Director of Strategic Narrative and Communications

BACKGROUND

Cypress Fund (Cypress) supports social justice organizing in North and South Carolina, with a focus on donor organizing and strategic investments in movement building. Cypress was founded by individuals rooted in North and South Carolina who deeply believe that the best solutions for our communities are homegrown and led by Southern folks who are directly impacted by the conditions on the ground. Cypress believes everyone is vital in building power for marginalized communities across the Carolinas, including everyday people and donors.

THE ROLE

Cypress Fund seeks a Director of Strategic Narrative and Communications to amplify our influence by crafting and sharing compelling narratives that vividly illustrate the transformative impact of our initiatives. This role will elevate Cypress’s public profile, foster deeper engagement among our audiences, and position Cypress as a dynamic and trusted funding intermediary in the social justice ecosystem.

The ideal candidate will have a strong track record of leading strategic communications efforts that drive donor engagement and fundraising success in philanthropic organizations, using storytelling to increase brand awareness, developing brand identity and voice for organizations, and a demonstrated commitment to BIPOC power-building work.

Reporting directly to Chief Redistribution Officer and collaborating with the leadership Team, the Director will develop and implement innovative storytelling strategies aligned with Cypress’s mission, promote the work of our grantee partners, and build a distinct, values-driven organizational voice.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Communications Strategy & Leadership (approximately 40%)

• In partnership with the leadership Team, develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy and roadmap rooted in Cypress’s mission, values, and key messages to elevate the organization’s and leadership’s public profile.
• Design and implement storytelling strategies to highlight the transformative impact of Cypress’s initiatives and grantee partners, setting strategic goals, key performance indicators, and work plans to increase brand visibility.
• Build and manage communications structures, programs, and resources to scale Cypress’s influence as a funding intermediary and champion of BIPOC-led social justice work.
• Lead the creation of publications and collateral materials, such as reports, brochures, fact sheets, and slide decks, ensuring alignment with Cypress’s goals and messaging.
• Oversee the internal editorial process to ensure quality control and alignment across all external-facing communications.
• Build and develop relationships and partnerships with comms departments, particularly Comms Directors, at comparable foundations and organizations; attend meetings with external stakeholders
• Report successes and growing edges of the communications strategy for the leadership Team and Advisory Council quarterly

Cross-Cutting Project Management (40%)

• Oversee and ensure implementation of communication strategies, plans, and projects
• Collaborate with the Grantmaking team to ensure aligned work plans and story-forward strategies for boosting grantees across Cypress’s platforms and channels
• Collaborate with the Development team to develop and implement fundraising campaigns and strategies across Cypress’s platforms and channels
• Build and manage a strategic communications budget, providing regular updates and evaluations.
• Manage the promotion of programming, including overseeing digital campaigns, social media strategies, and innovative outreach methods.
• Oversee media engagement, including handling press inquiries, coordinating speaking engagements, and crafting thought leadership opportunities for Cypress’s leadership team.
• Leverage a full suite of digital tools (email, social media, etc.) to grow and engage an online community aligned with Cypress’s mission.
• Test and implement innovative strategies to expand Cypress’s digital audience and encourage participation in programs and initiatives.
• Develop presentations for reporting and support the team with reviews for external presentations.
• Participate in organization-wide projects and initiatives as needed.

Organization-wide Administration (approximately 20%)

• Collaborate with leadership to make informed decisions about communications and address privacy concerns; support the reporting process as requested by providing copyediting and creative design services.
• Show up fully for learning, planning and activities, including all-staff meetings, retreats, and strategy sessions.
• Supervise external consultants as needed to ensure departmental goals are clearly communicated and consistently managed.
• Facilitate meetings, prepare agendas, and take notes
• As a key member of the team, contribute to brainstorming, developing, and executing new ideas
• Manage your administrative duties, including timely submission of timesheets, receipts, reimbursements, scheduling, travel planning, and HR paperwork
• Other duties as needed

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will have the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics:

Who you are:

• A creative and innovative thinker who balances bold ideas with practical execution.
• A natural storyteller who understands the power of personal and collective narratives to drive change.
• Approach work with a growth mindset, open to giving and receiving feedback for continuous improvement.
• Relational and collaborative, valuing relationships as key to success.
• Self-motivated, with a track record of initiative and completing projects successfully.
• Results-oriented and persistent, with a focus on achieving outcomes despite challenges.
• Possesses a great sense of humor and a commitment to fostering a positive team culture.

Your experience and skills:

• 5+ years of experience in communications, including strategic planning, digital strategy (email program and social media management), media relations, and branding.)
• 3+ years of director-level experience and management.
• Proven ability to grow digital reach, develop organizational voice, and create effective storytelling strategies.
• Strong racial equity analysis and experience in asset-based communications about BIPOC communities.
• Expertise in planning, executing, and evaluating strategic communications campaigns and list-building efforts.
• Skilled in creating high-quality, compelling content for diverse audiences.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to juggle competing priorities effectively.
• Exceptional communication skills across multiple contexts, including written, digital, and interpersonal.
• Comfort with a remote distributed office, including tools like Asana, Slack, and Google office
• Familiarity with any of these platforms: Webflow, Every Action, Network for Good, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and all major social media platforms
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including up to 30% of time in travel.
• Desire to be part of an evolving organization and contribute to its growth/reputation.
• Must live in GA, NC, SC, or VA but NC and SC are preferred.

This is a full-time, exempt hybrid position working Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional evening and weekend hours (40 hours per week) Cypress is a hybrid office; .you will collaborate with colleagues across the Carolinas. You should be prepared to work from home or our office. The person in this position must be able to communicate with colleagues and partners via phone, including conference and video calls, and written communication, such as Slack and email. The salary range for the position is $90,000 to $93,000. Benefits Include:

• Paid Time Off Policy
• Organizational-Wide Office Closures
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• Professional Development Stipend
• Cell Phone & Internet Stipend
• Flexible, hybrid work environment

Cypress Fund is committed to cultivating an organizational culture and building teams where everyone is able to bring their whole, authentic selves to work. We aspire to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all employees, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, education, or disability, are valued and respected.