Vice President, Communications and External Affairs

National Association of Community Health Centers • MD

86d • $220,000 - $250,000

About The Position

The Vice President, Communications and External Affairs elevates NACHC’s voice, visibility, and influence in advancing healthcare for all. This role develops and executes multimedia communications and public relations strategies that raise the national profile of Community Health Centers (CHC), shape discourse on community health policy, and position NACHC as a trusted information source. This role oversees strategic communications, media relations, public affairs, and grassroots advocacy to engage policymakers, mobilize diverse stakeholders, and ensure all external affairs reflect NACHC’s mission and values, provide data-driven insights, and advance NACHC’s commitment to improving community health outcomes.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and ten or more years of senior-level communications, advocacy, and public relations experience.
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to motivate and involve others in planning and achieving goals.
• Proven aptitude for tracking industry trends and evolving business strategies.
• Ability to develop, communicate, and execute effective strategies and plans.
• Ability to establish and maintain strong interpersonal and partner relationships.
• Highly developed organizational and project management skills.
• Experience leading a high-performing team, developing annual work plans, and managing budgets.

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency in CRM systems and databases.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of products.
• Proficiency with data analytics to inform business decisions.
• Proficiency with basic profit/loss management.

Responsibilities

• Lead NACHC Strategic Communications including brand compliance and consistency.
• Control and oversee flow of communications and information between NACHC and key publics.
• Ensure collateral materials are consistent with messaging and branding.
• Conduct quality control on all communications.
• Provide editorial oversight of NACHC content, including material for a website, press releases, marketing, and other types of content.
• Oversee NACHC’s digital, social, and owned media platforms to drive engagement and visibility among target audiences.
• Oversee crisis communications and reputation management strategies.
• Manage Communications Director and team, Grassroots Advocacy Director and team, and Speechwriter.
• Prepare and manage communications, grassroots advocacy, and public relations budget.
• Serve as a lead spokesperson and media strategist.
• Cultivate strong relationships with health, policy, and social justice reporters and editors.
• Oversee development of press releases, op-eds, statements, and rapid response materials.
• Monitor and analyze media coverage to inform messaging and proactive storytelling opportunities.
• Oversee press for all NACHC conferences, external engagements, and events.
• Leverage communications and social media platforms to strengthen public and nonpartisan political support for CHCs.
• Identify opportunities for impact and coverage.
• Work with stakeholders to ensure health center messaging remains consistent and aligned with policy and advocacy goals.
• Serve as the lead point of contact with PCAs/HCCNs/CHCs regarding technical assistance and training for media relations.
• Collaborate with NACHC staff and Board leadership to ensure the health center story is accurately amplified.
• Execute media deliverables in collaboration with all NACHC divisions.
• Develop media policies, rules, and procedures as appropriate.
• Design and lead public education and grassroots advocacy campaigns.
• Collaborate closely with policy and federal affairs teams to translate complex policy issues into accessible narratives.
• Build and manage relationships with PCAs, coalition partners, advocacy groups, and community organizations.
• Develop advocacy materials, toolkits, and training programs.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a multidisciplinary team of communications, media relations, and advocacy professionals.
• Manage budgets, contractors, and external consultants.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation.
• Comprehensive benefits.
• Opportunities for growth in a purpose-driven organization.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree