Communications Director
ORGANIZATION
At New Jersey Future (NJF), we believe that great places help build great lives. To help create and preserve our great places, we promote sensible and equitable planning, redevelopment, and infrastructure investments that foster vibrant cities and towns; protect natural lands and waterways; enhance transportation choices; support a strong economy; and provide access to safe, affordable, and aging-friendly neighborhoods for everyone. We do this through original research, innovative policy development, coalition-building, advocacy, and hands-on strategic assistance. Embracing differences and advancing fairness is central to our mission and operations, and we are firmly committed to pursuing greater justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work and culture. NJF offers a fast-paced and supportive work environment and is located in downtown Trenton, NJ. For more information, visit www.njfuture.org.
SUMMARY
New Jersey Future seeks an experienced Communications Director with particular skills and experience in advancing public policy campaigns and advocacy agendas. The Director will provide: 1) overall communications management, coordination, and direction, and 2) lead all communications policy advancement work. The successful candidate will have experience strategically managing communications programs and staff, and advancing policy advocacy initiatives. The Director will supervise the Communications Manager, who supervises the Social Media and Communications Coordinator. The Director reports to the Executive Director.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Director will bring experience and skills in coordinating, driving, managing, and implementing the organization's overall communications strategy. The Director is responsible for developing and executing strategic communications projects that advance the advocacy goals and mission of New Jersey Future. The Director’s work will inspire, inform, and move people to action.
Coordinate all communications work across the organization’s communications goal areas: policy advocacy, thought leadership, public relations, audience growth and engagement, service marketing, and fundraising.
Hire and supervise communications staff and contractors; provide clear goals, feedback, and professional development.
Manage departmental budget and ensure efficient use of resources.
Develop, coordinate, and implement a comprehensive communications strategy that aligns with the organization’s strategic priorities.
Develop goals and key performance indicators to track and monitor the impact, effectiveness, efficiency, and performance of the organization’s communications.
Implement systems that track and manage the communications activities for the organization.
Partner with leadership and HR to enhance internal communications that strengthen staff engagement and organizational culture.
Advocacy Communications Strategy. Develop communications strategies tied to specific policy and legislative goals, identifying target audiences, decision-makers, messengers, messages, tactics, and key moments of influence throughout a campaign.
Legislative and Policy Communications. Work closely with policy and advocacy staff to translate legislative, regulatory, and budget developments into timely communications strategies and materials, including testimony, policy briefs, fact sheets, action alerts, stakeholder communications, and materials for decision-makers.
Campaign Narrative and Message Strategy. Develop persuasive narrative frameworks and message architecture that connect NJF's policy proposals to people's lived experiences, anticipate opposition arguments, and equip staff and partners to communicate consistently and effectively.
Coalition Communications. Develop communications infrastructure for advocacy coalitions, including shared messaging, talking points, communications calendars, partner toolkits, rapid-response protocols, and systems for coordinating communications…