External Communications Director

ActBlue; United States; Remote; USD 144,000 - 216,000; Full time

Job summary

A nonprofit organization dedicated to progressive causes is seeking an experienced Communications Director to amplify their mission and manage external communications. This role involves developing strategic media relations, coordinating press operations, and leading response operations during critical times. The ideal candidate has over 8 years of communications experience and a solid understanding of the political landscape, especially in digital fundraising.

Benefits

Unlimited time-off policy

Fully paid health, dental, and vision insurance

401K with employer match

Home-office setup allowance

Qualifications

• 8–10 years of communications, press, or media relations experience with Democratic election cycles.
• Proven success in leading high-stakes communications initiatives.
• Strong judgment and decision-making under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive external communications strategy.
• Manage all press operations and build relationships with key media.
• Lead rapid response operations for breaking news and political events.

Skills

Communications Strategy

Media Relations

Crisis Management

Public Speaking

Digital Fundraising Knowledge

Job description

WHO WE ARE

ActBlue is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating cutting-edge technology that fuels Democratic victories and enables progressive causes to thrive.

Our vision is simple: building change through the power of people. Since our founding, we’ve been building innovative solutions to revolutionize grassroots fundraising – if you’ve donated to a Democratic campaign or a progressive organization online, you’ve probably used our platform! We believe in putting power in the hands of small-dollar donors by helping thousands of groups — from local candidates to national movements — mobilize their communities and create a lasting impact. Every member of our team is deeply committed to advancing our shared mission and core values. Together, we are shaping the future of democracy.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Communications and Marketing Department seeks an experienced Communications Director to lead our external communications strategy, proactive media engagement, and defensive communications operations.

The Communications Director will serve as ActBlue's primary external spokesperson and key advisor, responsible for amplifying our impact, expanding our reach to new audiences, and defending against disinformation campaigns. You will be the guardian of ActBlue's reputation in an increasingly complex media landscape, working to establish trust and credibility while showcasing the power of small-dollar fundraising as a force to help Democrats win.

The Communications Director reports to the VP of Communications & Marketing. The Communications and Marketing Department is the protector of ActBlue’s brand and lead storyteller. We manage external and internal communications and are focused on promoting ActBlue’s platform, mission, and small-dollar fundraising on the left. Our daily work consists of crafting messaging that encourages more campaigns and organizations to use our tools; utilizing multiple marketing channels to educate users on digital fundraising best practices; telling the story of the diverse, growing small-dollar donor movement; and positioning small-dollar donors as a powerful force for change. We are seeking an experienced communications professional to join our department as a strategic, cross-departmental leader.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

STRATEGIC MEDIA LEADERSHIP

• Develop and execute comprehensive external communications strategy in partnership with senior leadership
• Lead proactive media campaigns to position ActBlue as a thought leader in digital fundraising and democratic infrastructure; create and stand up thought leadership function
• Define KPIs, benchmarks, and success metrics for media and external communications efforts; drive accountability across all external communications initiatives
• Build strategic relationships with partner organizations, campaigns, and advocacy groups to amplify positive messaging, tell the story of small-dollar donor impact, and serve as external validators

PRESS OPERATIONS & MEDIA RELATIONS

• Manage all press operations, including media requests, press releases, and organizational statements

• Build and maintain relationships with key reporters, editors, and media influencers across political, tech, and mainstream media

• Serve as primary spokesperson and on-the-record representative for ActBlue

• Prep senior leaders for interviews and public appearances

• Oversee relationship with external PR firm and coordinate integrated media strategies

• Handle urgent media requests outside of working hours, including nights and weekends

CONTENT DEVELOPMENT, MESSAGING, & RAPID RESPONSE

• Develop and implement crisis communication protocols and procedures, with a focus on maintaining the trust of our users and small-dollar donors

• Lead rapid response operations for breaking news, political events, and organizational challenges

• Coordinate cross-departmental response efforts during critical incidents

• Create compelling narratives about ActBlue's impact and the power of small-dollar fundraising, creating content such as talking points, fact sheets, and messaging documents for various audiences

• Ensure consistent messaging across all external communications channels

• Collaborate with marketing and other teams to ensure consistent messaging across all external communications channels that promotes ActBlue's mission to help Democrats win

• Develop comprehensive press and media plans for all major product launches to maximize coverage and adoption

• Monitor media landscape for potential threats, developing and executing proactive messaging campaigns; collaborate with research team as needed

• May support supplementary projects as assigned, ensuring timely and efficient completion in line with organizational objectives and standards.

WHAT YOU BRING

• 8–10 years of communications, press, or media relations experience, with multiple Democratic election cycles

• Proven success leading high-stakes communications initiatives, including crisis, rapid response, and reputation management

• Experience as an organizational spokesperson, including media interviews and managing high-visibility moments

• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute organization-wide communications strategies and launch new programs

• Skilled at managing large, complex projects with senior stakeholders and external vendors or agencies

• Strong knowledge of the Democratic political landscape, campaigns, advocacy organizations, and political media ecosystem

• Familiarity with digital fundraising, campaign finance, or political technology a plus

• Exceptional written and verbal skills, with the ability to translate complex topics into compelling narratives

• Strong judgment, multitasking, and decision-making under pressure; thrives in fast-paced political environments

• Commitment to inclusive, equitable communications practices

• Willingness to work irregular hours during political peak periods and crisis situations

WORK & BENEFITS SNAPSHOT

This posting is for a full-time, remote, salaried position. Travel may be required on a limited basis to attend all-staff and departmental retreats (1-2 times per year). Additional travel may be required for select positions.

Registered States*:

Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and Washington D.C.

*While ActBlue is currently registered to support remote work in the states listed above, we possess the ability to register in additional states as needed. If you are located in a state not listed, we may still be able to proceed with your application, but please note that the offer process may take longer to accommodate registration requirements.

Work Schedule: This role requires availability during regular business hours (Mon–Fri) and may involve irregular hours in response to urgent communications needs or political peak periods

Work Environment: Employees can expect to work with distributed teams across all U.S. time zones. Our roles require extended technology usage, and proficiency with virtual communication tools such as Zoom and Slack. Regular attendance in virtual meetings is inherent to every position.

Salary Range Details: Salary Range: $144,000 - $180,000 - $216,000

ActBlue is committed to consistent compensation practices across our organization. Final salary offers will take into account factors such as candidate experience, interview performance and current team salary parity.

Benefits:

• Flexible work schedules and an unlimited time-off policy
• Fully paid and trans-inclusive health, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families; plus fully-paid health reimbursement arrangement to use for out of pocket expenses and fully-paid short- and long-term disability
• Fully paid basic and AD&D life insurance and a voluntary supplemental life insurance option
• Dependent and health care flexible spending account options
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) benefits for employees
• Automatic 2% Employer-paid 401K contribution, plus up to an additional 6% match on employee contributions
• A minimum of three months paid medical, family and parental leave (for all new parents, adoptions included)
• Commuter or home-office benefits, including a $1,000 home-office setup allowance for all new full-time remote employees
• Additional perks including quarterly snack deliveries and digital subscriptions to the Boston Globe & New York Times

ActBlue is unable to sponsor work visas at this time.

UNION INFORMATION

Supervisory role not part of the Bargaining Unit position. Certain employees who report to this position may be covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

BACKGROUND CHECKS

As part of our hiring process, ActBlue will conduct a background check at the time of offer. This will be completed in compliance with applicable laws and will not be initiated without your consent.

INCLUSION STATEMENT FROM ACTBLUE

ActBlue is committed to equal employment opportunities and fostering a diverse, inclusive workplace. We celebrate unique perspectives, honor the dignity of all individuals, and recognize that diverse backgrounds and identities strengthen our mission.

If you’re passionate about our work and see yourself in this role, we encourage you to apply—even if you don’t meet every requirement.

We also provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process and employment. To request an accommodation, email [e-mail].

*ActBlue willneverask candidates to buy equipment, nor will we email from anything other than anactblue.comoractbluetech.com email address.