Assistant Director of Communications

Metropolitan Development; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 114,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

MDHA is seeking a strategic, creative Assistant Director of Communications to lead marketing, branding, messaging, media relations and communications strategy. This high-impact role acts as a trusted adviser to senior leadership, oversees the communications team, manages the department budget, and serves as a primary media contact for MDHA.

You will help voice MDHA's work to create, preserve and support affordable housing while strengthening Nashville's communities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing or related field.
• Eight+ years of progressive experience in communications, public relations or related field.
• Strategic thinking with crisis and risk management experience.
• Proficiency in AP style, digital tools and media relations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the agency's marketing, branding, messaging and communications efforts.
• Develop and evaluate communications plans aligned with agency priorities.
• Provide strategic communications counsel to executive leadership.
• Maintain consistent, accessible messaging across MDHA.
• Speak on behalf of the agency as primary media contact.

Skills

Strategic communications

Media relations

Crisis communications

Leadership & supervision

Executive communications

Branding & messaging

Press materials & speaking

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications or related field

Tools

AP style

WordPress

Microsoft Office

Adobe

Canva

Social media

SharePoint

Monday.com

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Assistant Director of Communications

Full-time Regular Full-Time Housing Central Office, Nashville, TN, US

Salary Range: $114,073.00 To $130,121.00 Annually

Position Open: September 29, 2026

Position Closes: October 12, 2026

Why MDHA?

At MDHA, our work is about more than housing. It's about people, neighborhoods and the city we call home.

Today, MDHA houses approximately 30,000 Nashvillians, primarily through more than 8,000 Section 8 vouchers and nearly 7,000 apartments at more than 40 properties.

But MDHA is more than a housing authority for Nashville and Davidson County. We also administer federally funded community development programs on behalf of the city and serve as the redevelopment arm of Nashville, the city.

When you join MDHA, you become part of a team of nearly 300 dedicated employees whose work has a direct impact on the people we serve, the neighborhoods and communities we support, and the growth and development of Nashville.

Lead communications, media relations, branding, public affairs and strategic messaging for MDHA.

About the Role

MDHA is seeking a strategic, creative and highly skilled assistant director of communications to help lead marketing, branding, messaging, media relations and communications strategy.

This is a high-impact leadership role serving as a trusted communications adviser to senior leadership, leading the communications team, managing the department budget, and serving as a primary media contact and spokesperson for MDHA.

You will help cultivate, present and voice the story of MDHA's work to create, preserve and support affordable housing while strengthening Nashville's communities.

What You'll Need to Bring

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, business administration or a related field.
• Eight or more years of progressive experience in communications, public relations, media, marketing or a related field.
• Strong critical thinking and strategic judgment, with the ability to assess complex situations, anticipate implications and recommend a clear course of action, particularly under pressure or during a crisis.
• Proficient in AP style, WordPress, Microsoft Office, Adobe, Canva, social media, Microsoft SharePoint, Monday.com and web-based tools.
• Strong eye for photography, design and visual storytelling.
• Experience managing team communications and providing leadership, direction or supervision.
• Ability to develop and implement communications strategies and manage multiple, deadline-driven projects.
• Experience with media relations and executive communications.

Preferred Experience

• Established local media relationships and knowledge of the Nashville/Middle Tennessee media market.
• Experience working with public agencies, local government, housing authorities, nonprofits, community development organizations or other mission-driven organizations.
• Knowledge of affordable housing, rental assistance, project-based rental assistance (PBRA), Section 8 and workforce housing.
• Experience serving as a spokesperson or primary media contact for a reputable organization.
• Experience in crisis communications.

What You'll Do

Lead Communications Strategy

• Lead and oversee the agency's marketing, branding, messaging and communications efforts.
• Develop, implement and evaluate communications plans aligned with agency priorities.
• Provide strategic communications counsel to the chief of staff and executive leadership, identifying communications needs, anticipating potential issues and recommending approaches that support agency priorities.
• Maintain consistent, accurate, accessible and audience-appropriate messaging across MDHA.

Lead and Develop the Communications Team

• Manage communications projects and the agency's communications content calendar to coordinate initiatives, timelines and deliverables.
• Lead, coach and develop communications staff while actively contributing to the day-to-day work and execution.
• Establish priorities, expectations and performance goals.
• Manage and update the communications budget, vendors, contractors and resources.

Lead Media Relations and Public Affairs

• Serve as the primary media contact and spokesperson for MDHA.
• Write and distribute press releases, statements, advisories and other materials to the media.
• Build and maintain relationships with local and regional media.
• Prepare senior staff and Board members for interviews and public appearances.
• Coordinate with the Mayor's Office communications staff and other Metro public information officers.
• Engage with community leaders, stakeholders, and public and private partners.

Lead Executive and Agency Communications

• Write speeches, executive messages, talking points, presentations and other communications.
• Lead the strategic planning, writing and content development of the agency's annual report and annual calendar.
• Create, review and/or edit publications, newsletters, feature stories, flyers, presentations, grant applications, requests for proposals (RFPs), reports and other agency materials.
• Collaborate with departments across MDHA to communicate programs, initiatives and community impact.

Lead Crisis Communications and High-Visibility Events

• Develop and maintain crisis communications procedures.
• Coordinate crisis messaging and updates for media, employees, stakeholders and the public.
• Plan and coordinate the agency's special events, including groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings and other high-profile activities.
• Represent the chief of staff or MDHA at events and meetings as assigned.
• Perform work outside normal business hours, including weekends, when needed.

What Success Looks Like

In your first six to 12 months, you will help MDHA:

• Proactively identify emerging communication needs and opportunities and recommend a path forward.
• Strengthen consistency across agency messaging, branding and communications.
• Expand media relations and increase opportunities to share MDHA's work and impact.
• Build strong working relationships and collaboration across departments.
• Advance the communications team's processes, priorities and overall effectiveness.

Who You'll Work With

This role works across the organization and with external partners, including:

• Chief of Staff and executive leadership
• MDHA department directors and assistant directors
• MDHA Board of Commissioners
• Residents
• Community stakeholders and partners
• Local, regional and national media

Skills and Capabilities

We're looking for someone who can:

• Analyze complex issues, identify communication challenges and opportunities, and develop thoughtful, practical solutions.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with residents, employees, leadership, Board members, partners and the public.
• Think critically and strategically.
• Maintain a strong, proactive mindset.
• Represent MDHA confidently and professionally in public and media settings.
• Build trusted relationships across diverse audiences.
• Manage competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Exercise sound judgment and discretion, especially when handling sensitive information.
• Apply knowledge of public information laws and applicable regulations.

This position operates in a professional office environment and requires regular interaction with employees, residents, community partners, leadership, Board members, media and the public.

The position may require work outside of normal working hours and/or weekend work based on agency events, media needs, crisis communications or other priorities.