DC Bar Foundation
Job Description
Job Description
Title : Director of Communications
Reports To : Chief Executive Officer
Classification : Exempt
Date : November 2025
POSITION PURPOSE The Director of Communications leads the strategy and execution of the Foundation’s communications efforts, overseeing the development, implementation, and evaluation of an annual communications plan. This role shapes and manages the Foundation’s internal and external presence, advancing its mission and strengthening its reputation.
The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in communications and marketing—including media relations, branding, messaging, and project management—and a passion for the Foundation’s mission. With strong strategic thinking and hands‑on leadership, the Director will elevate the Foundation’s visibility and impact.
Building on insights from the Foundation’s recent communications audit, the Director of Communications will seize new opportunities to highlight the essential role of civil legal aid in Washington, DC’s health and vibrancy. They will also play a central role in leading communications efforts for the Foundation’s 50th anniversary in 2027.
JOB DUTIES Leadership and Communication Strategy
Participate in the overall management of the organization as a Senior Leadership Team member
Set the strategic communications direction for the Foundation, identifying key themes and messages that will most clearly communicate the Foundation's vision, mission, and values to its stakeholders
Demonstrate a team-oriented approach by supporting peers and contributing to collective success
Manage the Foundation’s communications team
Develop a communications calendar, content plan, and design and an approval process that covers all social media, online, and offline communications in collaboration with other key team members
Develop a deep understanding of the Foundation’s work to gather stories that highlight the impact of the Foundation’s work. Proactively develop relationships with staff and other stakeholders to source stories
Organizational Messaging and Storytelling
Develop creative and mission-centric messaging that articulates the special role and impact of DCBF in the local legal and civil legal aid landscape
Lead the Foundation’s storytelling efforts, crafting narratives that convey the breadth and impact of its work to priority audiences
8-10 years of nonprofit communications and marketing experience
Demonstrable experience and success as a communications generalist, with hands‑on practice at branding, messaging, website, social media, media relations, producing print and electronic collateral (including newsletters, brochures, annual report, e-newsletters, direct mail, etc.), and storytelling
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Extensive experience working with the media to promote an organization's impact
A documented history of successfully driving projects to completion
A demonstrated ability to understand and articulate complex issues
A practiced public speaker who can think on their feet
A “teamwork” mindset and ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness
Experience managing staff and liaising with contractors and consultants
Takes initiative to propose fresh ideas, openness to feedback on those ideas, and a persistence to bring those ideas to life
Project management skills, with a knack for working backward from deadlines
Keen attention to detail, adherence to organizational systems, and high-quality work‑product
High level of integrity and confidentiality; able to manage sensitive information about donors, team members, and beneficiaries
Ability to think strategically and see the forest for the trees and vice versa
Accustomed to working on multiple projects with different deadlines simultaneously
Ability to act as a dynamic, professional, and poised ambassador for DCBF
A reliable and friendly communicator who reaches out and follows up
Strong self‑motivation
Ability to think creatively and willing to test out new ideas
Believes in anecdote and data in equal measure
Organize and Execute External Organizational Communications
Manage creation, development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic collateral including, but not limited to, newsletters, brochures, annual report, the Foundation’s website, and social media accounts
Deftly draft communications targeted to the diverse audiences (e.g., policymakers, local / national legal aid organizations, legal community, grantees, influencers, news media, etc.) in the Foundation’s community
Serve as lead staff for CEO’s speaking engagements including drafting talking points and written / oral testimony for DC Council hearings
Equip Foundation team members for external engagements—including media interviews and public testimony—by providing guidance, key messages, and communications support
Build relationships with a variety of media outlets to expand the Foundation’s voice and increase its earned media
Support the CEO in preparing for media interviews and weekly LinkedIn posts
Lead strategies and tactics for social media (i.e., Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, etc.) for both marketing and development purposes
Use Google Analytics, paid advertising, web marketing (SEM and SEO), and digital strategy to expand virtual reach
Design and track engagement metrics to determine success of DCBF’s communications efforts
Represent the Foundation to outside communications and marketing vendors
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
8-10 years of nonprofit communications and marketing experience
Demonstrable experience and success as a communications generalist, with hands‑on practice at branding, messaging, website, social media, media relations, producing print and electronic collateral (including newsletters, brochures, annual report, e-newsletters, direct mail, etc.), and storytelling
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Extensive experience working with the media to promote an organization's impact
A documented history of successfully driving projects to completion
A demonstrated ability to understand and articulate complex issues
A practiced public speaker who can think on their feet
A “teamwork” mindset and ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness
Experience managing staff and liaising with contractors and consultants
Takes initiative to propose fresh ideas, openness to feedback on those ideas, and a persistence to bring those ideas to life
ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES :
Project management skills, with a knack for working backward from deadlines
Keen attention to detail, adherence to organizational systems, and high-quality work‑product
High level of integrity and confidentiality; able to manage sensitive information about donors, team members, and beneficiaries
Ability to think strategically and see the forest for the trees and vice versa
Accustomed to working on multiple projects with different deadlines simultaneously
Ability to act as a dynamic, professional, and poised ambassador for DCBF
A reliable and friendly communicator who reaches out and follows up
Strong self‑motivation
Ability to think creatively and willing to test out new ideas
Believes in anecdote and data in equal measure
WORK ENVIRONMENT This is a professional role based in Washington, DC, and will require work to be performed remotely and within the office space. The position involves frequent use of computers, phones, and virtual meeting platforms. The role may require periodic work outside of regular business hours and occasional local travel.
The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to safely and successfully perform the essential functions of this job consistent with federal, state, and local standards, including meeting productivity standards. Persons with mental and physical disabilities are eligible for this position as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodations are made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible for this position.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS We believe in paying fairly and competitively. To execute this, we utilize a strategic compensation review process to determine starting pay rates as well as annual adjustments. The salary range for this position is $160,000-$173,000. Decisions regarding each individual’s compensation are made using a holistic analysis of market rates, experience, competencies, education, performance, internal equity, annual budget, and economic state.
We also believe in supporting employees’ professional development, health and wellness, and work / life balance. Our benefits include health insurance, medical and dependent care FSAs, 401(k) retirement plan, commuter assistance, home office allowance, summer hours, professional development allowance, and generous paid time off.
EEO STATEMENT The DC Bar Foundation provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, and local law.
THE FOUNDATION The DC Bar Foundation is the leading funder of civil legal aid in the District of Columbia. We are committed to the vision that residents of the District have equal access to justice, regardless of income. Our mission is to fund, support, and improve the legal representation of people who are financially disenfranchised or who are otherwise underserved in the District of Columbia.
OUR BELIEFS We believe that everyone should have access to justice regardless of wealth, knowledge, or power. We seek to be community‑rooted, led by the voices of those most impacted by our decisions. We believe in working collaboratively and demonstrating mutual respect for each other’s capacities, contributions, and ideas. We believe that we must work within ourselves, our networks, and our institutions to challenge racism with each decision we make. Finally, we believe in Team. It’s not just about getting the work done; it’s about HOW you get it done.
TO APPLY : Interested applicants should submit the following to HR@dcbarfoundation.org with “DCBF Director of Communications” in the subject line:
Resume and cover letter
Writing sample that illustrates your impact storytelling skills. Examples could include a press release, blog post, executive summary, newsletter article, or talking points.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Job Description
Title : Director of Communications
Reports To : Chief Executive Officer
Classification : Exempt
Date : November 2025
POSITION PURPOSE The Director of Communications leads the strategy and execution of the Foundation’s communications efforts, overseeing the development, implementation, and evaluation of an annual communications plan. This role shapes and manages the Foundation’s internal and external presence, advancing its mission and strengthening its reputation.
The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in communications and marketing—including media relations, branding, messaging, and project management—and a passion for the Foundation’s mission. With strong strategic thinking and hands‑on leadership, the Director will elevate the Foundation’s visibility and impact.
Building on insights from the Foundation’s recent communications audit, the Director of Communications will seize new opportunities to highlight the essential role of civil legal aid in Washington, DC’s health and vibrancy. They will also play a central role in leading communications efforts for the Foundation’s 50th anniversary in 2027.
JOB DUTIES Leadership and Communication Strategy
Participate in the overall management of the organization as a Senior Leadership Team member
Set the strategic communications direction for the Foundation, identifying key themes and messages that will most clearly communicate the Foundation's vision, mission, and values to its stakeholders
Demonstrate a team-oriented approach by supporting peers and contributing to collective success
Manage the Foundation’s communications team
Develop a communications calendar, content plan, and design and an approval process that covers all social media, online, and offline communications in collaboration with other key team members
Develop a deep understanding of the Foundation’s work to gather stories that highlight the impact of the Foundation’s work. Proactively develop relationships with staff and other stakeholders to source stories
Organizational Messaging and Storytelling
Develop creative and mission-centric messaging that articulates the special role and impact of DCBF in the local legal and civil legal aid landscape
Lead the Foundation’s storytelling efforts, crafting narratives that convey the breadth and impact of its work to priority audiences
8-10 years of nonprofit communications and marketing experience
Demonstrable experience and success as a communications generalist, with hands‑on practice at branding, messaging, website, social media, media relations, producing print and electronic collateral (including newsletters, brochures, annual report, e-newsletters, direct mail, etc.), and storytelling
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Extensive experience working with the media to promote an organization's impact
A documented history of successfully driving projects to completion
A demonstrated ability to understand and articulate complex issues
A practiced public speaker who can think on their feet
A “teamwork” mindset and ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness
Experience managing staff and liaising with contractors and consultants
Takes initiative to propose fresh ideas, openness to feedback on those ideas, and a persistence to bring those ideas to life
Project management skills, with a knack for working backward from deadlines
Keen attention to detail, adherence to organizational systems, and high-quality work‑product
High level of integrity and confidentiality; able to manage sensitive information about donors, team members, and beneficiaries
Ability to think strategically and see the forest for the trees and vice versa
Accustomed to working on multiple projects with different deadlines simultaneously
Ability to act as a dynamic, professional, and poised ambassador for DCBF
A reliable and friendly communicator who reaches out and follows up
Strong self‑motivation
Ability to think creatively and willing to test out new ideas
Believes in anecdote and data in equal measure
Organize and Execute External Organizational Communications
Manage creation, development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic collateral including, but not limited to, newsletters, brochures, annual report, the Foundation’s website, and social media accounts
Deftly draft communications targeted to the diverse audiences (e.g., policymakers, local / national legal aid organizations, legal community, grantees, influencers, news media, etc.) in the Foundation’s community
Serve as lead staff for CEO’s speaking engagements including drafting talking points and written / oral testimony for DC Council hearings
Equip Foundation team members for external engagements—including media interviews and public testimony—by providing guidance, key messages, and communications support
Build relationships with a variety of media outlets to expand the Foundation’s voice and increase its earned media
Support the CEO in preparing for media interviews and weekly LinkedIn posts
Lead strategies and tactics for social media (i.e., Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, etc.) for both marketing and development purposes
Use Google Analytics, paid advertising, web marketing (SEM and SEO), and digital strategy to expand virtual reach
Design and track engagement metrics to determine success of DCBF’s communications efforts
Represent the Foundation to outside communications and marketing vendors
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
8-10 years of nonprofit communications and marketing experience
Demonstrable experience and success as a communications generalist, with hands‑on practice at branding, messaging, website, social media, media relations, producing print and electronic collateral (including newsletters, brochures, annual report, e-newsletters, direct mail, etc.), and storytelling
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Extensive experience working with the media to promote an organization's impact
A documented history of successfully driving projects to completion
A demonstrated ability to understand and articulate complex issues
A practiced public speaker who can think on their feet
A “teamwork” mindset and ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness
Experience managing staff and liaising with contractors and consultants
Takes initiative to propose fresh ideas, openness to feedback on those ideas, and a persistence to bring those ideas to life
ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES :
Project management skills, with a knack for working backward from deadlines
Keen attention to detail, adherence to organizational systems, and high-quality work‑product
High level of integrity and confidentiality; able to manage sensitive information about donors, team members, and beneficiaries
Ability to think strategically and see the forest for the trees and vice versa
Accustomed to working on multiple projects with different deadlines simultaneously
Ability to act as a dynamic, professional, and poised ambassador for DCBF
A reliable and friendly communicator who reaches out and follows up
Strong self‑motivation
Ability to think creatively and willing to test out new ideas
Believes in anecdote and data in equal measure
WORK ENVIRONMENT This is a professional role based in Washington, DC, and will require work to be performed remotely and within the office space. The position involves frequent use of computers, phones, and virtual meeting platforms. The role may require periodic work outside of regular business hours and occasional local travel.
The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to safely and successfully perform the essential functions of this job consistent with federal, state, and local standards, including meeting productivity standards. Persons with mental and physical disabilities are eligible for this position as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodations are made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible for this position.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS We believe in paying fairly and competitively. To execute this, we utilize a strategic compensation review process to determine starting pay rates as well as annual adjustments. The salary range for this position is $160,000-$173,000. Decisions regarding each individual’s compensation are made using a holistic analysis of market rates, experience, competencies, education, performance, internal equity, annual budget, and economic state.
We also believe in supporting employees’ professional development, health and wellness, and work / life balance. Our benefits include health insurance, medical and dependent care FSAs, 401(k) retirement plan, commuter assistance, home office allowance, summer hours, professional development allowance, and generous paid time off.
EEO STATEMENT The DC Bar Foundation provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, and local law.
THE FOUNDATION The DC Bar Foundation is the leading funder of civil legal aid in the District of Columbia. We are committed to the vision that residents of the District have equal access to justice, regardless of income. Our mission is to fund, support, and improve the legal representation of people who are financially disenfranchised or who are otherwise underserved in the District of Columbia.
OUR BELIEFS We believe that everyone should have access to justice regardless of wealth, knowledge, or power. We seek to be community‑rooted, led by the voices of those most impacted by our decisions. We believe in working collaboratively and demonstrating mutual respect for each other’s capacities, contributions, and ideas. We believe that we must work within ourselves, our networks, and our institutions to challenge racism with each decision we make. Finally, we believe in Team. It’s not just about getting the work done; it’s about HOW you get it done.
TO APPLY : Interested applicants should submit the following to HR@dcbarfoundation.org with “DCBF Director of Communications” in the subject line:
Resume and cover letter
Writing sample that illustrates your impact storytelling skills. Examples could include a press release, blog post, executive summary, newsletter article, or talking points.
#J-18808-Ljbffr