Director of Communications

The Landscape Architecture Foundation (LAF) seeks an enterprising, strategic, results-oriented digital communications professional to join our 8-person, collaborative team and build communications capacity for the organization. The Director of Communications leverages marketing, communications, and public relations to foster community and propel the landscape architecture discipline forward while supporting LAF programs, events, and fundraising efforts.

This new Director-level position will be an important member of LAF’s senior leadership team and will develop and implement communications strategies across a range of channels and organizational functions. The new role is an elevation of LAF’s only dedicated communications position, reflecting the evolution of the organization and the strategic leadership needed to collaboratively work through the transition and position LAF for growth as additional communications capacity is added in the future. This role is ideal for an experienced communicator who can set high-level strategy while rolling up their sleeves to drive execution, as well as contribute to broader organizational decision-making.

The full-time, 40 hour/week position is located in Washington, DC, and requires occasional travel within the U.S. LAF staff work a hybrid schedule with 2-3 fixed days per week in LAF’s downtown DC office. LAF is a national, 501(c)(3) charitable organization that invests in research, scholarships, and leadership initiatives to increase the influence and impact of landscape architects to create a more sustainable, just, and resilient future. The Director of Communications joins a passionate and forward-thinking team that is engaged with the leaders and next practices in the landscape architecture discipline.

Primary Responsibilities

This position is responsible for shaping and sustaining LAF’s voice and brand with effective materials and messages tailored to LAF’s key audiences, which include landscape architecture professionals, academics, and students; donors; partner and funder organizations; and built environment professionals. A key aim is to increase awareness about LAF and its value among landscape architects, allied groups, and potential funders.

Core communications responsibilities include the creation and dissemination of content across native and social media platforms, through media partnerships, and utilizing earned media. This position supports LAF programs and events through marketing to meet goals for applications and registrations, winner/participant recognition, and event communications and follow-up. This role also supports LAF’s development and fundraising efforts through storytelling and other content to showcase impact.

This position reports to the Chief Executive Officer and will be supported in the transition by the Senior Director of Programs, who currently oversees communications. The Director of Communications is part of LAF’s senior leadership team.

Planning and Strategy

• Develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies to advance LAF’s 2026-28 strategic plan, in particular the goal to expand LAF's reach, deepen brand affinity, and better leverage investments in people and ideas
• Assess current resources and systems and develop a forward-looking, scalable, multi-year communications capacity plan that includes people and infrastructure needs
• Build and hone LAF’s brand and voice, and develop strategies and benchmarks to increase awareness of LAF and landscape architecture
• Coordinate with program and development staff to develop and execute quarterly communications plans to support cyclical program, event, and fundraising objectives
• Stay abreast of communications and media trends to identify new opportunities
• Serve on LAF’s senior leadership team and provide strategic input to LAF’s programmatic, outreach, and fundraising initiatives, as well as the operational and multi-year strategic planning

Digital Communications

• Produce cyclical program and event announcements and disseminate them through digital channels
• Create content (copy and images) to maintain and regularly update the LAF website
• Lead the production of monthly e-newsletter and digital annual reports, including writing, editing, and formatting
• Conceptualize stories, do research, and conduct interviews to craft compelling messages and stories about the impact of LAF and landscape architecture
• Manage LAF social media accounts (primarily LinkedIn and Instagram) and develop plans and benchmarks for increasing followers and engagement
• Monitor, share, and engage on topics of interest

Media Relations

• Create integrated media materials, including press releases, articles, pitch letters, and social media messages to distribute to media contacts
• Identify, cultivate, and maintain ongoing relationships with key media outlets, organizations, influencers, and journalists
• Manage and update media contact lists, including social media accounts
• Pitch stories and LAF events to diverse media, including traditional reporters, bloggers, nonprofit organizations, and digital influencers

Data Analysis, Tracking and Reporting

• Monitor and measure the effectiveness of individual campaigns
• Track media coverage and mentions on digital and social media channels
• Monitor website, newsletter, and social media analytics and produce semi-annual reports
• Analyze and interpret data to develop insights and recommendations for LAF communications, programs, and other initiatives

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or related field preferred; equivalent experience will be considered
• A minimum of 5-7 years of work experience and demonstrated success in communications and communications strategy, preferably with a nonprofit or social impact organization or company
• Hands-on experience in developing, launching, and managing communication campaigns to achieve specific objectives
• Ability to plan, manage competing priorities, track and meet deadlines, and execute a variety of tasks and responsibilities
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, including editing to follow style guides
• Eye for design and strong attention to detail
• Understanding of content marketing and donor-focused storytelling
• Proven ability to oversee and optimize email marketing strategy and platforms
• Expertise in social media strategy, content creation and audience engagement (particularly for LinkedIn, Instagram)
• History of using website content management systems (e.g. Drupal, WordPress)
• Experience in managing team members, staff, volunteers, or consultants to produce communications materials
• High initiative and self-motivation with consistent demonstration as a successful, high-level performer

Preferred Qualifications

• Subject matter expertise or strong interest in sustainable design, green urbanism, and/or equitable development
• Skills and experience in graphic design, video editing, and/or photography
• Comfort with Adobe Creative Suite for image manipulation and graphic design

Compensation and Benefits

Starting salary range is $80,000 - $90,000, commensurate with experience, plus the opportunity for an annual performance bonus of up to 7.5% of salary. LAF offers opportunities for growth based on employee performance and provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, life, and disability insurance, vacation/sick pay, up to 3 month sabbatical program at 7 years, and an employer-matching 401(k) program.

LAF staff work a hybrid schedule with 2-3 days per week when all staff are expected to be on-site in LAF’s office. The office is a LEED Platinum building located in downtown Washington, DC, is easily accessible by multiple public transit options, and has an on-site fitness facility, locker rooms and showers, secure bike parking, roof deck, and additional amenities.

Application Instructions

Submit letter of interest, resume, and three references to laf@lafoundation.org with the subject line “Director of Communications position.” Please indicate how you found this opportunity. No phone calls please.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The ideal start date is January 2026.

LAF offers opportunities for growth based on employee performance and provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, life, and disability insurance, vacation/sick pay, and an employer-matching 401(k) program.

LAF staff work a hybrid schedule with 2-3 days per week when all staff are expected to be on-site in LAF’s office. The office is a LEED Platinum building located in downtown Washington, DC, is easily accessible by multiple public transit options, and has an on-site fitness facility, locker rooms and showers, secure bike parking, roof deck, and additional amenities.