Communications Director

Time Commitment: 8–12 hours per week

Location: Remote

Position Overview

The Communications Director serves as the strategic leader for IAABC Foundation’s internal and external communications, guiding messaging, marketing, and engagement initiatives across the organization. This individual leads a remote volunteer communications team to develop and execute data-driven strategies that increase program enrollment, strengthen volunteer engagement, and enhance the Foundation’s brand visibility. The Communications Director collaborates closely with the Executive Director, Development, and Events teams to ensure all communications initiatives are aligned with organizational priorities and fundraising efforts. This role balances strategy (understanding enrollment funnels, conversion optimization, market positioning), leadership, and tactical execution (content creation, social media, email marketing), ensuring the Foundation communicates with integrity, professionalism, and purpose.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Communication, & Brand Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive communications and marketing strategy aligned with organizational goals.
• Analyze engagement funnels and identify opportunities using data
• Set quarterly goals and track performance metrics; Utilize analytics to measure engagement and effectiveness, adjusting strategies based on data insights.
• Test and optimize marketing channels (organic social, content marketing, email, partnerships)
• Monitor competitive landscape and recommend positioning strategies
• Make data-driven budget recommendations
• Direct the overall brand strategy, including brand standards, guidelines, messaging and positioning documents and master brand deck.
• Maintain a consistent and authentic brand voice across all platforms.
• Anticipate communication needs and proactively develop messaging, including guidance for crisis, handling sensitive situations, and responses when necessary.

Communications Systems & Governance

• Develop and maintain clear standard operating procedures (SOPs) for communications functions (social media, email marketing, media response, crisis workflows).
• Ensure SOPs remain practical, current, and aligned with organizational needs.
• Support onboarding and training to ensure volunteers understand communication standards and workflows.

Volunteer Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Recruit, mentor, and lead a volunteer communications team (content creators, social media managers, designers).
• Foster a collaborative, respectful, and accountable team culture.
• Participate in leadership meetings and maintain consistent communication via Slack.
• Coordinate closely with Development and Events teams to ensure alignment with fundraising campaigns and organizational initiatives.

Media Relations & Crisis Communication

• Serve as primary contact for media inquiries and cultivate relationships with external media outlets.
• Develop press releases, media briefs, and other external communications materials.
• Advise leadership on crisis communications and sensitive messaging, ensuring professionalism and consistency.
• Build and maintain relationships with external partners and key parties in accordance with 501(c)(3) guidelines.

Community & Key Parties Engagement

• Build strong relationships with volunteers, donors, partners, and other key parties to advance the Foundation’s mission.
• Represent IAABC Foundation at key events and forums in coordination with the Events and Development teams.

Digital Strategy and Content Marketing

• Develop and maintain organizational social media guidelines; Oversee the organization’s digital presence, including website content, social media, email campaigns, and print materials.
• Develop and execute strategic content marketing plans to support strategic objectives and audience engagement. Oversee social media strategy to ensure brand consistency and audience engagement.
• Use SEO and analytics to optimize visibility and impact.
• Create lead generation content, nurture sequences, and other audience-focused initiatives.
• Ensure all content serves strategic goals.

Qualifications – Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• 3+ years of progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, or public relations (nonprofit experience preferred). Strong understanding of communications, branding, and marketing principles (nonprofit experience preferred).
• Proven success in developing and implementing strategic communication plans.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and volunteer management abilities.
• Proficiency with digital media tools, content management systems, and analytics platforms. Excellent writing, editing, and messaging skills; ability to communicate effectively under pressure.
• Calm, thoughtful, and professional in high-pressure or sensitive situations.
• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Ability to manage and motivate a remote, international volunteer team.
• Mission-aligned with ethical, science-based education.
• Availability of 8–12 hours per week.

Stipend & Compensation

This leadership role is supported by a monthly stipend of $750 in recognition of the strategic contributions and time commitment required. The stipend is provided as independent contractor compensation for services performed and is contingent on meeting role expectations and organizational capacity.

Why This Role Matters

The Communications Director plays a critical role in shaping how the organization is perceived, ensuring that its mission, programs, and impact are communicated effectively to key parties, supporters, and the broader community.