Director, Executive Communications

Common Sense Media; San Francisco, Northern (CA, KY); On-site; USD 125,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Common Sense Media in San Francisco seeks a Director of Executive Communications to lead messaging for the Founder & CEO and the executive leadership team. This role shapes strategic communications and elevates visibility across internal and external audiences.

The position requires 8+ years of senior communications leadership, exceptional writing, and a proven ability to secure high-profile opportunities, media placements, and thought leadership across national and global scales.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of senior-level communications leadership experience, in-house or agency.
• Superior verbal, written, and presentation skills with broad stakeholder engagement.
• Proven success developing strategic communications at national or global level with measurable results.
• Strong relationships with top-tier media and high-impact placements.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and multimedia content skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead executive thought leadership initiatives for the Founder & CEO and leadership team.
• Draft speeches, talking points, op-eds, testimony, and interviews ensuring consistent messaging.
• Coordinate communications workflows and prepare for high-profile engagements.
• Build relationships with conference organizers, media, universities, and partners.

Skills

Senior-level communications leadership

Verbal/written/presentation skills

Strategic communications plans

Media relationships

Executive messaging

Content development

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: San Francisco - SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00 Salary/year

Director, Executive Communications

Organization: Common Sense Media

Department/Program: Executive Office

Reports To: Chief of Staff

Location: In person – San Francisco, CA

Classification: Full-time, Exempt

Salary Range: $125,000–$145,000

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Director – Executive Communications leads executive communications and thought leadership communications for Common Sense Media's Founder & CEO and executive leadership team. Working cross-functionally, this role drives opportunities that strengthen executive visibility and advance organizational priorities and position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Executive Thought Leadership

• Develop and execute a strategy to elevate the Founder & CEO and executive leadership team through high-impact speaking engagements, media appearances, organization-led podcasts, external podcasts, and strategic partnerships with high-profile outlets and platforms.
• Secure keynote speeches, fireside chats, panel discussions, podcasts, and other high-profile opportunities.
• Build relationships with conference organizers, media, universities, and strategic partners.
• Identify emerging conversations where Common Sense Media should have a voice.
• Priority topics include AI, technology, the state of children and families in the U.S., education, children's online safety, youth mental health, parenting, public policy, philanthropy, and global business and media.

Executive Communications

• Lead the development of executive messaging and communications across external and internal audiences.
• Draft and coordinate speeches, keynote presentations, talking points, interview briefs, op-eds, testimony, executive correspondence, podcast scripts, social media, and other strategic communications for the CEO and executive leadership. Ensure that messaging is consistent, timely, and aligned with organizational priorities.

Office of the CEO

• Support the strategic operations of the Office of the CEO by coordinating executive communications, preparing for high-profile engagements, managing communications workflows, and advancing cross-functional initiatives that support the CEO's strategic agenda.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 8+ years of senior-level communications leadership experience, either in-house or with an agency, with demonstrated success in driving impactful communications campaigns.
• Superior verbal, written, and presentation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Proven experience developing and executing strategic communications plans at the national or global level, with measurable results in advocacy and brand elevation.
• Strong relationships with top-tier media, coupled with a track record of securing high-impact placements across diverse platforms and publications.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and content development skills across print, digital, and multimedia formats.
• Creative and innovative use of social media and emerging media technologies to reach key audiences.
• Strong decision-making skills in dynamic environments, with the ability to anticipate and address future communications needs.

WHAT WE OFFER

• The opportunity to really make a difference in the lives of kids and families!
• A mission-driven team with a 23-year track record of impact for families and children.
• Competitive nonprofit compensation and comprehensive benefits.
• A collaborative, flexible work environment with meaningful leadership access and visibility.

ABOUT COMMON SENSE MEDIA

Common Sense Media is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the research-backed information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the age of apps, algorithms, and AI. We rate, educate, and advocate for policies to protect and prepare kids online. Our ratings, research, and resources reach more than 150 million users globally, over 1.4 million educators, and more than 100,000 schools worldwide every year. Learn more at commonsense.org.