Director of Communications

Job Title: Director of Communications

About NYLAG:

The Director of Communications leads and executes the development and implementation of a strategic communications strategy that enhances NYLAG’s public profile, highlights the organization’s impact, and advances its mission and voice. This role oversees all aspects of communications—from media relations and digital content to brand management—ensuring representation and support of NYLAG’s values and objectives. The Director will collaborate with external partners (community partners, peer organizations, and elected officials) to amplify shared initiatives and policy objectives reflecting the needs of the community. The director will also work in partnership with NYLAG’s senior leaders to create persuasive messaging for stakeholders and supporters.

This position reports directly to the President & CEO.

Job description

• Lead the development and execution of NYLAG’s communications and marketing strategy, encompassing digital outreach (email, website, social media), brand management, organizational messaging, and campaign creation, while also supporting internal communications. Guide content strategy across storytelling, rapid response, multimedia reporting, and public-facing campaigns aligning with advocacy goals.
• Create timely, effective communication tools tailored to diverse audiences, including the general public, clients, donors, community partners, and elected officials.
• Write, edit, and refine a wide range of communications to support organizational goals—such as public statements, talking points, op-eds, testimonies, and speeches.
• Work closely with program directors to gain a strong understanding of NYLAG’s services, priorities, and expertise to effectively represent and promote the organization.
• Partner with the Director of Government Relations to shape a communications strategy that supports NYLAG’s policy and advocacy initiatives.
• Ensure strategic alignment between fundraising and communications, including co-creating messaging for campaigns, donor materials, and annual reports through collaborative partnership with NYLAG’s philanthropy team.
• Oversee NYLAG’s internal and external brand presence, ensuring all content maintains visual and editorial consistency, accuracy, and adherence to the organization’s identity.
• Lead crisis communications planning and rapid response to ensure messaging remains consistent with NYLAG’s mission and values.

Media Relations

• Manage and maintain a press/public relations strategy that includes proactive story pitching, responding to media inquiries, and building and managing relationships with local and national press.
• Supervise earned media outreach and strengthen relationships with local, national, and international journalists
• Train and prepare NYLAG staff for press opportunities to optimize their communications and spokesperson skills while ensuring quality and consistency of messaging and presentation.
• Generate positive and extensive media coverage of NYLAG's work and key issues impacting the communities we partner with to raise the profile of the organization and elevate policy issues impacting clients;
• Developing a strategic communications plan for messaging, including press releases and outreach to various publications/journalists to expand NYLAG’s reach.

Management

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• Supervise and mentor two full time communications staff members, consultants, and oversee unit budget.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of senior-level communications and marketing experience in a nonprofit, government, or advocacy organization.
• Media-savvy with established relationships across traditional and digital media outlets.
• Proven experience working with or engaging with government officials and a strong understanding of the political process and government operations, particularly within New York City and New York State.
• Exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment;
• Strategic thinker with deep knowledge of program management and team leadership;
• Exceptional storytelling skills: ability to communicate NYLAG’s mission, values, and goals with enthusiasm and in a compelling, nuanced and concise manner.
• Strong writing and editing skills and attention to detail.
• Experience successfully building relationships across work areas, with stakeholders, and in coalitions to advance shared goals.
• Commitment to race equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism and to incorporating an equity framework in your work.

NYLAG’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

NYLAG is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. People of color, women, people with disabilities, immigrants, veterans, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people, and those with lived experiences in the communities we serve are strongly encouraged to apply.

Employment type:

☒ Full-time

Professional Level:

☒ Managerial

Salary Range:

The current salary range for this position is between $140,000 - $150,000.

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401k, life insurance, long term disability, commuter benefits, flexible spending accounts (FSA) for Medical and Dependent care.

Application Instructions: Please save resume and cover letter in one pdf.

Covid Vaccination Policy: Please note, to safeguard the health and well-being of our employees and clients, NYLAG requires all employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, unless a medical or religious exemption is approved.

NYLAG is committed to a hybrid work policy for staff whose work does not require their full-time presence in the office. NYLAG’s current policy is that most staff are required to work in NYLAG’s offices or do other in-person work at least two days each week. This policy is subject to change.

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Supervise and mentor two-full time communications staff member, consultants, and oversee unit budget.