Director of Strategic Communications

Jobtailor; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

New Moms is seeking a senior communications leader to develop and steward its brand architecture, messaging framework, and organizational positioning. You will guide cross‑department branding, drive visibility through media and thought leadership, and partner with leadership to share impact stories.

The role oversees crisis communications, annual strategy, and digital/earned media, while supervising the Marketing & Communications Manager.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred in Communications or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in communications, marketing, or brand strategy.
• 3+ years in a senior leadership or director-level role.
• Experience developing organizational brand strategy and messaging frameworks.
• Experience supervising staff and leading cross-functional initiatives.
• Nonprofit experience strongly preferred; fundraising communications or human services is a plus.
• Outstanding written, verbal, editing, and presentation skills.
• Experience evaluating communication strategies using data.
• Strong project management and organizational skills; MS Office and Salesforce familiarity.
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite or similar design software is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Develop and steward New Moms' brand architecture, messaging framework, and positioning across New Moms and its social enterprises.
• Serve as the organization's brand steward, ensuring consistency in messaging, voice, and visual identity.
• Provide strategic guidance on brand application across departments and initiatives.
• Lead strategies expanding visibility through media relations, PR, and thought leadership.
• Partner with leadership to elevate impact stories and position the org as sector leaders.
• Develop crisis communications protocols and oversee reputation management.
• Oversee the annual communications strategy including priorities, audiences, channels, and metrics.
• Provide strategic oversight of digital, print, video, and earned media communications.
• Evaluate communications performance using data and audience insights.
• Partner with Development to strengthen fundraising communications and case for support.
• Direct donor messaging, stewardship materials, campaigns, and fundraising events.
• Ensure brand strategy aligns with philanthropic engagement goals.
• Supervise and develop the Marketing & Communications Manager.
• Coordinate with leaders across New Moms, Bright Endeavors, and Bright Path.
• Serve as strategic communications advisor to senior leadership and manage external vendors.
• Participate in department planning, budgeting, and initiatives.
• Maintain timely communication and uphold New Moms' values and service model.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Brand Strategy Development

Crisis Communications Management

Data-Driven Communications Evaluation

Leadership in Nonprofit Marketing

Project Management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree in Communications or Related Field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Salesforce

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

• Develop and steward New Moms' brand architecture, messaging framework, and organizational positioning across New Moms and its social enterprises
• Serve as the organization's brand steward, ensuring consistency in messaging, voice, and visual identity across all communications
• Provide strategic guidance on brand application across departments and initiatives
• Lead strategies that expand New Moms' visibility through media relations, public relations, and thought leadership opportunities
• Partner with leadership to elevate organizational impact stories and position New Moms and its social enterprises as sector leaders
• Develop crisis communications protocols and oversee reputation management
• Develop and oversee the annual communications strategy, including priorities, audiences, channels, and success metrics
• Provide strategic oversight of digital, print, video, and earned media communications
• Evaluate communications performance using data and audience insights to inform future strategies
• Partner with the Development team to strengthen the case for support and fundraising communications
• Provide strategic direction for donor messaging, stewardship materials, campaigns, and fundraising events
• Ensure organizational brand strategy aligns with philanthropic engagement goals
• Supervise and develop the Marketing & Communications Manager
• Partner with leaders across New Moms, Bright Endeavors, and Bright Path to ensure aligned communications strategies
• Serve as a strategic communications advisor to senior leadership and manage external communications vendors as needed
• Participate in department planning, budgeting, and organizational initiatives
• Maintain timely communication, pursue ongoing professional development, and uphold New Moms' values and service model
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required
• Advanced degree in Communications, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, Public Affairs, or a related field preferred
• Seven (7) or more years of progressive experience in communications, marketing, or brand strategy
• Three (3) or more years in a senior leadership or director-level role
• Experience developing organizational brand strategy and messaging frameworks
• Experience supervising staff and leading cross-functional initiatives
• Nonprofit experience strongly preferred; experience with social enterprise, fundraising communications, or human services is a plus
• Outstanding written, verbal, editing, and presentation skills
• Experience developing communications strategies and evaluating effectiveness through data
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with Salesforce preferred
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite or similar design software is helpful
• Valid driver's license with a safe driving record and current insurance

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in developing and executing comprehensive brand strategies, messaging frameworks, and communications plans while effectively managing cross-functional teams and enhancing organizational visibility. Proficient in evaluating communication effectiveness through data-driven insights and fostering strong relationships with stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Brand Strategy Development
• Crisis Communications Management
• Data-Driven Communications Evaluation
• Leadership in Nonprofit Marketing
• Project Management

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• Communications Strategy
• Brand Messaging Frameworks
• Fundraising Communications
• Organizational Positioning
• Media Relations
• Public Relations
• Digital Communications
• Audience Insights Evaluation
• Cross-Functional Initiative Leadership
• Staff Supervision

Soft Skills

• Outstanding Written Communication
• Verbal Communication
• Editing Skills
• Presentation Skills
• Organizational Skills

Certifications & Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree
• Advanced Degree in Communications or Related Field

Industry Keywords

• Nonprofit Management
• Social Enterprise
• Fundraising
• Human Services
• Organizational Impact Stories

Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office
• Salesforce
• Adobe Creative Suite