Sr. Manager, Communications

Heartland Alliance International•Chicago, IL

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

This is a newly created role and a rare opportunity to build HAI’s communications function from the ground up. The Sr. Manager, Communications will develop and manage communications and marketing strategies across HAI’s global and domestic programs to advance human rights, health equity, and social justice. This role will drive strategic communications that elevate HAI’s impact, amplify the voices of survivors, and engage public and private sector stakeholders. Working across global and domestic programs, the Sr. Manager, Communications will lead the planning and implementation of strategic communications, media relations, digital engagement, brand management, and donor communications that drive awareness, strengthen fundraising efforts, and advance HAI’s mission and impact worldwide. The Sr. Manager will also lead the rollout and implementation of HAI’s new organizational brand identity and, as the function grows, may have the opportunity to supervise communications staff.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations, or a related field.
8+ years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit communications, marketing, media relations, or public relations leadership.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including experience developing and implementing organizational communications strategies.
Experience managing diverse stakeholder relationships and cross-functional teams.
Significant experience within a human rights, social justice, or nonprofit organization.
Ability to work effectively across cultures and in international environments.
Proficiency in Microsoft 365
Ability to remain calm, flexible, and solution-oriented in high-pressure or crisis situations.
Commitment to ethical practice, confidentiality standards, and professional development.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or a related field.
Prior supervisory experience
Experience leading integrated communications or brand campaigns that have increased visibility, engagement, or fundraising results.
Direct experience working on issues related to mental health, human rights, trauma-informed systems, or access to care.
Strong media relations experience and demonstrated success securing earned media coverage.
Fluency in one of HAI’s working languages (Spanish, French or Arabic).

Responsibilities

Help establish the communications function’s strategy, systems, and processes.
Serve as HAI’s primary communications subject-matter resource, ensuring consistent messaging, voice, and visual identity across external communications.
Develop and implement an integrated communications strategy aligned with organizational priorities.
Manage the organization-wide rollout and implementation of HAI’s new brand identity, ensuring adoption across programs, platforms, and materials.
Provide communications guidance and recommendations to senior leadership on brand management, crisis communications, and stakeholder relations.
Support efforts to increase the organization’s visibility and engagement globally and domestically.
Develop and distribute donor communications to elevate programs and mission with new and existing institutional and individual donors.
Collaborate with leadership and across internal programs, research, and partnerships teams to align communications objectives.
Lead implementation of HAI’s organizational brand strategy and ensure consistent messaging, visual identity, and voice across all communications.
Manage communications planning and implementation across HAI’s website, email, media, digital platforms, publications, and public engagement activities.
Lead organizational storytelling and narratives that highlight survivors’ voices, program impact, and donor stewardship.
Manage media outreach, press releases, op-eds, reports, speeches, and public statements.
Assist the Sr. Director of Strategic Partnerships & Development in managing departmental budgets and work plans.
Establish performance metrics that evaluate the effectiveness of communications initiatives.
Manage external communications consultants, contractors, and agencies as assigned.
Support planning and recruitment for additional communications resources as the function grows.