Communications Director

About For The People

For The People (FTP) works with prosecutors, justice system leaders, community members, and incarcerated people to reduce the number of people serving excessive sentences. We harness the incredible power of prosecutors to end sentences that no longer serve justice and, through partnerships, work to safely release and reintegrate incarcerated individuals into their communities. For more information, visit www.fortheppl.org.

About the Position

The Communications Director manages all aspects of the organization's external-facing communications, elevating our profile with funders; prosecutors and other law enforcement audiences; policymakers; community partners; criminal justice reform advocates; the media; and other key stakeholders. The Director partners with Executive Leadership to develop and lead FTP's marketing and communication strategies and campaigns, managing staff and consultants to deliver high-quality work that align with organizational strategies and goals.

The Communications Director reports to the Chief Executive Officer, participates on the Leadership Team, and directly manages one other Communications colleague. This is a highly collaborative and hands-on leadership role for someone who is equally comfortable shaping strategy, guiding teams, and actively driving execution.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Leadership

Act as a thought-partner to the CEO and leadership team; capable of generating and capturing expansive ideas, and translating them into a clear, actionable communications strategy and roadmap.
Partner with Executive Leadership to develop and lead organization's overarching communications and marketing plan, including annual and quarterly goals, milestones and metrics, integrated campaigns and initiatives, and implementation planning.
Collaborate with the CEO, team, and consultants to manage implementation of our organization's communication plan to ensure all deliverables are met.
Lead internal communication strategies to ensure the team remains unified and informed as the organization evolves; manage change and serve as the lead for crisis communications and rapid response needs.
Manage the Communications Team budget at the organizational and project level based on annual budget planning done with leadership, including selection and management of consultants and vendors.
Media Relations and Brand Visibility

Oversee media relations, directly or by managing staff or consultants, for reactive and proactive opportunities and thought-leadership.
Identify and secure opportunities to showcase the organization's work, solutions, team members, thought leadership, partners, and people who benefit from our approaches.
Develop compelling messaging and narratives that strengthen brand visibility, deepen engagement, and position FTP as a leading voice in the field.
Pitch events, awards, and other recognitions that elevate FTP's and staff's profiles.
Oversight of Multi-Channel Content

Serve as Executive Editor for all organizational publications to ensure content is on-message and approved for distribution.
Manage the development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic collateral (newsletters, brochures, donor communications, and reports).
Oversee all social media activities, including branding, advocacy campaigns, and ensuring a consistent, dynamic presence across platforms (Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn).
Oversee the production of ethical, high-quality multimedia storytelling and video projects that showcase FTP's impact (e.g., prison releases, family reunifications) with the highest degree of care, sensitivity, and respect.Ensure the organization's website is properly maintained and updated with relevant, compelling information.
Development and Cross-Functional Support

Partner with development and executive staff to create compelling fundraising content for donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Collaborate cross-functionally and direct staff and consultants in the execution of communications and marketing events.
Team Management and Analytics

Lead, mentor and manage members of the Communications Team ensuring the effective, successful and professional completion of all tasks.
Support prioritization and delegation across communications initiatives, ensuring projects move forward effectively in alignment with organizational goals and evolving needs.
Lead the identification, capture, analysis, and reporting of data for marketing and communications to leadership, the Board, and funders.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Mission Alignment and Cultural Competency

A dedication to our mission of safely releasing people from prison, ending institutional racism, and restoring dignity to those impacted by the criminal justice system.
Experience working in a team environment with a diverse group of organizations and people across a wide range of backgrounds and sectors.
Strategic Thinking and Execution

Experience developing and implementing plans that blend PR, marketing, social media, and advocacy to influence key audiences.
A track record of elevating brands and leaders to advance organizational goals.
Excellent writing and editing skills for opinion pieces, strategy documents, reports, and newsletters; a keen eye for brand style.
The willingness and ability to bring new, creative ideas to the table.
Operational and Project Management

Extensive experience in project management with the ability to deliver high-quality results under multiple, competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Track record of managing individuals and teams.
Working knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs, Salesforce, Box, and Asana.
Ability to adjust to changing needs, including rapid-response communications and occasional evening or weekend events.
Experience

10+ years of work experience in marketing, communications, journalism, social media, or other related fields with increasing levels of responsibility and a demonstrated ability to manage individuals and teams.
Experience working with diverse communities and a deep commitment to social justice.
Must hold a valid driver's license and be willing to drive to locations in the San Francisco Bay Area, including prison releases.
Location & Travel

We believe there is great value in working and collaborating face-to-face and therefore prefer to have this position located in the San Francisco Bay Area, where our Oakland office is located. We are open to considering flexible arrangements for the right candidate.

Depending on the location of the candidate, travel is primarily local during the business day. Some out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be expected. If the candidate is not located in the California Bay Area, quarterly travel to the Oakland office, at a minimum, will be required.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary of $135,000 - $155,000, depending on experience
100%-paid benefits package for the employee, including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, holidays and paid time off
25 paid hours for professional development/coaching
Option to enroll in our 403(b) retirement plan

To Apply

Applications will be considered until the position is filled.

Submit your information, along with
A resume;
A brief cover letter that describes why you are interested in the role and your qualifications.
Three professional references

Diversity, Inclusion, Justice and Equity Statement

FTP works every day to serve justice and that begins with our team. We are inclusive. We celebrate multiple approaches and points of view. We believe diversity drives creativity, understanding and effectiveness, so we are continuing to build a culture where difference is not only valued but sought after. We strive to create a team where everyone feels empowered to bring their full authentic selves to work.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States to be considered for this role.

For The People is an Equal Opportunity Employer and wants our staff to reflect the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including formerly incarcerated and/or system-involved individuals. We look at each applicant's full experience and consider each applicant. We encourage people from all backgrounds and experiences to apply. Individuals with lived experience of the criminal justice system and its impacts are strongly encouraged to apply.