Director of Communication

Position Title: Director of Communication

Department: Community Engagement

Grade Range/Job Status: Full Time-Exempt-Salaried

Reporting Relationship: Chief Development Officer

Supervisory Responsibilities: Communications Associate (2)

Typical Schedule: Primarily M-F Days. Hybrid work available. Must occasionally be willing and able to work flexible hours/days, including evenings and weekends, reflective of the dynamic schedule of the organization.

Position Summary

The Director of Communication leads the development and execution of a comprehensive communications strategy that advances Hammer & NER’s mission, strengthens stakeholder relationships, and enhances visibility in the community. This role oversees external communications, public relations, branding, and digital engagement to ensure consistent messaging and meaningful connection with staff, families, partners, and the broader public. Directly supervises two Communications Specialists. All employees are expected to center, model and champion the Hammer/NER’s core values of Person-Centered, Relational, Opportunistic, and Stewardship in order to provide people with intellectual and other disabilities with the opportunity to live life to its fullest.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1. Strategic Communications

• Develop and implement a comprehensive, multi-channel communications strategy aligned with organizational goals.
• Ensure consistent brand voice and alignment of messaging across all platforms.
• Collaborate with leadership and program teams to share impact stories and organizational priorities.
• Integrate new and emerging technologies- such as AI- into communications strategies to enhance storytelling, efficiency, and audience engagement.

2. Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong communication with key stakeholders, including staff, families, volunteers, community and industry partners.
• Support leadership in crafting clear, transparent messaging for external audiences.
• Facilitate inclusive communication practices that foster trust and engagement.
• Manage relationships with external vendors and consultants.

3. Content Development

• Manage creation and distribution of print and digital materials, including newsletters, reports, social media, fundraising appeals, and website content.
• Write compelling copy and capture engaging video content to effectively communicate key messages and strengthen brand storytelling.
• Oversee production of videos, stories, and other media that highlight mission impact.
• Use analytics to measure engagement and refine strategies for greater reach and effectiveness.

4. Public Relations

• Develop proactive media strategies to position the organization as a trusted leader in disability services.
• Cultivate relationships with local and sector media outlets.
• Prepare press releases, media statements, and respond to emerging issues with timely, accurate messaging.
• Implement crisis communication plans and manage sensitive issues as appropriate.
• Represent the organization at conferences and events to strengthen communications expertise and visibility.

5. Digital Engagement

• Lead social media planning and execution to increase visibility and engagement.
• Ensure website content is current, relevant, and aligned with organizational priorities.
• Monitor digital performance metrics and adjust strategies to optimize impact.

6. Leadership and Supervision

• Maintain and manage a high-performing communication team that is aligned with the organization’s mission, values, and strategic priorities.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to staff responsible for communication efforts.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning within the communication team and across the organization.
• Actively participate in team building. Fostering a work environment where employees center, model and champion Hammer’s core values: Person-Centered, Relational, Opportunistic and Stewardship to provide people with intellectual and other disabilities, the opportunity to live life to its fullest.

Essential Knowledge and Qualifications

• Advanced, demonstrated experience in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field preferably in the nonprofit space. Formal, informal, and cross-disciplinary experiences will be considered.
• Proven experience in strategic communications, stakeholder engagement and brand visibility.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Ability to manage multi-channel communications strategies and projects.
• Expertise with digital tools, social media platforms, and analytics.
• Collaborative, adaptable, and able to work across departments and with diverse audiences.
• Expertise in graphic design and website management.
• Demonstrated success in staff supervision, with a commitment to creating a positive and inclusive work culture that fosters professional growth and development.

• Excellent organization and project management skills, including the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent computer skills including MS Word, Power Point, Excel, and Internet applications
• Physical demands include frequent use of a telephone, frequent use of repetitive motion activities including typing on a computer keyboard and the ability to work for 6-8 hours at a time at a desk and computer. Ability to lift and carry items weighting up to 25 pounds.

• Experience, ability, and commitment to working with individuals and teams that are mixed across lines of difference such as race, gender-identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, age, class, and immigrant status.
• Must be willing and able to work flexible hours/days, including occasional evenings and weekends, reflective of the dynamic schedule of the organization.

This job description assigns essential functions. It does not restrict the tasks an individual in this position might be asked to perform or all qualifications that may be required currently or in the future.

Benefits:

• 401 (k)
• Paid Time Off
• Health Insurance (30 hours and above)
• Dental Insurance (30 hours and above)
• Vision Insurance (20 hours and above)
• Life Insurance
• Paid Training
• Disability Insurance
• Wellness Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Parental Leave
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Savings Account
• Access to Employee Success Coach who assists employees within their first year of employment