Director of Communication

Reports to: Deputy CEO

Classification: Full-time Exempt / In-person

Supervisory Responsibilities: Marketing Team, Digital Marketing Manager, Graphic Design


Position Mission


The Director of Communication leads the organization's marketing, branding, public relations, digital strategy, and outreach efforts. This role partners closely with executive and departmental leadership to ensure clear, cohesive, and consistent internal and external communications that advance Homewise's mission, growth, public visibility, advocacy, and community impact.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities


The Director of Communication operates as a key cross-functional leader and collaborates closely with executive leadership, program leaders, development, real estate, and external affairs to implement strategic marketing and communications initiatives that strengthen organizational impact.


Additionally, the Director of Communication is responsible for carrying out the following duties:

• Serve as a primary communications partner to executive leadership on branding, marketing, public relations, advocacy messaging, and reputation management.
• Lead the organization's communications strategy through periods of growth and change by cultivating trust among internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Oversee all organizational communications and press strategy, including media relations, press releases, storytelling, crisis communications, and public messaging.
• Partner with the Deputy CEO and executive leadership to support a visibility and engagement strategy among media, policymakers, and advocates.
• Collaborate with program and data teams to gather, analyze, and translate impact data into compelling communications for stakeholders, funders, and the public.
• Oversee all marketing efforts across digital and print platforms, ensuring brand consistency, quality, and strategic alignment.
• Directly supervise the Graphic & Digital Media Manager, Communications & Press functions, and Marketing team.
• Lead digital strategy including website management, email marketing, social media, and digital campaigns.
• Ensure cohesive brand positioning across programs, employer partnerships, events, advocacy initiatives, and public campaigns.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing, outreach, and communications strategy aligned with the organizational strategic plan.
• Establish annual departmental goals and work plans that support organizational growth and service delivery.
• Expand brand awareness and client reach through strategic outreach partnerships with businesses, organizations, and institutions.
• Lead efforts to identify, cultivate, and grow high-value relationships with community organizations and institutional stakeholders to expand reach, referrals, and financial support.
• Collaborate with department leaders to assess marketing needs and oversee the development of strategic and tactical marketing plans for new and existing initiatives.
• Lead business development-focused public relations and visibility strategies in coordination with leadership and development teams.
• Support advocacy and legislative efforts through communications strategy, campaign development, public education materials, and messaging alignment.
• Ensure consistent branding and messaging across advocacy, policy, and legislative initiatives.
• Represent Homewise in external marketing, media, business development, and community settings as appropriate.

Expected Outcomes

• A fully integrated marketing and communications strategy that advances Homewise's growth, visibility, and mission impact.
• Consistent, high-quality communications across all digital, print, press, outreach, and advocacy platforms.
• A high-performing, well-supported Marketing, Digital, and Communications team.
• Increased brand awareness, stakeholder engagement, and public trust.
• Strong alignment between program outcomes, advocacy messaging, and public communications.

Competencies

• Strategic Thinking & Vision: Sees and communicates the big picture with clarity and inspiration; identifies opportunities and risks through trend analysis.
• Leadership: Engages, motivates, and empowers team to achieve organizational and individual growth.
• Proactivity: Brings forward new ideas and drives initiatives without being directed.
• Talent Development: Recruits, develops, and retains high-performing team members.
• Results-Oriented: Aligns work to measurable outcomes and strategic goals.
• Decision-Making: Generates innovative solutions and moves projects forward with confidence.
• Collaboration: Builds strong cross-functional relationships and fosters teamwork.
• Flexibility & Adaptability: Performs effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Communication Skills: Excels in both written and oral communication.
• Listening Skills: Seeks understanding, anticipates needs, and offers innovative solutions.
• Independent Work: Operates effectively with minimal supervision.
• High Standards: Holds self and team to exceptional performance expectations.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in related field.
• Demonstrated experience in senior leadership, including strategic initiative development, team building, self-motivation and collaborative management practices.
• 10+ years of progressive Marketing/Communications experience, particularly in financial services and/or nonprofit sector.
• Demonstrated excellence in verbal and written communication, including public speaking.

Work Schedule

• Ability to travel as needed.
• Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings or weekends, as needed.

Physical Requirements

• This is largely a sedentary role, although some lifting of supplies is required.
• Must be able to occasionally lift objects up to 20 pounds.