Director of Communications

Position Title:

Director of Communications

About Dramatists Guild Foundation:

Dramatists Guild Foundation (DGF) is a national charity that fuels the future of American theater by supporting the writers who create it. DGF fosters playwrights, composers, lyricists, and librettists at all stages of their careers. We sponsor educational programs; provide awards, grants, and stipends; offer free space to create new works; and give emergency aid to writers in need. By supporting and nurturing the creators of today, we protect the stories of tomorrow.

DGF is committed to sustaining an equitable and safe environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Access, equity, and authenticity are core values at DGF and we are dedicated to providing employees with a work environment that celebrates varied backgrounds and is free of discrimination and harassment. We encourage candidates of all ages who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Color, disabled, trans, non-binary, and queer to apply. All applications will receive consideration for employment.

Position Summary:

Responsible for DGF’s communication strategy, brand direction and overall messaging across online, print, media and social platforms aligned to the organization’s strategic plan.

Reports To:

Executive Director

Position Status:

Full-time Salaried

Start Date:

December 2025

Location:

520 8th Ave, Suite 2401, New York, NY 10018. The DGF Office is ADA accessible.

Ability to Work Remotely:

Remote/Hybrid

Salary:

$95,000/year

Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

Lead strategy and execution on all organizational communications to promote the mission and activities of DGF and maintain consistent and clear branding across internal media and public platforms

• Provide thought leadership and partnership with the ED, staff, Board, and Committees to help DGF reach its Communications and overall goals
• Identify and pursue brand-building opportunities for DGF to be aligned with the broader theater industry
• Develop overall Communications strategy for the organization, including how best to utilize social, press, print and web presence and developing new initiatives as appropriate
• Manage any staff or contractors needed to execute Communications strategy, including thoughtful ongoing management and annual review
• Plan and execute all promotional strategy and outreach for DGF’s fundraising efforts and special events
• Secure broadcast, print, and online press coverage for events and other DGF initiatives
• Work with the ED and Board of Directors to develop strategy and then secure theater talent and industry leaders to support fundraising efforts, including attending or performing at in-person events and participating in social campaigns
• Work closely with Development staff to promote and communicate fundraising initiatives with press and across DGF’s Marketing platforms.
• Work closely with Programs staff to communicate opportunities for Awards, Grants, educational programs, and other financial support through social media and press.
• Draft talking points and edit speeches for the Board President, Executive Director, and respective talent for public and private fundraising events, including the annual Gala.
• Draft press releases and secure media placements for events, fundraisers, and other organizational news
• Managing brand-building and content partnerships on behalf of DGF.
• Review and approve all public-facing promotional materials for branding approval, including donor reports, mailers, and fundraising invitations.
• Support Development team’s fundraising efforts through developing and executing e-mail campaigns and managing social media communications with writers and donors.
• Support Development team in ideating creative elements of fundraising efforts and talent/ambassador outreach
• Grow relationships with performers, agents, publicists, and industry leaders in the theater space
• Expand relationships with journalists, producers, photographers and videographers in the theater and entertainment space
• Prepare tracking reports for Executive Director and present at Board meetings
• Manage department budget
• Proactively identify areas where Communications systems, processes, etc. could be improved and execute those improvements or if improvements are beyond current resource allocations, discuss with ED what additional resources are needed to execute

Other Specific Duties Include:

• Collaborate with the DGF team through updates and communications in project management platform, Monday.com
• Maintain records in an organized fashion in Google Drive
• Attending occasional in-person and virtual work events (often evening); conversing with beneficiaries, donors, and Board Members.

Qualifications and Skills Required:

• Experience in developing and overseeing communications strategy for a national organization
• Experience managing staff and contractors to meet goals on time and on budget
• Advanced portfolio of media contacts to bring to the role, especially in the theater/entertainment industry.
• Advanced understanding of online marketing techniques, including experience working with e-mail and social marketing systems (Constant Contact, Buffer, etc.)
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills
• Strong project management skills
• Extreme attention to detail
• Ability to foresee challenges and problem solve
• Ability to direct graphic design vision for the organization
• Ability to hire and manage contractors
• Ability to work as part of a team and multitask
• Experience with basic HTML, specifically in WordPress
• Experience with targeted marketing, Google Analytics and SEO Strategy
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite

Educational Requirement:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree and/or 10 years of full-time, related work experience in the PR/Communications field

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.