Race Forward
Overview
Position Title: Director, Strategic Communications Department: Narrative, Communications, and Storytelling Reports to: Senior Director, Communications and Storytelling Position Category: Full-Time FLSA Status: Exempt Base pay range: $98,301 - $109,053 per year Last Updated: June 2025 About Race Forward
Race Forward's mission is to support communities and public institutions to achieve a just multiracial democratic society through governance that advances racial justice. In partnership with communities, organizations, and sectors, we build strategies to advance racial justice in our policies, institutions, and culture. Race Forward imagines a just, multiracial democratic society free from oppression and exploitation, in which people of color thrive with power and purpose. Since 1981, Race Forward has brought a systemic analysis and an innovative approach to complex race issues to help people take effective action toward racial equity. Position Summary
The Director, Strategic Communications, in close collaboration with the Senior Director, Communications and Storytelling, will develop a multi-media strategic communications plan for the organization. This role will support the Honest Education Action and Leadership (HEAL) Together program in developing and leading the implementation of its strategic communications plan to foster a positive narrative of public education as the foundation for a just, multiracial democracy. Through the use of marketing tactics, strategic communications tools, media relations, and narrative storytelling, the Director will work with the Narrative, Communications, and Storytelling and HEAL teams to develop strategic content to advance Race Forward's and HEAL's goals. This strategic, cross-functional role requires communications expertise, organizing communication skills, and analytical thinking to define HEAL Together's communications strategy and campaign approach, and to develop content that uplifts our narrative for honest, equitable, and fully funded public education. The ideal candidate is a multi-faceted communications strategist who is fueled by storytelling and has a knack for creating strategic content that motivates a diverse group of people to take action. Duties/Responsibilities
Content Strategy and Development - 60%
Work in collaboration with NCS Leadership Team to develop annual content strategy, incorporating executive leadership, narrative storytelling, and media relations. Lead the development of content tailored for target audiences over multi-channel platforms, and lead the execution of those efforts to inform, educate, and influence both internal and external audiences. Manage the strategy and day-to-day implementation plan for effective content production, management, and delivery that evangelizes Race Forward's narrative and brand strategy, and advances our mission, vision, values and efforts across all digital platforms to attract, acquire, and engage a broad set of internal and external stakeholders and audiences. Ensure campaign content aligns with Race Forward and Race Forward Action's strategy and organizational theory of change. Design, produce, and/or review communications for internal use. Develop message frameworks for diverse audiences based on narrative development. Develop and refine messaging to ensure organizational consistency in all aspects of communications. Collaborate with the VP, Narrative, Communications, and Storytelling on executive leadership content, including thought leadership pieces, video content, etc. Partner with subject matter experts across the organization and the HEAL Network to develop unique, relevant, and valuable content. Collaborate with the NCS and HEAL Together teams to identify opportunities to streamline communication processes and develop new procedures that support inter-departmental work.
HEAL Together and HEAL to Win Support - 40%
Collaborate with the HEAL Together program team to develop annual marketing communications plans that align with the organizational marketing communications strategy. Lead the design of HEAL Together and HEAL to Win marketing and communications content and campaigns that raise awareness and inform, educate, and influence internal and external audiences. Develop an annual strategic content plan to support the HEAL Together and HEAL to Win programmatic objectives. Identify and share opportunities for public and media relations, thought leadership initiatives, social media, and digital tools that support HEAL Together and HEAL to Win objectives. Collaborate with the Digital Communications Manager to measure and provide monthly reports on digital content KPIs with respect to growth and performance. Develop, consult, and monitor budget and resources related to marketing, communications and storytelling for HEAL Together. Serve as project manager when working with contractors and external partners for HEAL Together and HEAL to Win, coordinating timelines to meet commitments and ensure deliverables are on time.
Required Job Competencies (Knowledge, Skills And Abilities)
Content development, marketing, storytelling, and branding Ability to develop compelling content through written and visual means Superior interpersonal, written, and verbal communication Creative instincts and a natural intellectual curiosity Cross-cultural appreciation and a history of building strong relationships with diverse stakeholders Deep listening Ability to handle pressure in a fast-paced, accountability-focused environment Critical thinking with the ability to synthesize complex information and make data-driven recommendations Passion for the mission, vision, and core values of Race Forward Strategic thinking with attention to day-to-day operational details Knowledge of current content best practices Ability to work independently, within a team, and cross-functionally Required Education And Experience
Minimum of 3 years' experience developing and implementing digital communications content strategies aligned with organizational brand Experience developing and overseeing impactful storytelling content across websites, newsletters, blogs, emails, brochures, thought leadership pieces, and social media Experience working in Asana or similar project management tools Experience using content management technologies including SEO/SEM and social media platforms Knowledge of content marketing trends and analytics Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with internal and external stakeholders Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks with strong organizational skills and attention to detail Physical Demands
Able to sit for long periods, working on a computer. Benefits
Health & Wellness: 100% employer paid medical, dental, and vision coverage Work from Home: 100% remote work environment Home Office Stipend: Stipend to set up and maintain home office And much more... Travel Requirements
Approximately 15% Race Forward Core Organizational Competencies
Racial Equity Advocates
Consistently demonstrates understanding of racial equity and the ability to apply that analysis to Race Forward work. Commitment to centering Blackness in work. Accountable and Self-Reflective
Practices self-reflection, follows through on commitments, and champions personal and professional values. Transparent and Collaborative
Builds authentic relationships, communicates clearly, and fosters a culture where all voices are heard. Strategic and Creative
Generates innovative solutions and aligns work with Race Forward's mission and values. Disclaimer: The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed. Duties may change at any time with or without notice. Race Forward is an at-will employer. EEO/AA statements: Race Forward is an active Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. ADA: Race Forward aims to be accessible to all individuals in programs, services, and employment opportunities.
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Position Title: Director, Strategic Communications Department: Narrative, Communications, and Storytelling Reports to: Senior Director, Communications and Storytelling Position Category: Full-Time FLSA Status: Exempt Base pay range: $98,301 - $109,053 per year Last Updated: June 2025 About Race Forward
Race Forward's mission is to support communities and public institutions to achieve a just multiracial democratic society through governance that advances racial justice. In partnership with communities, organizations, and sectors, we build strategies to advance racial justice in our policies, institutions, and culture. Race Forward imagines a just, multiracial democratic society free from oppression and exploitation, in which people of color thrive with power and purpose. Since 1981, Race Forward has brought a systemic analysis and an innovative approach to complex race issues to help people take effective action toward racial equity. Position Summary
The Director, Strategic Communications, in close collaboration with the Senior Director, Communications and Storytelling, will develop a multi-media strategic communications plan for the organization. This role will support the Honest Education Action and Leadership (HEAL) Together program in developing and leading the implementation of its strategic communications plan to foster a positive narrative of public education as the foundation for a just, multiracial democracy. Through the use of marketing tactics, strategic communications tools, media relations, and narrative storytelling, the Director will work with the Narrative, Communications, and Storytelling and HEAL teams to develop strategic content to advance Race Forward's and HEAL's goals. This strategic, cross-functional role requires communications expertise, organizing communication skills, and analytical thinking to define HEAL Together's communications strategy and campaign approach, and to develop content that uplifts our narrative for honest, equitable, and fully funded public education. The ideal candidate is a multi-faceted communications strategist who is fueled by storytelling and has a knack for creating strategic content that motivates a diverse group of people to take action. Duties/Responsibilities
Content Strategy and Development - 60%
Work in collaboration with NCS Leadership Team to develop annual content strategy, incorporating executive leadership, narrative storytelling, and media relations. Lead the development of content tailored for target audiences over multi-channel platforms, and lead the execution of those efforts to inform, educate, and influence both internal and external audiences. Manage the strategy and day-to-day implementation plan for effective content production, management, and delivery that evangelizes Race Forward's narrative and brand strategy, and advances our mission, vision, values and efforts across all digital platforms to attract, acquire, and engage a broad set of internal and external stakeholders and audiences. Ensure campaign content aligns with Race Forward and Race Forward Action's strategy and organizational theory of change. Design, produce, and/or review communications for internal use. Develop message frameworks for diverse audiences based on narrative development. Develop and refine messaging to ensure organizational consistency in all aspects of communications. Collaborate with the VP, Narrative, Communications, and Storytelling on executive leadership content, including thought leadership pieces, video content, etc. Partner with subject matter experts across the organization and the HEAL Network to develop unique, relevant, and valuable content. Collaborate with the NCS and HEAL Together teams to identify opportunities to streamline communication processes and develop new procedures that support inter-departmental work.
HEAL Together and HEAL to Win Support - 40%
Collaborate with the HEAL Together program team to develop annual marketing communications plans that align with the organizational marketing communications strategy. Lead the design of HEAL Together and HEAL to Win marketing and communications content and campaigns that raise awareness and inform, educate, and influence internal and external audiences. Develop an annual strategic content plan to support the HEAL Together and HEAL to Win programmatic objectives. Identify and share opportunities for public and media relations, thought leadership initiatives, social media, and digital tools that support HEAL Together and HEAL to Win objectives. Collaborate with the Digital Communications Manager to measure and provide monthly reports on digital content KPIs with respect to growth and performance. Develop, consult, and monitor budget and resources related to marketing, communications and storytelling for HEAL Together. Serve as project manager when working with contractors and external partners for HEAL Together and HEAL to Win, coordinating timelines to meet commitments and ensure deliverables are on time.
Required Job Competencies (Knowledge, Skills And Abilities)
Content development, marketing, storytelling, and branding Ability to develop compelling content through written and visual means Superior interpersonal, written, and verbal communication Creative instincts and a natural intellectual curiosity Cross-cultural appreciation and a history of building strong relationships with diverse stakeholders Deep listening Ability to handle pressure in a fast-paced, accountability-focused environment Critical thinking with the ability to synthesize complex information and make data-driven recommendations Passion for the mission, vision, and core values of Race Forward Strategic thinking with attention to day-to-day operational details Knowledge of current content best practices Ability to work independently, within a team, and cross-functionally Required Education And Experience
Minimum of 3 years' experience developing and implementing digital communications content strategies aligned with organizational brand Experience developing and overseeing impactful storytelling content across websites, newsletters, blogs, emails, brochures, thought leadership pieces, and social media Experience working in Asana or similar project management tools Experience using content management technologies including SEO/SEM and social media platforms Knowledge of content marketing trends and analytics Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with internal and external stakeholders Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks with strong organizational skills and attention to detail Physical Demands
Able to sit for long periods, working on a computer. Benefits
Health & Wellness: 100% employer paid medical, dental, and vision coverage Work from Home: 100% remote work environment Home Office Stipend: Stipend to set up and maintain home office And much more... Travel Requirements
Approximately 15% Race Forward Core Organizational Competencies
Racial Equity Advocates
Consistently demonstrates understanding of racial equity and the ability to apply that analysis to Race Forward work. Commitment to centering Blackness in work. Accountable and Self-Reflective
Practices self-reflection, follows through on commitments, and champions personal and professional values. Transparent and Collaborative
Builds authentic relationships, communicates clearly, and fosters a culture where all voices are heard. Strategic and Creative
Generates innovative solutions and aligns work with Race Forward's mission and values. Disclaimer: The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed. Duties may change at any time with or without notice. Race Forward is an at-will employer. EEO/AA statements: Race Forward is an active Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. ADA: Race Forward aims to be accessible to all individuals in programs, services, and employment opportunities.
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