Senior Director, Communications

Position Type: Exempt, Full-time position

Reporting to: Chief of Staff

Position Location: Washington D.C. with Hybrid Work Schedule, Requiring 3-Days of In-Office Presence      

Are you a strategic leader passionate about amplifying voices and driving change through innovative communications? Come join us!

About Us:

At Families USA Foundation, we're more than just a workplace - we're a community dedicated to making a difference in the lives of individuals and communities nationwide. Since 1981, we've championed high-quality, affordable healthcare and improved health for all, and have cultivated strong relationships with consumer leaders, advocates, and partner organizations across all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Position Overview:

The Senior Director of Communications is a key member of Families USA’s senior leadership team, responsible for shaping and executing a comprehensive communications strategy that advances the organization’s policy goals and elevates its national presence within a social justice framework. As a senior leader, they will ensure success by managing multiple projects, leading teams, and fostering creativity and collaboration to support Families USA’s mission and the broader movement.

This individual will bring deep expertise, strategic vision, and a collaborative spirit to lead a dynamic communications department. They will drive innovative internal and external communications that reflect Families USA’s mission and values, leveraging a digital-first approach while seamlessly integrating traditional media, social media, content creation, and branding.  The Senior Director will lead communications efforts directed toward key coalitions, by developing resources such as toolkits, email blasts, and other materials that effectively mobilize and engage partners.

With experience designing communication plans for national and state-level healthcare issue campaigns, this leader will ensure impactful messaging that resonates with diverse audiences. Adept at navigating social justice communications, they will use storytelling, advocacy, and digital strategies to engage stakeholders that address complex healthcare challenges.

Working closely with the executive team, the Senior Director will ensure alignment with strategic priorities, leading both issue-based campaigns and coalition communications guiding multiple projects and teams to success in a fast-paced media environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop long-term communications strategies, that effectively align Families USA’s mission and policy goals with dynamic media opportunities, while identifying strategic partnerships and crafting impactful, audience-tailored messaging rooted in the organization’s theory of change. 
• Lead and manage multiple project teams to deliver high impact communications campaigns that influence policymakers and public discourse, ensuring clear project plans, milestones, and adaptable strategies, while providing guidance and troubleshooting as needed.
• Oversee and execute the organization’s digital content strategy, including social media, website management, and email campaigns, ensuring all communications are on-brand, aligned with the organization’s mission, and accurately reflect Families USA's messaging.
• Design and oversee communications plans for national and state-level healthcare campaigns, managing messaging, marketing, and branding efforts to ensure cohesive and impactful outreach that resonates with diverse audiences and advances policy goals.
• Lead and execute the organization’s earned media strategy, overseeing media plans, cultivating strong media relationships, and managing media events to enhance Families USA’s visibility and influence in healthcare advocacy.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to the communications team, establishing priorities, coaching staff, and identifying opportunities for growth and development.

Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Policy, or a related field is required, along with 10+ years of experience managing communications strategies, preferably in advocacy or nonprofit organizations. Expertise in healthcare messaging, particularly with federal agencies, Capitol Hill, and advocacy campaigns, is highly desired. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional communication skills and proven experience developing and executing digital and earned media campaigns and content marketing plans. The role demands the ability to manage multiple priorities, lead collaborative teams, and demonstrate flexibility in a fast-paced environment. Strong leadership in building internal and external relationships, creative problem-solving, and sound judgment are essential. A deep commitment to social justice and Families USA’s mission of ensuring high-quality, affordable healthcare for all is critical.

Benefits and Perks:

Our salary range for this role is $160K - $170K and will be commensurate with experience. In addition to competitive compensation, we offer a hybrid work schedule, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, generous vacation time, and much more.

Why Join Us:

Joining our team means embracing a dynamic, empowering, and collaborative work environment where you'll have the opportunity to reach your full potential while contributing to a meaningful mission. We foster an atmosphere of respect and support, where every team member is valued for their unique contributions. We believe in equity, recognizing that our differences allow us to accomplish our most effective work. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do - we optimize our collective resources, skills, and experiences to carry out our mission and maximize our impact. We strive for excellence in everything we do, working tirelessly to increase our organizational impact and improve the lives of the people we serve. Accountability is paramount - we embrace practices that build trust, reduce stress, and enable us to work more effectively and efficiently. Transparency is key - we communicate clearly and proactively to gain insight into our priorities, make informed decisions, and encourage camaraderie.

Application Process:

We encourage all qualified candidates to apply online and include in your application: your cover letter and resume. This position will remain open until it is filled. Successful candidates will be contacted for first interviews.