DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES OF THE NAT•Washington, DC

2d•$113,000 - $125,500•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Marketing & Communications [Director] oversees organizational messaging, brand stewardship, and audience engagement strategies. The role leads the organization's marketing, communications, media relations, digital engagement, and audience growth efforts to increase visibility, strengthen stakeholder engagement, support fundraising and advocacy goals, and advance LSSNCA's mission. Reporting to the Vice President, Institutional Advancement, this role serves as a strategic and outward-facing leader, while partnering closely with internal stakeholders across Development and Programs. The Director collaborates with the Development team to strengthen fundraising, donor engagement, and stewardship efforts, and works with Program teams to elevate services and communicate impact to clients, funders, community partners, and other key stakeholders. The Director also leads LSSNCA's advocacy communications and engagement efforts, helping position the organization as an authentic and credible voice on issues affecting the individuals and communities it serves. In partnership with executive leadership, the Director of Legal Services & Advocacy, and program subject matter experts, the Director advances advocacy priorities through strategic messaging, public awareness campaigns, coalition engagement, media relations, and thought leadership opportunities. The Director oversees the Marketing & Communications team and the department's portfolio-based account management model, ensuring marketing, communications, and advocacy efforts are aligned with organizational priorities and responsive to the needs of both internal and external partners.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Public Policy, or a related field required
Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, communications, public relations, advocacy, or a related field
Minimum 3 years of supervisory experience, including coaching, mentoring, and managing high-performing teams
Experience developing and executing integrated marketing and communications strategies
Experience supporting fundraising, donor engagement, or mission-driven growth initiatives
Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to tailor messages to diverse audiences
Demonstrated experience in brand management, storytelling, and organizational messaging
Experience managing digital communications channels, including websites, email marketing, social media, and content platforms
Strong strategic planning, project management, and organizational skills
Ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively across departments and stakeholder groups
Experience serving as an organizational spokesperson and managing media relations
Ability to analyze performance metrics and use data to inform strategy and decision-making
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and thrive in a fast-paced environment

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred
Experience supporting advocacy, public awareness, community engagement, or public policy initiatives preferred
Experience working with coalitions, community partners, or stakeholder groups preferred
Familiarity with legislative, regulatory, and public policy environments is a plus
Experience within the nonprofit, human services, refugee resettlement, immigration, behavioral health, or related sectors
Experience managing external vendors, consultants, and agency partners
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, CRM systems, email marketing platforms, website content management systems, and social media management tools
Knowledge of graphic design, Adobe Creative Suite, and content development best practices preferred
Familiarity with communities and stakeholders served by LSSNCA

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the organization's marketing and communications strategy
Align messaging with LSSNCA's strategic plan and mission
Establish annual goals, KPIs, and campaign priorities
Manage departmental budget, vendors, and external partners
Serve as steward of the LSSNCA brand
Ensure consistency across all communications and marketing channels
Monitor and strengthen organizational reputation
Develop brand standards, messaging frameworks, and communication guidelines
Audit LSSNCA audience needs, including support of donor, volunteer, mentor, and client acquisition strategies
Oversee digital marketing, email marketing, social media, and website strategy
Develop campaigns to increase awareness, engagement, and participation
Drive audience growth and conversion across key stakeholder groups
Oversee internal and external communications
Lead organizational storytelling and impact communications
Develop executive messaging and thought leadership opportunities
Manage media relations and public relations activities
Support visibility and utilization of LSSNCA programs and services
Partner with program teams to develop outreach strategies
Create marketing plans for key organizational initiatives and events
Amplify client success stories and community impact
Support organizational advocacy priorities through strategic communications
Collaborate with the Director of Legal Services & Advocacy to elevate policy issues and community impact
Develop advocacy campaigns, action alerts, and public awareness efforts
Assist with coalition communications and public positioning
Supervise Communications Manager and Marketing Coordinator
Establish project management processes and workflows
Prioritize requests and allocate resources across departments
Foster collaboration with Development, Programs, Legal, and Executive Leadership