January 15, 2016

Sample Job Description: Director of Communications and Public Affairs

This sample job description for a director of communications at a medium sized nonprofit, works with the senior management team to develop the communications plan (as opposed to developing it independently) and has a staff of four. In contrast to the other communications positions, this role entails identifying public policy issues relevant to the organization.

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This director of communications works with the senior management team to develop the communications plan (as opposed to developing it independently) and has a staff of four. In contrast to the other communications positions, this role entails identifying public policy issues relevant to the organization.

Feel free to use and modify this sample job description to help you create one for your organization.

Sample Position Description

The Director of Communications and Public Affairs will lead an initial team of four and coordinate the organization's overall communications strategy. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director of Communications and Public Affairs will work collaboratively with senior leadership to develop and implement communication strategies to broaden the impact of XYZ Nonprofit's programs and oversee organizational messaging and constituent services.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with the CEO and senior leadership to develop communications strategies that will broaden programmatic reach and deepen impact
  • Develop and refine XYZ Nonprofit's "core" messages to ensure organizational consistency
  • Identify significant media and public policy issues that can be leveraged to support XYZ Nonprofit's work, and create and implement plans to exploit them
  • Serve as executive editor for the organization's website
  • Oversee organizational response to inquiries about XYZ Nonprofit

Qualifications

  • Significant communications experience that includes a blend of advocacy and media relations
  • A strong track record of positioning an organization to achieve tangible outcomes in a competitive communications environment
  • Ability to coach and support senior leaders as spokespersons

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