Landscape Architecture Foundation
Director of Communications
Landscape Architecture Foundation, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
The Landscape Architecture Foundation (LAF) seeks an enterprising, strategic, results-oriented digital communications professional to join our 8-person, collaborative team and build communications capacity for the organization. The Director of Communications leverages marketing, communications, and public relations to foster community and propel the landscape architecture discipline forward while supporting LAF programs, events, and fundraising efforts.
This new Director-level position will be an important member of LAF’s senior leadership team and will develop and implement communications strategies across a range of channels and organizational functions. The new role is an elevation of LAF’s only dedicated communications position, reflecting the evolution of the organization and the strategic leadership needed to collaboratively work through the transition and position LAF for growth as additional communications capacity is added in the future. This role is ideal for an experienced communicator who can set high-level strategy while rolling up their sleeves to drive execution, as well as contribute to broader organizational decision-making.
The full-time, 40 hour/week position is located in Washington, DC, and requires occasional travel within the U.S. LAF staff work a hybrid schedule with 2-3 fixed days per week in LAF’s downtown DC office. LAF is a national, 501(c)(3) charitable organization that invests in research, scholarships, and leadership initiatives to increase the influence and impact of landscape architects to create a more sustainable, just, and resilient future. The Director of Communications joins a passionate and forward-thinking team that is engaged with the leaders and next practices in the landscape architecture discipline.
Primary Responsibilities This position is responsible for shaping and sustaining LAF’s voice and brand with effective materials and messages tailored to LAF’s key audiences, which include landscape architecture professionals, academics, and students; donors; partner and funder organizations; and built environment professionals. A key aim is to increase awareness about LAF and its value among landscape architects, allied groups, and potential funders.
Core communications responsibilities include the creation and dissemination of content across native and social media platforms, through media partnerships, and utilizing earned media. This position supports LAF programs and events through marketing to meet goals for applications and registrations, winner/participant recognition, and event communications and follow-up. This role also supports LAF’s development and fundraising efforts through storytelling and other content to showcase impact.
Planning and Strategy
Develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies to advance LAF’s 2026-28 strategic plan, in particular the goal to expand LAF's reach, deepen brand affinity, and better leverage investments in people and ideas
Assess current resources and systems and develop a forward-looking, scalable, multi-year communications capacity plan that includes people and infrastructure needs
Build and hone LAF’s brand and voice, and develop strategies and benchmarks to increase awareness of LAF and landscape architecture
Coordinate with program and development staff to develop and execute quarterly communications plans to support cyclical program, event, and fundraising objectives
Stay abreast of communications and media trends to identify new opportunities
Serve on LAF’s senior leadership team and provide strategic input to LAF’s programmatic, outreach, and fundraising initiatives, as well as the operational and multi-year strategic planning
Digital Communications
Produce cyclical program and event announcements and disseminate them through digital channels
Create content (copy and images) to maintain and regularly update the LAF website
Lead the production of monthly e-newsletter and digital annual reports, including writing, editing, and formatting
Conceptualize stories, do research, and conduct interviews to craft compelling messages and stories about the impact of LAF and landscape architecture
Manage LAF social media accounts (primarily LinkedIn and Instagram) and develop plans and benchmarks for increasing followers and engagement
Monitor, share, and engage on topics of interest
Media Relations
Create integrated media materials, including press releases, articles, pitch letters, and social media messages to distribute to media contacts
Identify, cultivate, and maintain ongoing relationships with key media outlets, organizations, influencers, and journalists
Manage and update media contact lists, including social media accounts
Pitch stories and LAF events to diverse media, including traditional reporters, bloggers, nonprofit organizations, and digital influencers
Data Analysis, Tracking, and Reporting
Monitor and measure the effectiveness of individual campaigns
Track media coverage and mentions on digital and social media channels
Monitor website, newsletter, and social media analytics and produce semi-annual reports
Analyze and interpret data to develop insights and recommendations for LAF communications, programs, and other initiatives
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or related field preferred; equivalent experience will be considered
A minimum of 5-7 years of work experience and demonstrated success in communications and communications strategy, preferably with a nonprofit or social impact organization or company
Hands‑on experience in developing, launching, and managing communication campaigns to achieve specific objectives
Ability to plan, manage competing priorities, track and meet deadlines, and execute a variety of tasks and responsibilities
Exceptional writing and editing skills, including editing to follow style guides
Eye for design and strong attention to detail
Understanding of content marketing and donor-focused storytelling
Proven ability to oversee and optimize email marketing strategy and platforms
Expertise in social media strategy, content creation and audience engagement (particularly for LinkedIn, Instagram)
History of using website content management systems (e.g. Drupal, WordPress)
Experience in managing team members, staff, volunteers, or consultants to produce communications materials
High initiative and self-motivation with consistent demonstration as a successful, high-level performer
Preferred Qualifications
Subject matter expertise or strong interest in sustainable design, green urbanism, and/or equitable development
Skills and experience in graphic design, video editing, and/or photography
Comfort with Adobe Creative Suite for image manipulation and graphic design
Compensation and Benefits Starting salary range is $80,000 - $90,000, commensurate with experience, plus the opportunity for an annual performance bonus of up to 7.5% of salary. LAF offers opportunities for growth based on employee performance and provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, life, and disability insurance, vacation/sick pay, and an employer-matching 401(k) program.
LAF staff work a hybrid schedule with 2-3 days per week when all staff are expected to be on-site in LAF’s office. The office is a LEED Platinum building located in downtown Washington, DC, is easily accessible by multiple public transit options, and has an on-site fitness facility, locker rooms and showers, secure bike parking, roof deck, and additional amenities.
Application Instructions Submit letter of interest, resume, and three references to tolaf@lafoundation.org with the subject line “Director of Communications position.” Please indicate how you found this opportunity. No phone calls please.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The ideal start date is in January 2026.
LAF is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
This new Director-level position will be an important member of LAF’s senior leadership team and will develop and implement communications strategies across a range of channels and organizational functions. The new role is an elevation of LAF’s only dedicated communications position, reflecting the evolution of the organization and the strategic leadership needed to collaboratively work through the transition and position LAF for growth as additional communications capacity is added in the future. This role is ideal for an experienced communicator who can set high-level strategy while rolling up their sleeves to drive execution, as well as contribute to broader organizational decision-making.
The full-time, 40 hour/week position is located in Washington, DC, and requires occasional travel within the U.S. LAF staff work a hybrid schedule with 2-3 fixed days per week in LAF’s downtown DC office. LAF is a national, 501(c)(3) charitable organization that invests in research, scholarships, and leadership initiatives to increase the influence and impact of landscape architects to create a more sustainable, just, and resilient future. The Director of Communications joins a passionate and forward-thinking team that is engaged with the leaders and next practices in the landscape architecture discipline.
Primary Responsibilities This position is responsible for shaping and sustaining LAF’s voice and brand with effective materials and messages tailored to LAF’s key audiences, which include landscape architecture professionals, academics, and students; donors; partner and funder organizations; and built environment professionals. A key aim is to increase awareness about LAF and its value among landscape architects, allied groups, and potential funders.
Core communications responsibilities include the creation and dissemination of content across native and social media platforms, through media partnerships, and utilizing earned media. This position supports LAF programs and events through marketing to meet goals for applications and registrations, winner/participant recognition, and event communications and follow-up. This role also supports LAF’s development and fundraising efforts through storytelling and other content to showcase impact.
Planning and Strategy
Develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies to advance LAF’s 2026-28 strategic plan, in particular the goal to expand LAF's reach, deepen brand affinity, and better leverage investments in people and ideas
Assess current resources and systems and develop a forward-looking, scalable, multi-year communications capacity plan that includes people and infrastructure needs
Build and hone LAF’s brand and voice, and develop strategies and benchmarks to increase awareness of LAF and landscape architecture
Coordinate with program and development staff to develop and execute quarterly communications plans to support cyclical program, event, and fundraising objectives
Stay abreast of communications and media trends to identify new opportunities
Serve on LAF’s senior leadership team and provide strategic input to LAF’s programmatic, outreach, and fundraising initiatives, as well as the operational and multi-year strategic planning
Digital Communications
Produce cyclical program and event announcements and disseminate them through digital channels
Create content (copy and images) to maintain and regularly update the LAF website
Lead the production of monthly e-newsletter and digital annual reports, including writing, editing, and formatting
Conceptualize stories, do research, and conduct interviews to craft compelling messages and stories about the impact of LAF and landscape architecture
Manage LAF social media accounts (primarily LinkedIn and Instagram) and develop plans and benchmarks for increasing followers and engagement
Monitor, share, and engage on topics of interest
Media Relations
Create integrated media materials, including press releases, articles, pitch letters, and social media messages to distribute to media contacts
Identify, cultivate, and maintain ongoing relationships with key media outlets, organizations, influencers, and journalists
Manage and update media contact lists, including social media accounts
Pitch stories and LAF events to diverse media, including traditional reporters, bloggers, nonprofit organizations, and digital influencers
Data Analysis, Tracking, and Reporting
Monitor and measure the effectiveness of individual campaigns
Track media coverage and mentions on digital and social media channels
Monitor website, newsletter, and social media analytics and produce semi-annual reports
Analyze and interpret data to develop insights and recommendations for LAF communications, programs, and other initiatives
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or related field preferred; equivalent experience will be considered
A minimum of 5-7 years of work experience and demonstrated success in communications and communications strategy, preferably with a nonprofit or social impact organization or company
Hands‑on experience in developing, launching, and managing communication campaigns to achieve specific objectives
Ability to plan, manage competing priorities, track and meet deadlines, and execute a variety of tasks and responsibilities
Exceptional writing and editing skills, including editing to follow style guides
Eye for design and strong attention to detail
Understanding of content marketing and donor-focused storytelling
Proven ability to oversee and optimize email marketing strategy and platforms
Expertise in social media strategy, content creation and audience engagement (particularly for LinkedIn, Instagram)
History of using website content management systems (e.g. Drupal, WordPress)
Experience in managing team members, staff, volunteers, or consultants to produce communications materials
High initiative and self-motivation with consistent demonstration as a successful, high-level performer
Preferred Qualifications
Subject matter expertise or strong interest in sustainable design, green urbanism, and/or equitable development
Skills and experience in graphic design, video editing, and/or photography
Comfort with Adobe Creative Suite for image manipulation and graphic design
Compensation and Benefits Starting salary range is $80,000 - $90,000, commensurate with experience, plus the opportunity for an annual performance bonus of up to 7.5% of salary. LAF offers opportunities for growth based on employee performance and provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, life, and disability insurance, vacation/sick pay, and an employer-matching 401(k) program.
LAF staff work a hybrid schedule with 2-3 days per week when all staff are expected to be on-site in LAF’s office. The office is a LEED Platinum building located in downtown Washington, DC, is easily accessible by multiple public transit options, and has an on-site fitness facility, locker rooms and showers, secure bike parking, roof deck, and additional amenities.
Application Instructions Submit letter of interest, resume, and three references to tolaf@lafoundation.org with the subject line “Director of Communications position.” Please indicate how you found this opportunity. No phone calls please.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The ideal start date is in January 2026.
LAF is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees.
#J-18808-Ljbffr