NLIHC Director of Communications

Manage communication plans, media, brand, and public relations and expand overall visibility and reach in support of the Coalition’s mission, vision, goals, and objectives. The Communication Director will supervise two positions: a Graphic Communications Manager and a Graphic Communications Sr. Coordinator. The salary range for this position is contingent upon experience and is from $92,000 - $118,000. This position requires physical time in the office, and the candidate must be located in the metropolitan Washington D.C. area or be able to commute to our office located in D.C. for a hybrid work schedule.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Communications

• Manage the development and implementation of the Coalition’s internal and external communication strategies, including publications, e-communications, media, digital, public relations, and marketing.
• Develop and maintain key communication channels, adapting and improving the approach in coordination with external trends and housing policy priorities.
• Lead efforts to drive and execute external digital communications, including websites, social media, email campaigns, multimedia.
• Develop and oversee implementation of external marketing and communications strategies, tactics, and deliverables.
• Oversee development and implementation of creative assets.
• Manage content and editorial needs for all digital platforms.
• Collaborate with team leads to drive internal communications to support initiatives and programs.
• Manage communications team workflows for requests, publications, and campaigns.

Media Relations

• Develop/maintain strong relationships with reporters, writers, and opinion leaders in print, broadcast, online, and social media. Maintain up-to-date database of all media contacts.
• Pitch stories and secure regular media interviews and editorial board meetings for President/CEO and other Coalition staff and members as appropriate.
• Collaborate with team leads to develop and implement messaging strategy.
• Prepare and distribute press releases and media alerts; manage press events for NLIHC and state partners.
• Manage the process of placing op-eds, letters-to-the-editor, blogs pieces, and other opinion pieces for president/CEO and other Coalition staff and members as appropriate.
• Approve articles for Coalition staff and members as appropriate for placement in partner publications.
• Curate new activation opportunities with media organizations.
• Manage media performance strategy and metrics.

Content Development/Brand Management

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for use of social media.
• Monitor print, broadcast, online, and social media for coverage of NLIHC, NLIHC campaigns, and NLIHC policy priorities; reach out to amplify or correct as needed.
• Stay abreast of new developments in social media and recommend advances and changes to NLIHC platforms.
• Maintain records of all media work; produce metrics of all social media contacts; prepare monthly reports.
• Manage content development, writing, and editing of NLIHC publications.
• Manage internal staff and state partners in development of media strategies.
• Develop and implement webinars, workshops, and written materials to aid NLIHC members in use of social media and press strategies.
• Collaborate with teams across the organization to amplify programs, projects, and campaigns.

Supervision/Coaching

• Supervise communications team and interns.
• Facilitate opportunities for professional development.

Organizational Support/Special Projects

• Complete other projects as assigned by VP of External Affairs and CEO.
• Assist in implementation of the annual Policy Forum, Leadership Awards Reception, and other events.
• Participate in staff meetings, retreats, training, and NLIHC events.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be based in the metropolitan Washington, DC area.
• Minimum of bachelor’s degree. Master’s degree preferred. Degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Media, or related area.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in media and social media communications, public affairs and/or marketing.
• Demonstrated track record of success in developing an effective communications strategy.
• Ability to work in a diverse and high-paced environment
• Strong writing and editing skills.
• Strong oral and interpersonal communications skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Muck Rack.
• Proficiency in social media platforms.
• Commitment to social justice.
• Knowledge of the fundamentals of housing poverty, homelessness, affordable housing policy, affordable housing development, or social service.

An equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, NLIHC offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter with salary requirement, and two writing samples to Jen Butler, NLIHC Vice President of External Affairs, via email at jbutler@nlihc.org.