Senior Director of Communications

For The People • Oakland, CA

6d • $145,000 - $170,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

For The People (FTP) is seeking a Senior Director of Communications to lead and elevate the organization's external communications. This role is responsible for managing all aspects of external communications to enhance FTP's profile with funders, prosecutors, policymakers, community partners, criminal justice reform advocates, the media, and other key stakeholders. The Senior Director will report to the CEO, partner with leadership to develop and execute communication strategies and campaigns, and manage staff and consultants. The position offers an opportunity to build out the communications function, hire a team member, and drive the organization's brand forward. The ideal candidate is a collaborative, hands-on leader skilled in strategy development, team guidance, and execution.

Requirements

• 10+ years of senior-level experience in marketing, communications, journalism, social media, or related fields with increasing responsibility.
• Demonstrated ability to manage individuals and teams.
• Demonstrated experience serving as 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.
• Dedication to FTP’s mission of safely releasing people from prison, ending institutional racism, and restoring dignity.
• Extensive experience working in a team environment with diverse organizations and people across various backgrounds and sectors.
• Proven experience developing and implementing plans that blend PR, marketing, social media, and advocacy.
• Track record of elevating brands and leaders to advance organizational goals.
• Ability to quickly and skillfully write and edit (opinion pieces, strategy documents, reports, newsletters, etc.) with a keen eye for brand style.
• Ability and history of bringing new, creative ideas to the table.
• Extensive experience in project management with the ability to deliver high-quality results under multiple, competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to adjust to changing needs, including rapid-response communications and occasional evening or weekend events.
• Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.
• Willingness to travel as needed (for non-Bay Area candidates) and work primarily within PST business hours.

Nice To Haves

• Exceptional candidates located elsewhere in the U.S. who are willing to travel as needed and work primarily within PST business hours.

Responsibilities

• Act as a thought-partner to the CEO and leadership team, translating ideas into actionable communications strategies.
• Lead the development of FTP’s overarching communications and marketing plan, including goals, milestones, metrics, and integrated campaigns.
• Manage the implementation of the communications plan to ensure all deliverables are met.
• Lead internal communication strategies to maintain team unity and manage change and crisis communications.
• Manage the Communications Team budget, including the selection and management of consultants and vendors.
• Drive media relations 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 beneficiaries.
• Develop compelling messaging and narratives to strengthen brand visibility and position FTP as a leading voice.
• Pitch events, awards, and other recognitions to elevate FTP’s and staff’s profiles.
• Serve as Executive Editor for all organizational publications, ensuring content is on-message and approved.
• Manage the development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic collateral.
• Oversee all social media activities, including branding, advocacy campaigns, and maintaining a consistent presence.
• Lead and oversee the production of ethical, high-quality multimedia storytelling and video projects.
• Ensure the organization’s website is properly maintained and updated.
• Partner with development and executive staff to create compelling fundraising content.
• Collaborate cross-functionally and direct staff and consultants in executing communications and marketing events.
• Lead, mentor, and manage members of the Communications Team.
• Support prioritization and delegation across communications initiatives.
• Lead the identification, capture, analysis, and reporting of data for marketing and communications.

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