Senior Director of Strategic Communications & Policy

RTW Institute, LP; New York (NY); On-site; USD 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

Discretionary incentive compensation

Medical and life insurance

Job summary

RTW Institute, a policy research nonprofit, seeks a strategic communications leader to serve as the public voice and content engine. This senior role will own external communications, shaping policy messaging, rapid-response posts, and executive thought leadership with the CEO and research teams.

The ideal candidate has 8–10+ years in health policy or science communications, strong media relationships, and a track record of building and running communications functions at a high level.

Qualifications

• 8–10+ years of progressive communications experience in health policy, life sciences, think tanks, non-profits, or science journalism.
• Exceptional writing and editing with ability to manage multiple formats and audiences.
• Established relationships with national media and a track record of earned coverage.
• Fluency with digital platforms, email marketing, and CMS; ability to own strategy and performance data.
• Experience directing multimedia content production and visual design briefs.

Responsibilities

• Build and own the Institute's external communications function, aligning with the CEO and research team.
• Lead rapid-response communications on policy developments, FDA decisions, and legislative activity.
• Develop and refine public narrative; ensure consistency across content and brand alignment.
• Manage external vendors and coordinate with partner organizations and coalitions.
• Oversee content production across policy explainers, op-eds, newsletters, blogs, and social media.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Media relations

Writing

Content strategy

Project management

Digital platforms

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications

Tools

Content management systems

Email marketing tools

Social media management tools

Job description

RTW Institute, a policy research nonprofit, seeks a strategic communications leader to serve as the public voice and content engine. This senior role will own external communications, shaping policy messaging, rapid-response posts, and executive thought leadership with the CEO and research teams.

The ideal candidate has 8–10+ years in health policy or science communications, strong media relationships, and a track record of building and running communications functions at a high level.