Director of Strategic Communications

CMEI; New Jersey; On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

CMEI in New Jersey seeks a Director of Strategic Communications, Media & Campaign Infrastructure to design and operate the communications architecture that supports CMEI’s credibility and the effectiveness of investor campaigns.

The role builds systems, tools, and external channels through which CMEI, its partners, and the Message & Media Working Group communicate clearly with investors, media, funders, and the public—especially during escalation moments.

Qualifications

• 8–12+ years in strategic communications, public affairs, or campaign communications
• Experience supporting advocacy, policy, or investor campaigns
• Familiarity with finance, corporate governance, or regulatory issues
• Ability to build communication systems, not just produce content
• Strong political judgment under pressure

Responsibilities

• Design and operate the communications architecture for CMEI's credibility and investor campaigns.
• Develop campaign communications strategies aligned with investor stewardship goals.
• Translate complex financial, legal, and governance issues into disciplined narratives.
• Coordinate messaging across CMEI, coalition partners, and investor spokespeople.
• Lead narrative alignment for the Message & Media Working Group and convene it across coalition partners.
• Establish shared messaging frameworks and approval pathways.
• Prepare spokesperson guidance and escalation protocols.
• Ensure rapid coordinated responses during governance, regulatory, or geopolitical flashpoints.

Job description

The Director of Strategic Communications, Media & Campaign Infrastructure designs and operates the communications architecture that enables CMEI’s credibility and the effectiveness of investor campaigns.

This role builds the systems, tools, and external channels through which CMEI, its partners, and the Message & Media Working Group communicate clearly and consistently with investors, media, funders, and the public — especially during escalation moments.

What you'll do

• Develop campaign communications strategies aligned with investor stewardship goals
• Translate complex financial, legal, and governance issues into disciplined narratives
• Coordinate messaging across CMEI, coalition partners, and investor spokespeople
• Lead narrative alignment for the Message & Media Working Group
• Convene and manage the Message & Media Working Group across coalition partners
• Establish shared messaging frameworks and approval pathways
• Prepare spokesperson guidance and escalation protocols
• Ensure rapid coordinated responses during governance, regulatory, or geopolitical flashpoints

3) Media Infrastructure & Relationships

• Build and maintain press infrastructure (finance, markets, policy, human rights)
• Run briefings, embargoes, backgrounders, and rapid-response protocols
• Cultivate journalist relationships and coordinate spokesperson engagement
• Serve as primary media contact or manage designated spokespeople

4) Campaign Tools & Communications Systems

• Develop internal templates and workflows enabling fast execution
• Equip coalition partners with adaptable messaging frameworks
• Support cross-organizational campaigns and joint letters
• Lead CMEI public positioning and thought leadership
• Align public communications with campaign strategy
• Monitor narrative trends and reputational risk
• Advise staff and partners during politically sensitive moments

Required Experience

• 8–12+ years in strategic communications, public affairs, or campaign communications
• Experience supporting advocacy, policy, or investor campaigns
• Familiarity with finance, corporate governance, or regulatory issues
• Ability to build communication systems, not just produce content
• Strong political judgment under pressure

Working Style and Expectations

• Operates with a high degree of autonomy and sound judgment
• Maintains confidentiality and professionalism at all times
• Responsive during standard U.S. business hours, with occasional flexibility for time-sensitive needs