Director of Strategic Communications

Reports to: Senior Director, Strategic Communications

Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid)

Status: Full-time, Exempt

Salary Range: $105k to $115k

About The Hub

Launched in 2016, The Hub is a nonprofit effort made up of a growing team of communications, research, and organizing experts with extensive experience in campaign strategy, digital, polling, and analytics. We believe in a country where everyone has the opportunity to succeed in our economy and participate in our democracy. We make that vision a reality by partnering with advocacy groups – bringing surge capacity and coordination to build innovative and effective campaigns.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We value diversity and inclusion and are committed to creating an environment where people from all backgrounds can participate, grow, and succeed in our organization. We believe we have a duty to use our power and privilege to contribute to transformational change to ensure our government is working for everyone and that all families have a fair shot. 

Position Summary

The Hub Project is seeking a Director of Strategic Communications to work on a talented team of communications professionals working to advance campaigns and accountability programs across a range of issue areas. The Director of Strategic Communications will be responsible for implementing a comprehensive earned media strategy, managing rapid response efforts, driving local and national press campaigns and events, and developing targeted messaging. This person will work closely with our campaign, digital, paid, research, federal affairs, and polling leads to implement communications plans that are integrated and high-impact. 

Essential Responsibilities and Tasks 

• Serve as surge communications capacity to the communications staff on each of The Hub’s campaigns teams; 
• Provide and develop strategic guidance and help execute special projects that have a press element;
• Implement a comprehensive campaign communications plan for Trending Up and other special projects, working collaboratively with the Campaign Director and External Affairs team to identify and consult on short, medium and long-term strategies 
• Participate in the development of Navigator Research’s materials to ensure campaign and press needs are accounted for within survey materials;
• Collaborate with other Directors managing  research, digital, campaign and operations efforts to advance Hub programs and ensure streamlined execution
• Conduct earned media outreach by directly pitching press and building relationships with national and local reporters, including around events in D.C. or in target districts;
• Help develop, grow and engage campaign storytellers and spokespeople for earned and owned media opportunities;
• Create communications content, including statements, press releases, op-eds, LTEs, media resources, toolkits, press backgrounders, and more;
• Oversee rapid response efforts, working closely with the team to identify opportunities, develop quick guidance on framing, and execute both traditional and creative rapid response tactics;
• Write salient campaign and issue messaging that leverages polling and other tools to sharpen and strengthen the narrative; 
• Pitch and respond to requests from reporters; 
• Maintain strong relationships with national communications professionals in the field and, when necessary, local communications professionals; 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Ability 

• At least 7 years of demonstrated, relevant work experience in communications, campaign, issue advocacy, agency, political or other relevant settings
• Strong people and project management skills and the ability to work well on a collaborative and interdisciplinary team
• Well organized with the ability to prioritize across multiple projects and deliver results under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent writing and editing skills
• Robust network of media relationships and extensive experience pitching local and national press
• On-the-record experience
• Experience in the digital communications space and a knowledge of new media entities and figures
• Commitment to progressive causes and equity 
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within team settings

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package that includes 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance for employees (and their families). Employees are able to enroll in 401k retirement plan and are eligible for a 3% automatic contribution and up to a 3% employer match on 401k contributions. Employees are also eligible for pre-tax transportation benefits. Employees will receive 120 hours of vacation time, 80 hours of health leave, up to 2 days of casual leave, and 20 hours of volunteer leave annually. Employees will also receive 13 paid holidays throughout the calendar year. Employees are eligible for 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave after 90-days of employment.

Hiring Statement

The Hub is a project of New Venture Fund (NVF), a 501(c)(3) public charity that incubates new and innovative public-interest projects and grant-making programs. NVF is committed to attracting, developing and retaining exceptional people, and to creating a work environment that is dynamic, rewarding and enables each of us to realize our potential. NVF’s work environment is safe and open to all employees and partners, respecting the full spectrum of race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other classifications protected by law in the locality and/or state in which you are working.

E-Verify 

NVF participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with employees’ Form I-9 information to confirm authorization to work in the United States. Job candidates and employees authorized to work may not be discriminated against on the basis of national origin or citizenship status.