Director of Strategic Communications

New Moms • Chicago, IL

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

New Moms has been walking alongside young mothers and their children in Chicagoland since 1983. Our comprehensive model meets families where they are, and stays with them as they build stability. We support young moms to find stable housing, become job ready, and weave mental wellness and family support throughout - because lasting change requires all of it, together. Through our social enterprises, Bright Endeavors and Bright Path, we create hands-on workforce opportunities for participants while building the financial sustainability that keeps our mission moving. We are a learning organization, a policy voice, a committed partner in generational change, and we are growing. The Director of Strategic Communications is a leadership role responsible for shaping the organizational voice, brand architecture, and external positioning of New Moms and its social enterprises. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, this position serves as the strategic architect of how New Moms is known, understood, and trusted by donors, community partners, policymakers, employer partners, and the broader sector. This is not primarily an executional role. The Director sets strategic direction, narrative frameworks, and brand standards that guide all organizational communications, while managing the Marketing & Communications Manager, who leads day-to-day content execution. The Director also serves as an integrated partner to the Development team, shaping the fundraising narrative and donor-facing communications strategy to ensure cohesion between organizational brand and philanthropic engagement. This position will champion all New Moms values.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required
• Seven (7) or more years of progressive experience in communications, marketing, or brand strategy
• Three (3) or more years in a senior leadership or director-level role
• Experience developing organizational brand strategy and messaging frameworks
• Experience supervising staff and leading cross-functional initiatives
• Nonprofit experience strongly preferred; experience with social enterprise, fundraising communications, or human services is a plus
• Outstanding written, verbal, editing, and presentation skills
• Experience developing communications strategies and evaluating effectiveness through data
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with Salesforce preferred
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite or similar design software is helpful
• Valid driver's license with a safe driving record and current insurance
• Ability to occasionally work evenings and weekends for events or organizational needs

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in Communications, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, Public Affairs, or a related field preferred

Responsibilities

• Develop and steward New Moms' brand architecture, messaging framework, and organizational positioning across New Moms and its social enterprises
• Serve as the organization's brand steward, ensuring consistency in messaging, voice, and visual identity across all communications
• Provide strategic guidance on brand application across departments and initiatives
• Lead strategies that expand New Moms' visibility through media relations, public relations, and thought leadership opportunities
• Partner with leadership to elevate organizational impact stories and position New Moms and its social enterprises as sector leaders
• Develop crisis communications protocols and oversee reputation management
• Develop and oversee the annual communications strategy, including priorities, audiences, channels, and success metrics
• Provide strategic oversight of digital, print, video, and earned media communications
• Evaluate communications performance using data and audience insights to inform future strategies
• Partner with the Development team to strengthen the case for support and fundraising communications
• Provide strategic direction for donor messaging, stewardship materials, campaigns, and fundraising events
• Ensure organizational brand strategy aligns with philanthropic engagement goals
• Supervise and develop the Marketing & Communications Manager
• Partner with leaders across New Moms, Bright Endeavors, and Bright Path to ensure aligned communications strategies
• Serve as a strategic communications advisor to senior leadership and manage external communications vendors as needed
• Participate in department planning, budgeting, and organizational initiatives
• Maintain timely communication, pursue ongoing professional development, and uphold New Moms' values and service model
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Benefits

• Medical insurance with generous employer contribution
• Dental and vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance – 100% employer-paid
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for free counseling and resources
• Generous paid time off
• 15 paid holidays
• Half days on Fridays during the summer
• 403b retirement plan with employer match
• Pre-tax transportation benefits
• Professional development
• Free spiritual direction services

What This Job Offers

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