Director of Strategic Communications

Position Summary

Donate Life New York State (NYS) is seeking an experienced and strategic communications leader to guide the organization's communications, public engagement, and external visibility.

Reporting to the Executive Director, this leadership role is responsible for developing and executing an integrated communications strategy that elevates Donate Life NYS' public profile, strengthens organizational visibility across New York State, expands public awareness of organ, eye, and tissue donation, supports strategic partnerships, and advances the organization's mission of saving and improving lives through donation and transplantation.

The Director will lead organizational messaging, media relations, executive communications, digital communications, website strategy, public education initiatives, and storytelling that communicate the impact of donation and transplantation. Working closely with the Executive Director, the organization's public relations firm, staff, healthcare partners, volunteers, and community organizations, this individual will elevate Donate Life NYS' visibility, strengthen strategic partnerships, and ensure consistent, mission-driven communications across all audiences and platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an integrated strategic communications plan aligned with organizational priorities.
• Serve as a strategic communications advisor to the Executive Director and leadership team.
• Lead organizational messaging and communications strategies that elevate Donate Life NYS' public profile, strengthen its statewide visibility, and support strategic partnerships.
• Oversee the organization's website, digital communications, social media, email communications, and content strategy to ensure engaging, accessible, and consistent communications across all platforms.
• Partner with the organization's public relations firm to develop proactive media strategies, increase earned media opportunities, support executive visibility, and elevate public awareness of Donate Life NYS and its mission.
• Lead storytelling and public education initiatives that highlight donors, recipients, living donors, healthcare partners, volunteers, and the impact of organ, eye, and tissue donation.
• Develop communications resources and campaigns that support healthcare partners, community organizations, volunteers, and statewide outreach efforts.
• Monitor emerging issues and provide strategic communications guidance, including support for crisis and issues management.
• Measure communications effectiveness using analytics and audience insights to inform strategy and continuous improvement.
• Manage communications vendors, consultants, and external partners.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Public Affairs, English, or a related field.
• Ten, or more, years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, public relations, corporate communications, public affairs, or a related field, including leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success developing and implementing communications strategies that increase organizational visibility, public engagement, and stakeholder awareness.
• Experience overseeing websites, digital communications, social media, and content strategy.
• Experience working with public relations agencies, media partners, and external vendors.
• Exceptional writing, editing, presentation, and storytelling skills.
• Strong project management, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.
• Reliable vehicle and valid driver’s license.

Preferred

• Master's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Strategic Communications, Organizational Leadership, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
• Experience in nonprofit, healthcare, public health, or other mission-driven organizations.
• Experience leading statewide communications, public education, or awareness initiatives.
• Experience with crisis communications and issues management.

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity to shape and lead the communications strategy for a respected statewide nonprofit dedicated to saving and improving lives through organ, eye, and tissue donation. As a member of the leadership team, the Director will elevate the organization's public profile, strengthen strategic partnerships, amplify stories of hope and generosity, and inspire more New Yorkers to support the lifesaving mission of donation and transplantation.

Please provide a cover letter and resume.

Donate Life New York State is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Pay: $110,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $110,000 - $125,000