Director of Strategic Communications

Code for America believes government can work for the people, by the people, in the new digital age, and that government at all levels can and should work well for all people. For more than a decade, we've worked to show that with the mindful use of technology, we can break down barriers, meet community needs, and find real solutions.

Our employees build and transform government and community tools and services, making them so good they inspire change. We merge the best parts of technology, nonprofit, and government to help support the people who need it most.

With a focus on transparency and fairness, and deep empathy for partners in government and community organizations and the people that our partners serve, we're building a movement of motivated change agents driven by meaningful results and lasting impact.

At Code for America, you contribute to exciting work while learning and developing in a supportive and flexible environment. Our compensation and benefits are holistic and thoughtfully curated to represent our employees and our mission. Help us drive real generational change that lasts.

Code for America is looking for a talented
Director of Strategic Communications
who is a bold and empathetic communicator and thrives on building authentic relationships, elevating voices, and shaping compelling narratives that drive impact.

This role will be a great fit for you if you can:

• Align communication strategies with organizational goals and drive high-impact outcomes.
• Develop engaging campaigns and manage multi-platform content calendars aimed at audience engagement.
• Find joy in crafting clear, persuasive, and adaptable messaging across platforms and formats.
• Build relationships with the media and manage the organization's public image and crisis communications.
• Manage teams and inspire collaboration for successful initiatives.

About the Role:
In this role we are looking for someone who will bring a strategic mindset matched with tactical execution skills, ensuring communications are not only visionary but also actionable. At Code for America, you will play a central role in shaping how we share our bold mission—collaborating closely with leaders, colleagues, and partners to strengthen the organization's voice, reputation, and influence.

As the Director of Strategic Communications, you will lead a high-performing team and partner closely with the Chief Communications & Marketing Officer (CCMO) and the Director of Marketing. Together, you will expand Code for America's reach and impact through innovative strategies across content development, media relations, storytelling, campaigns, and executive communications. You will bring fresh ideas, creative risk-taking, and a compelling perspective on how we communicate to meet the moment.

This role will report to the
Chief Communications and Marketing Officer
and is expected to travel no more than
10
%
of the time.

Code for America is based in California and can employ those who reside full-time within the United States. This is a remote position.

In this Position You Will Focus On:

• Strategy & Leadership:

• Design and implement a multi-channel communications strategy that significantly raises the profile of Code for America.

• Inspire, mentor, and manage a communications team—ensuring professional growth, collaboration, and creativity.

• Lead rapid response and crisis communications that leverage thought leadership, safeguard reputation, and build trust.

• Narrative & Content Development:

• Develop messaging architecture and positioning tailored for different audiences and build systems for consistent storytelling across all communications.

• Craft clear, persuasive, and adaptable messaging.
• Drive executive communications and thought leadership strategy, producing high-quality speeches, op-eds, and public remarks.
• Lead the development of innovative, audience-centric content strategies for major events, ensuring each experience is engaging, purposeful, and memorable.

• Leverage AI tools and other emerging technologies to enhance and scale content creation, enhance audience engagement, optimize content strategies, and improve results.

• Media & Brand Management:

• Oversee all earned media—including press relations, editorial content, and digital messaging—and ensure a consistent, powerful brand voice. This covers the management of media coverage that isn't paid for.

• Build and sustain strong relationships with journalists, thought leaders, influencers, and partners.

• Partner with leadership to prepare and coach internal and external spokespeople for media interviews, stage events, and high-visibility engagements.

• Operations & Analytics:

• Measure and evaluate impact using clear metrics, applying data insights to inform strategy.

• Oversee budget, vendor relationships, and consultant management to maximize resources and effectiveness.

• Other duties as assigned

About You:

• Exceptional storytelling skills with the ability to identify and shape narratives that resonate with different audiences and across multiple platforms.
• A passion for Code for America's mission and values.
• 10 years of progressive experience in communications, PR, marketing, or related fields, including leadership roles.
• Proven success leading integrated communications campaigns and elevating organizational visibility on a national stage.
• Strong media relations expertise with a track record of securing high-impact earned media.
• Fluency with social media platforms, content management systems, analytics, and digital marketing techniques.
• The ability to pivot strategies quickly in response to internal or external changes.
• Experience managing high-performing teams with a collaborative, coaching-oriented leadership style.
• Oversee budget, vendor relationships, and consultant management to maximize resources and effectiveness.
• Measure and evaluate impact using clear metrics, applying data insights to inform strategy.
• Data-driven approach combined with creativity and a growth mindset to test, learn, and optimize.
• Emotional intelligence, humility, and a proactive problem-solving approach with a willingness to roll up sleeves when needed.

It's a Bonus if You Have:

• Agency experience serving mission-driven clients.
• Budget and financial management experience.
• Background working in government, social impact, or public-interest organizations.

What You'll Get
Salary:
Code for America's salary bands are transparent as a part of our commitment to transparency and fairness. As part of our hiring practices, we aim to target the midpoint of the 2nd quartile of the range for all new hires.

Offer targets vary based on market / geographic location. The offer targets for this role range from
$121,869 to $149,188
, annually.

Benefits and Perks:

• Values:

• Leadership and teammates who share a strong work ethic and values, and who respect and care for one another

• A collaborative, cross-functional, hardworking, and joyful environment

• Employee Enablement Support:

• Laptop provided

• $700 remote environment setup; $200 stipend and up to $500 reimbursement, in accordance with our equipment policy

• Cell phone and/or internet reimbursement of $50 per month

• Professional Development:

• $1000 annual (per calendar year) stipend towards professional development; prorated at time of hire

• Up to $1000 of professional development funds can be rolled over each year, up to a maximum of $2000

• Retirement & 401k Plans:

• Employees under 3 years are eligible for a 100% employer match of up to 3% of employee contribution

• Employees with 3 years are eligible for an additional 50% employer contribution over 3%, to a maximum of 5%

• Medical:

• Full benefits package with options up to 100% coverage toward select medical, dental, and vision plans

• Employer contributes up to 80% of the cost towards dependent and family coverage

• Remote Work:

• Code for America employees may work remotely across the US

• Code for America employees main residence must be within the US
• Full-time employees work 40 hours per week, Monday - Friday

• Collaborative working hours: we aim to hold all internal meetings between 10 AM - 3 PM PT. We expect all Code for America staff to be available during these set working hours

• Time Off:

• Open personal time off, a minimum of 16 paid holidays, and an org-wide closure from Christmas Day through New Year's Day

• Paid sick time; up to 96 hours annually
• Competitive paid parental and family leave
• 4 weeks of paid sabbatical after 4 years of service, with an option of up to 4 additional weeks of unpaid time away

Equal Employment Opportunity:
Code for America is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.

Code for America Workers United:
This position is not covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement between Code for America and Code for America Workers United, affiliated with OPEIU, Local 1010. The agreement was ratified on October 27, 2023, and is currently in effect.

Salary : $121,869 - $149,188