Director of Communications and Advocacy

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company. Our partner is looking for a Director of Communications and Advocacy based in United States.

This is a high-impact leadership opportunity at the intersection of strategic communications, public policy, and higher education advocacy.

• Set and execute the overall communications strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities, brand standards, equity commitments, and policy objectives.
• Oversee brand management, editorial planning, communications workflows, digital channels, and ongoing evaluation of communications effectiveness.
• Lead media relations by developing journalist relationships, coordinating interviews and briefings, managing rapid-response communications, and proactively identifying opportunities for earned media.
• Direct the creation of high-quality communications materials, including press releases, op-eds, blog content, research reports, policy briefs, social media content, digital campaigns, and multimedia assets.
• Oversee the organization’s website, social media, email marketing, podcasts, and other digital platforms to strengthen reach and engagement.
• Develop and implement communications strategies that advance state and federal policy priorities, translating research and evidence into accessible and persuasive narratives for policymakers and legislative audiences.
• Build and maintain relationships with advocacy partners, coalitions, allied organizations, and other stakeholders to expand policy influence and amplify shared priorities.
• Monitor state and federal policy developments and coordinate rapid-response communications when legislative or political developments intersect with organizational priorities.
• Partner with strategy, alliance engagement, research, and program teams to develop advocacy messaging that supports equity-focused policy goals.
• Represent the organization in relevant coalitions, conferences, stakeholder forums, and external convenings.
• Advise senior leaders on communications strategy, public affairs positioning, media opportunities, stakeholder engagement, and emerging reputational or policy considerations.
• Supervise a Communications Manager and external consultants or freelancers, providing direction, coaching, feedback, and quality oversight.
• Support communications and content development for major organizational events and annual convenings.
• Produce communications-related reporting and insights for funders, senior leadership, and the Board.
• Serve as a cross-functional communications resource, helping teams maintain consistent messaging and translating organizational priorities into effective external communications.
• Contribute to broader organizational strategy and planning through collaboration with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.

• Bachelor’s degree required; a master’s degree is preferred, or equivalent relevant professional experience in communications, public affairs, advocacy, policy, or a related field.
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public affairs, advocacy, or a related function, including at least two years in a leadership or supervisory capacity.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing communications strategies designed to advance state and/or federal policy priorities.
• Strong knowledge of the U.S. higher education and postsecondary landscape, including policy, equity issues, and challenges affecting underrepresented and first-generation students.
• Proven ability to transform complex research, data, and policy information into clear, compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
• Experience building coalitions, managing stakeholder relationships, and developing productive external partnerships.
• Strong media relations expertise, including journalist engagement, earned media campaigns, and placement of opinion pieces or op-eds.
• Demonstrated people leadership and project management skills, with experience managing employees, consultants, freelancers, or external partners in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong proficiency with social media platforms, web content management systems, email marketing tools, and digital communications channels.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including strong command of AP style and the ability to maintain a consistent organizational voice and tone.
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite tools such as Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop; HTML/CSS knowledge is a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Strong strategic judgment, political awareness, storytelling ability, and the capacity to communicate effectively with senior leaders and external stakeholders.
• Clear commitment to equity, inclusion, and improving outcomes for historically underserved student populations.
• Alignment with the organization’s mission, values, goals, and approach to systems-level change.
• Willingness to travel frequently and work flexible hours as needed.