Senior Director of Communications

For The People • Oakland, CA

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

For The People is strengthening the senior leadership role of communications to elevate the way we connect with strategic audiences, tell our story, and establish our thought-leadership and position within the field. The Senior Director of Communications is a proven leader, strategist, and brand steward that owns and manages all aspects of the organization’s external communications, elevating our profile with funders; prosecutors and other law enforcement audiences; policymakers; community partners; criminal justice reform advocates; the media; and other key stakeholders. The Senior Director reports to the CEO and partners with leadership to develop and lead FTP’s communication strategies and campaigns, managing staff and consultants to deliver high-quality work that protect and propel FTP’s brand in alignment with organizational strategies and goals. The Senior Director of Communications will join at a pivotal time. They will hire and manage one other Communications colleague, as well as contractors, to expand the communications function and take the organization to the next level. The desired candidate is a highly collaborative and hands-on leader who is equally comfortable shaping strategy, guiding teams, and actively driving execution.

Requirements

• Demonstrate a dedication to our mission of safely releasing people from prison, ending institutional racism, and restoring dignity to those impacted by the criminal justice system.
• Have extensive experience working in a team environment with a diverse group of organizations and people across a wide range of backgrounds and sectors.
• Show proven experience developing and implementing plans that blend PR, marketing, social media, and advocacy to influence key audiences.
• Have a track record of elevating brands and leaders to advance organizational goals.
• Able to quickly and skillfully write and edit (opinion pieces, strategy documents, reports, newsletters, etc.), with a keen eye for brand style.
• Have an ability and history of bringing new, creative ideas to the table.
• Rely on extensive experience in project management with the ability to deliver high-quality results under multiple, competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Have a track record of managing individuals and teams.
• Show an ability to adjust to changing needs, including rapid-response communications and occasional evening or weekend events.
• 10 + years of work senior-level experience in marketing, communications, journalism, social media, or other related fields with increasing levels of responsibility and a demonstrated ability to manage individuals and teams.
• Demonstrated experience of serving as the lead counsel on communications with an organization’s top executives, including a CEO or Executive Director.
• Experience working with diverse communities and a deep commitment to social justice.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license and be willing to drive to locations in the San Francisco Bay Area, including prison releases.
• Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States to be considered for this role.
• We strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including formerly incarcerated and/or system-involved individuals.
• We look at each applicant’s full experience and consider each applicant.
• We encourage people from all backgrounds and experiences to apply.
• Individuals with lived experience of the criminal justice system and its impacts are strongly encouraged to apply.

Nice To Haves

• We believe there is great value in working and collaborating face-to-face and therefore strongly prefer to have this position based in the San Francisco Bay Area.
• We will also consider exceptional candidates located elsewhere in the U.S. who are willing to travel as needed and work primarily within PST business hours.
• Candidates who are not based in the San Francisco Bay Area should expect to travel to the Bay Area on at least a quarterly basis, with additional travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Act as a thought-partner to the CEO and leadership team; capable of generating and capturing expansive ideas, and translating them into a clear, actionable communications strategy and roadmap.
• Lead the process with Executive Leadership to develop FTP’s overarching communications and marketing plan, including annual and quarterly goals, milestones and metrics, integrated campaigns and initiatives, and implementation planning.
• Collaborate with the CEO, team, and consultants to manage implementation of our organization’s communication plan to ensure all deliverables are met.
• Lead internal communication strategies to ensure the team remains unified and informed as the organization evolves; manage change and serve as the lead for crisis communications and rapid response needs.
• Manage the Communications Team budget at the organizational and project level based on annual budget planning done with leadership, including selection and management of consultants and vendors.
• Drive media relations, directly or by managing staff or consultants, for reactive and proactive opportunities and thought-leadership.
• Identify and secure opportunities to showcase the organization’s work, solutions, team members, thought leadership, partners, and people who benefit from our approaches.
• Develop compelling messaging and narratives that strengthen brand visibility, deepen engagement, and position FTP as a leading voice in the field.
• Pitch events, awards, and other recognitions that elevate FTP’s and staff’s profiles.
• Serve as Executive Editor for all organizational publications to ensure content is on-message and approved for distribution.
• Manage the development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic collateral (newsletters, brochures, donor communications, and reports).
• Oversee all social media activities, including branding, advocacy campaigns, and ensuring a consistent, dynamic presence across platforms (Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn).
• Lead and oversee the production of ethical, high-quality multimedia storytelling and video projects that showcase FTP’s impact (e.g., prison releases, family reunifications) with the highest degree of care, sensitivity, and respect.
• Ensure the organization’s website is properly maintained and updated with relevant, compelling information.
• Partner with development and executive staff to create compelling fundraising content for donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Collaborate cross-functionally and direct staff and consultants in the execution of communications and marketing events.
• Lead, mentor and manage members of the Communications Team ensuring the effective, successful and professional completion of all tasks.
• Support prioritization and delegation across communications initiatives, ensuring projects move forward effectively in alignment with organizational goals and evolving needs.
• Lead the identification, capture, analysis, and reporting of data for marketing and communications to leadership, the Board, and funders.

Benefits

• Salary of $145,000 - $170,000, depending on experience
• 100%-paid benefits package for the employee, including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, holidays and paid time off
• 25 paid hours for professional development/coaching
• Option to enroll in our 403(b) retirement plan

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed