Director of Communications

Health and Reentry Project (HARP)

. Serve as a strategic thought partner to the Executive Director on external positioning, branding, and narrative framing .

Posted 10/9/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesLead💰 $120,000 - $160,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing and executing high-impact communications strategies, managing external contractors, and utilizing digital communications tools. Possesses strong leadership skills and the ability to articulate complex policy issues clearly to diverse audiences.

Highest-signal resume keywords

High-Impact Communications Strategy DevelopmentDigital Communications Tools ProficiencyLeadership in Communications Process EstablishmentPolicy Communications ExperienceVendor Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Communications PlanningContent Management SystemsPerformance AnalyticsEditorial Calendar ManagementSocial Media ManagementWritten CommunicationVerbal CommunicationMessaging DevelopmentBrandingProduct Development

Soft Skills

Strategic ThinkingOrganizational SkillsDetail-OrientedPositive AttitudeSelf-Motivated

Tools & Technologies

Digital Performance Metrics TrackingWeb Management ToolsEmail Communication PlatformsDesign SoftwareSocial Media Platforms

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree

Industry Keywords

NonprofitHealth PolicyCriminal JusticeGovernmentMembership Association

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as a strategic thought partner to the Executive Director on external positioning, branding, and narrative framing
Develop, execute, evaluate, and regularly update a communications plan and supporting calendar aligned with HARP's mission and strategic priorities
Build and maintain HARP's organizational voice, messaging, and visual identity across platforms
Create compelling materials for policymakers, state and federal agencies, local officials, advocates, stakeholders, and the public
Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing strategy for HARP's State Technical Assistance Center and other core work
Manage HARP's product development process from conception to publication
Oversee external contractors and design vendors
Write and edit social media posts, newsletters, blogs, op-eds, and press releases
Expand and manage HARP's website, social media, and email communications
Manage relationships with web and design contractors
Track and report digital performance metrics to improve reach and engagement
Support rapid-response communications around policy developments and breaking news
Develop and maintain an editorial calendar amplifying publications, policy work, and stakeholder engagement
Build and maintain HARP's media list
Support leadership and staff in direct reporter engagement
Manage external public relations resources and relationships as needed
Report to HARP's Executive Director and serve on the senior leadership team

Requirements

What you’ll need

Minimum of 10 years of experience in communications, with a track record in policy, nonprofit, membership association, consulting, or government settings
Bachelor's degree required
Track record of developing and executing high-impact communications strategies
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences
Demonstrated leadership experience, including launching or establishing communications processes such as workflows, templates, and shared standards
Experience with digital communications tools, content management systems, social media, and basic performance analytics
Exceptional strategic thinking capabilities and ability to translate vision into concrete, scalable operational plans
Experience managing external contractors and vendors
Familiarity with health policy, criminal justice, or related fields, or ability to quickly learn complex policy issues
Organized, detail-oriented, results-focused, and able to thrive in a growth- and learning-oriented culture
Ability to maintain good humor and a positive attitude while managing multiple priorities and deadlines
Clear and concise written and oral expression
Self-motivated and able to work independently on a small team
Ability to work in a remote or hybrid work environment
Commitment to creating an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and experiences

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
401(k)
Competitive benefits package
Remote or hybrid work environment
More benefits as part of HARP's benefits package