drive, Homecoming, etc.
Social Media & Digital Presence
Develop and implement email and social media strategies to increase engagement, reach, and visibility.
Create compelling content for email, social media, websites, and other digital platforms.
Maintain and regularly update website content to ensure accuracy and relevance.
Track performance metrics and use data to refine digital strategies.
Volunteer, Partner, & Donor Communications
Create and distribute marketing and informational materials (e.g., brochures, flyers).
Support Development staff in writing and designing materials for solicitation and stewardship, including emails, postcards, and other mailers.
Promote fundraising initiatives and donor engagement through targeted communications.
Maintain awareness of in-kind donation needs and proactively communicate those needs to the public.
Internal & Crisis Communications
Support internal communications in partnership with the Chief Human Resources Officer.
Develop and implement crisis communication plans and advise the CEO during sensitive or high-risk communication situations.