Policy & Communications Director

Policy & Communications Director

The Policy & Communications Director is a senior leader responsible for shaping and advancing integrated policy and communications strategies that drive meaningful change. This role sits at the intersection of public affairs, advocacy, and narrative strategy, translating policy priorities into compelling messaging that mobilizes communities and influences decision-makers.

This leader will oversee both policy and communications functions, ensuring alignment between advocacy goals and public-facing narratives. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in state and/or local policy work along with the ability to communicate complex issues in ways that resonate across diverse audiences.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage communications and policy staff, fostering collaboration, accountability, and strong team performance
• Develop and execute integrated policy and communications strategies aligned with organizational priorities
• Translate state and local policy priorities into clear, compelling messaging and public narratives
• Oversee digital communications, including website content, social media, and multimedia storytelling
• Serve as a spokesperson in public forums, media engagements, and policy spaces
• Represent the organization through speaking engagements, media appearances, and written publications
• Collaborate with executive leadership to elevate visibility, strengthen positioning, and support fundraising efforts
• Manage departmental budget, track outcomes, and support reporting needs
• Provide coaching and professional development to team members

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Candidates must reside in one of the organization's core locations: Philadelphia, PA or Cleveland, OH
• Demonstrated experience working on state and/or local policy, including advocacy, legislative engagement, or public affairs
• Experience translating policy into communications strategies, campaigns, or public messaging
• 8+ years of experience in communications, public affairs, advocacy, or related fields
• Minimum of 5 years of senior nonprofit leadership experience
• At least 5 years of people management experience
• Minimum of 3 years working with Black women, Black queer folks, and Black marginalized communities
• Strong alignment with Reproductive Justice and Human Rights frameworks
• Proven ability to represent organizations in public-facing roles, including media and speaking engagements
• Excellent leadership, project management, and organizational skills
• High emotional intelligence and ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience delivering policy testimony or working directly with legislative bodies
• Background in movement-building, advocacy organizations, or coalition-based work
• Strong media relations experience
• Ability to simplify and communicate complex policy issues effectively
• Experience managing multiple priorities in fast-paced environments
• Proficiency in Google Suite and CRM platforms

Additional Skills & Attributes:

• Strategic thinker with strong written and verbal communication skills
• Highly organized, adaptable, and resourceful
• Demonstrates sound judgment in complex and dynamic environments
• Passionate about advancing equity and justice through policy and narrative change
• Ability to inspire teams and engage diverse audiences

Organization Core Competencies:

• Stakeholder engagement
• Technology proficiency
• Systems and workflow management
• Financial understanding
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Collaboration, adaptability, clear communication, creativity, and a commitment to continual learning

Leadership Core Competencies:

• Strategic visioning
• Developing team competency
• Encouraging innovation
• Exhibit creativity, resourcefulness, and flexibility
• Applying strong business and operational judgment
• Leaders are responsible for turning organizational goals into impactful actions and measurable outcomes.
• Demonstrate passion, enthusiasm, motivation, commitment, integrity, humor, optimism, solutions-oriented thinking, and the ability to inspire others to engage with New Voices.

Working Conditions:

• Hybrid work environment based in Philadelphia, PA or Cleveland, OH
• Occasional travel (~10–15%) for organizational and national engagements
• Fast-paced, collaborative work environment
• Evening and weekend work may be required

We review every resume that is received. Unfortunately, we are unable to respond to every candidate. It usually takes one to two weeks for us to review your application. All applications will remain on file for consideration for future opportunities. Thank you in advance for your application! The Deamer Group is an equal opportunity employer with a goal of recruiting a diverse workforce to meet the hiring needs of our clients.