Senior Director, Brand & Communications

Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors•New York, NY

3d•$195,000 - $205,000

About The Position

The Senior Director of Brand & Communications is a strategic and creative leader responsible for shaping and stewarding the voice, brand, and narrative of the organization across all internal and external channels, ensuring that every communication advances the organization’s mission, reflects its values, and tells the story of its impact and commitment to justice-centered philanthropy around the globe. This role leads the development and execution of a comprehensive communications strategy that advances the organization’s mission and business development, strengthens its visibility and credibility, and fosters alignment and engagement among staff, partners, and the broader philanthropic and social impact ecosystem. Reporting to the Co-Chief Executive Officer, the Director oversees all aspects of brand management, digital and media strategy, Office of the CEO and executive leadership communications, storytelling, and internal communications. This role ensures the organization’s communications reflect its values, highlight its work and impact, elevate its voice and visibility, and connect authentically with diverse philanthropy audiences—including grantees, funders, staff, global collaborators, and the public. The Senior Director understands the power of narrative to; drive systems change, promote RPA’s mission, commitment to equity, community-centered messaging. the proven ability to translate complex work into compelling, accessible content.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, or related field or equivalent experience required (12+ years).
Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communications skills
Proven senior level experience developing and executing communications strategies, including digital strategy, in a nonprofit, philanthropic, or mission-driven organization.
Strong understanding of social justice, equity-focused language, and narrative change principles.
Track record of managing media relationships, digital platforms, and brand identity systems.
Familiarity with philanthropy sector audiences and the communications nuances of donor/grantee/stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

Develop a communications and branding strategy aligned with the organization’s mission and strategic plan.
Partner with leadership as relevant to ensure clear, cohesive messaging in RPA’s voice across all internal and external platforms including newsletters, website, social media, and publications.
Refine the organization’s voice, brand, and narrative in a way that centers justice and equity and is grounded in cultural competence.
Determine approaches and messages that align with mission and brand that support RPA’s continued viability and sustainability, including key audience channels and aligned messages that support donor development and partnerships.
Elevate the visibility of RPA’s thought leadership in partnership with Inquiry and Insights.
Serve as strategic advisor to the Co-CEOs on messaging and public speaking.
Lead media relations, including proactive press outreach, rapid response, and relationship management with journalists and sector influencers.
Oversee the digital strategy and content, including website, social media, newsletters, and multimedia storytelling and provide direction to the team on implementation.
Partner with executive leadership and teams across the organization, including core teams, Advisory, and Sponsored Project leadership to support communication efforts around key initiatives, events, and campaigns and amplify programmatic, core operations, and thought leadership work.
Maintains enterprise-wide awareness, including major sponsored project communications and provides executive counsel and risk-based communications guidance for complex, high-visibility, or sensitive matters that may impact the organization's reputation, stakeholders, or strategic objectives.
Develop and oversee processes for tracking initiatives, campaigns, and outreach.
Design and implement internal communications systems that strengthen employee connection, clarity, and alignment.
Collaborate with core teams to ensure transparent and timely communication during change, growth, or strategic planning efforts.
Build resources to support staff in communications opportunities and engagements (e.g., media training, message alignment, sharing on social media, etc.).
Refine and protect the organization’s brand identity and voice across all touchpoints, ensuring alignment with values of justice, equity, trust, and community.
Oversee brand assets and ensure consistency across visual design, tone, and messaging.
Manage organizational media presence, including pitching, placements, and media relationships.
Partner with functional leaders to develop, manage, and curate strategic visibility opportunities for Co-CEOs, executive leadership, and colleagues, thoughtfully positioning them to represent RPA externally.
Maintain and strengthen a coherent, values-aligned brand identity and experience.
Uses expertise to act as an organizational authority on planning, organizing, prioritizing, and overseeing communications activities to efficiently meet RPA’s objectives.
Exercises independent judgment in developing solutions to apply a comprehensive understanding of the sector environment and the organization’s objectives, developing solutions while providing guidance to others.
Applies expertise to act as the organizational authority on maximizing RPA’s brand impact and market value by managing and developing all aspects of the brand.
Works at an advanced level and exercises broad decision-making authority in developing communications and brand strategies, navigating ambiguity, balancing competing priorities, and aligning leaders to achieve organizational objectives.
Direct supervision of communications staff
Management of external vendors, agencies, and consultants
Collaboration with cross-functional leaders on integrated campaigns and messaging.