Policy & Communications Director

Policy & Communications Director The Policy & Communications Director is a senior leader responsible for shaping and advancing integrated policy and communications strategies that drive meaningful change. This role sits at the intersection of public affairs, advocacy, and narrative strategy, translating policy priorities into compelling messaging that mobilizes communities and influences decision-makers.
This leader will oversee both policy and communications functions, ensuring alignment between advocacy goals and public-facing narratives. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in state and/or local policy work along with the ability to communicate complex issues in ways that resonate across diverse audiences.
Key responsibilities include:
Lead and manage communications and policy staff, fostering collaboration, accountability, and strong team performance
Develop and execute integrated policy and communications strategies aligned with organizational priorities
Translate state and local policy priorities into clear, compelling messaging and public narratives
Oversee digital communications, including website content, social media, and multimedia storytelling
Serve as a spokesperson in public forums, media engagements, and policy spaces
Represent the organization through speaking engagements, media appearances, and written publications
Collaborate with executive leadership to elevate visibility, strengthen positioning, and support fundraising efforts
Manage departmental budget, track outcomes, and support reporting needs
Provide coaching and professional development to team members
Qualifications and requirements include:
Candidates must reside in one of the organization's core locations: Philadelphia, PA or Cleveland, OH
Demonstrated experience working on state and/or local policy, including advocacy, legislative engagement, or public affairs
Experience translating policy into communications strategies, campaigns, or public messaging
8+ years of experience in communications, public affairs, advocacy, or related fields
Minimum of 5 years of senior nonprofit leadership experience
At least 5 years of people management experience
Minimum of 3 years working with Black women, Black queer folks, and Black marginalized communities
Strong alignment with Reproductive Justice and Human Rights frameworks
Proven ability to represent organizations in public-facing roles, including media and speaking engagements
Excellent leadership, project management, and organizational skills
High emotional intelligence and ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments
Preferred qualifications include:
Experience delivering policy testimony or working directly with legislative bodies
Background in movement-building, advocacy organizations, or coalition-based work
Strong media relations experience
Ability to simplify and communicate complex policy issues effectively
Experience managing multiple priorities in fast-paced environments
Proficiency in Google Suite and CRM platforms
Additional skills and attributes include:
Strategic thinker with strong written and verbal communication skills
Highly organized, adaptable, and resourceful
Demonstrates sound judgment in complex and dynamic environments
Passionate about advancing equity and justice through policy and narrative change
Ability to inspire teams and engage diverse audiences
Organization core competencies include:
Stakeholder engagement
Technology proficiency
Systems and workflow management
Financial understanding
Problem-solving and critical thinking
Collaboration, adaptability, clear communication, creativity, and a commitment to continual learning
Leadership core competencies include:
Strategic visioning
Developing team competency
Encouraging innovation
Exhibit creativity, resourcefulness, and flexibility
Applying strong business and operational judgment
Leaders are responsible for turning organizational goals into impactful actions and measurable outcomes.
Demonstrate passion, enthusiasm, motivation, commitment, integrity, humor, optimism, solutions-oriented thinking, and the ability to inspire others to engage with New Voices.
Working conditions include:
Hybrid work environment based in Philadelphia, PA or Cleveland, OH
Occasional travel (~10–15%) for organizational and national engagements
Fast-paced, collaborative work environment
Evening and weekend work may be required
We review every resume that is received. Unfortunately, we are unable to respond to every candidate. It usually takes one to two weeks for us to review your application. All applications will remain on file for consideration for future opportunities. Thank you in advance for your application! The Deamer Group is an equal opportunity employer with a goal of recruiting a diverse workforce to meet the hiring needs of our clients.