Communications Director

About the Position

The Communications Director is a key member of TAG’s leadership team and plays a central role in shaping how the organization communicates its science, advocacy, and impact to diverse audiences. We are seeking a strategic, creative, and highly organized communications professional who will bring structure, vision, and strong editorial judgment to TAG’s growing body of work.

This position reports to the Chief Operating Officer and maintains a direct working line to the Executive Director and Program Directors for programmatic communications needs, rapid response, and external messaging. It is a full-time, exempt role. The Communications Director will collaborate with program and development staff and will have access to external designers and creative vendors. As TAG’s communications needs expand, additional departmental support may be introduced.

A successful candidate will be able to synthesize complex scientific and advocacy content and translate it into clear, compelling communications across platforms — including social media, email, press, publications, and website. The role requires comfort working in a fast-paced environment, managing competing priorities, and ensuring TAG’s communications remain timely, consistent, and grounded in our mission for health justice. The Communications Director must be a self-starter who thrives with autonomy and can confidently lead communications execution from day one.

About TAG

Treatment Action Group (TAG) is an independent, activist, and community-based research and policy think tank committed to racial, gender, and LGBTQ+ equity; social justice; and liberation, fighting to end HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and hepatitis C virus (HCV). At TAG, we strive to reflect in our composition and operations the values, principles, and rights for which we advocate externally. This includes a commitment to equity and justice, as well as valuing diversity of experience, in our employment practices. We encourage Black, Latina/o/x, Indigenous, Asian, and other people of color; women; transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming people; and people with disabilities to apply.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Communications Leadership

• Develop and execute an overarching communications strategy that supports TAG’s development, policy, and program goals.
• Lead full campaign execution from start to finish, including developing messaging, coordinating visuals, scheduling posts and emails, updating the website, and ensuring cohesive rollout across all platforms.
• Advance TAG’s visibility by integrating scientific content, advocacy priorities, and community narratives into cohesive messaging.
• Partner with the Executive Director, COO, and Program Directors to plan and prioritize communications aligned with organizational goals.
• Strengthen TAG’s brand and ensure consistent voice, framing, and presentation across all platforms.
• Update, refine, and manage TAG’s style guide; train staff in its use to improve organization-wide communications quality.
• Collaborate with aligned organizations to extend campaign reach, coordinate messaging, and strengthen community-led communications efforts that reflect TAG’s mission and values.

Program Communications & Scientific Translation

• Understand and synthesize TAG’s scientific research, technical writing, and advocacy materials—translating them into accessible content for general audiences, policymakers, donors, and the media.
• Lead or support creation of fact sheets, issue briefs, one-pagers, advocacy alerts, and rapid-response statements.
• Work closely with Program and Policy Directors to ensure accuracy, coherence, and strategic alignment.

Press, Media, and Public Visibility

• Demonstrate strong, hands-on media relations experience, particularly with philanthropic, public health, and niche press outlets.
• Grow and cultivate TAG’s press list and media relationships, with an emphasis on earned media.
• Craft compelling narratives that elevate TAG’s performance, strategy, and position within the public health and advocacy landscape.
• Proactively pitch stories, secure coverage, and elevate TAG’s thought leadership.
• Support program staff in preparing for interviews, media interactions, and public events.
• Manage TAG’s press releases, statements, op-eds, and commentary.

Digital Communications & Social Media

• Oversee social media strategy, content creation, and engagement growth across all major platforms.
• Actively engage with followers, coordinate amplification with partner organizations, and cultivate sustained online relationships to expand TAG’s visibility and community reach.
• Develop compelling, tailored content, including graphics, short videos, infographics, and community stories, optimized for each platform and audience.
• Manage TAG’s social media presence across LinkedIn, Bluesky, Instagram, Facebook and begin expanding TAG’s presence on emerging platforms such as YouTube Shorts, TikTok, and Threads — including content development, publishing workflows, channel operations, and community management.
• Identify and nurture strategic social media partnerships.
• Identify emerging digital trends and cultural moments to guide real-time engagement and drive innovation across platforms.
• Oversee TAG’s email communications strategy and list growth.

Website & Digital Infrastructure

• Manage content and functionality of TAG’s WordPress website; update pages, upload publications, maintain accessibility standards, and coordinate plugin or backend updates.
• Manage and strategically place promotional content for campaigns, events, fundraising efforts, and (as applicable) merchandise, ensuring visibility, accuracy, and consistent updates across all digital channels.
• Track website analytics and engagement to inform communications strategies and support grant reporting.
• Serve as primary manager of TAG’s Salsa Engage platform.

Design, Production, and Vendor Management

• Oversee the annual calendar and production process for TAG publications (TAGline, Pipeline Reports, TB Research Funding Trends, Annual Report).
• Manage relationships with designers, copy editors, videographers, photographers, and other vendors; expand and maintain a strong roster of external creative partners.
• Guide publication design, layout, and production from concept to delivery.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and in alignment with TAG’s visual identity and brand.
• Develop ready-to-share partner toolkits — including graphics, captions, hashtags, and simple distribution instructions — to support amplification of TAG’s campaigns across external networks.

Donor & Fundraising Communications

• Work closely with the Development team to create compelling appeals, campaign materials, stewardship content, and event-related assets.
• Support communications for all TAG fundraising events, including the annual Research in Action Awards.
• Develop materials that strengthen donor engagement and help attract new supporters.
• Craft stories and campaigns that highlight TAG’s impact, community voices, and mission.

Qualifications

• Significant leadership experience in communications, public relations, or marketing, preferably in nonprofits, advocacy, public health, or science.
• Strong ability to translate complex scientific or policy material into clear, accessible language.
• Significant hands-on media relations experience; ability to proactively pitch stories and secure earned media, including with philanthropic and niche outlets.
• Excellent writing, editing, and editorial judgment.
• Exceptional narrative-writing and messaging skills, with the ability to frame TAG’s impact, strategy, and positioning for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated experience with press outreach, pitching, and earned media strategy.
• Proficiency in WordPress, social media platforms, analytics tools, and communications technologies.
• Experience in donor communications and fundraising communications strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with basic graphic design, content layout, and publication workflows.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build collaborative relationships across teams.
• Experience managing external vendors and creative partners.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and manage multiple deadlines.
• Commitment to TAG’s values of equity, inclusion, and social justice.
• Enthusiasm for TAG’s mission and familiarity with HIV, TB, HCV, harm reduction, or public health advocacy is a plus.
• Highly self-motivated and independent, with the ability to take initiative, set priorities, and lead communications execution from day one.

Location and Hours

This is a full-time, exempt position, with a standard expectation of 40 hours per week worked within TAG’s regular office hours (9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. ET). Occasional evening and weekend work may be required based on organizational needs.

TAG has a strong preference for candidates based in the greater New York City area who can regularly work from TAG’s Manhattan office.

TAG offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that includes:

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their dependents
• Generous paid time off, beginning with four weeks of vacation, plus paid sick leave and holidays
• Paid Family Leave (PFL)
• A TAG-provided laptop and necessary work tools
• Ability to contribute pre-tax commuter benefits
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• TAG-issued mobile phone or a monthly stipend for those using their own device
• Employer-paid life insurance
• An annual Freese Week
• A sponsored 403(b) retirement plan
• Hybrid work flexibility
• Robust professional development opportunities, including conference participation
• Access to mental health resources and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• A flexible, supportive, and mission-driven work environment
• TAG is an eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.