Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, business administration, or a related field.
8+ years of experience in communications, public relations, or marketing roles.
Strong critical thinking skills with expertise in managing complex situations and crisis communications.
Proficient in major tools like AP style, WordPress, Microsoft Office, Adobe, Canva, and social media platforms.
Solid experience managing teams and overseeing communication projects effectively.
Responsibilities
Lead and execute the agency's comprehensive communications strategy.
Develop and implement communications plans that align with MDHA's objectives.
Provide strategic advice to senior leadership on communications needs and potential issues.
Maintain accurate messaging and branding consistency across all communications channels.
Manage communications projects and maintain the agency's content calendar.
Benefits
Opportunity to play a pivotal role in promoting affordable housing initiatives.
Engagement with influential community partners and leaders in Nashville.
Professional development opportunities in a high-impact communications environment.
Access to work on crisis communication strategies and high-visibility agency events.
Full Job Description
Position Open: September 29, 2026
Position Closes: October 12, 2026
Position Details
Lead communications, media relations, branding, public affairs and strategic messaging for MDHA.
About the Role
MDHA is seeking a strategic, creative and highly skilled assistant director of communications to help lead marketing, branding, messaging, media relations and communications strategy.
This is a high-impact leadership role serving as a trusted communications adviser to senior leadership, leading the communications team, managing the department budget, and serving as a primary media contact and spokesperson for MDHA.
You will help cultivate, present and voice the story of MDHA's work to create, preserve and support affordable housing while strengthening Nashville's communities.
What You'll Need to Bring
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, business administration or a related field.
Eight or more years of progressive experience in communications, public relations, media, marketing or a related field.
Strong critical thinking and strategic judgment, with the ability to assess complex situations, anticipate implications and recommend a clear course of action, particularly under pressure or during a crisis.
Proficient in AP style, WordPress, Microsoft Office, Adobe, Canva, social media, Microsoft SharePoint, Monday.com and web-based tools.
Strong eye for photography, design and visual storytelling.
Experience managing team communications and providing leadership, direction or supervision.
Ability to develop and implement communications strategies and manage multiple, deadline-driven projects.
Experience with media relations and executive communications.
Preferred Experience
Established local media relationships and knowledge of the Nashville/Middle Tennessee media market.
Experience working with public agencies, local government, housing authorities, nonprofits, community development organizations or other mission-driven organizations.
Knowledge of affordable housing, rental assistance, project-based rental assistance (PBRA), Section 8 and workforce housing.
Experience serving as a spokesperson or primary media contact for a reputable organization.
Experience in crisis communications.
What You'll Do
Lead Communications Strategy
Lead and oversee the agency's marketing, branding, messaging and communications efforts.
Develop, implement and evaluate communications plans aligned with agency priorities.
Provide strategic communications counsel to the chief of staff and executive leadership, identifying communications needs, anticipating potential issues and recommending approaches that support agency priorities.
Maintain consistent, accurate, accessible and audience-appropriate messaging across MDHA.
Lead and Develop the Communications Team
Manage communications projects and the agency's communications content calendar to coordinate initiatives, timelines and deliverables.
Lead, coach and develop communications staff while actively contributing to the day-to-day work and execution.
Establish priorities, expectations and performance goals.
Manage and update the communications budget, vendors, contractors and resources.
Lead Media Relations and Public Affairs
Serve as the primary media contact and spokesperson for MDHA.
Write and distribute press releases, statements, advisories and other materials to the media.
Build and maintain relationships with local and regional media.
Prepare senior staff and Board members for interviews and public appearances.
Coordinate with the Mayor's Office communications staff and other Metro public information officers.
Engage with community leaders, stakeholders, and public and private partners.
Lead Executive and Agency Communications
Write speeches, executive messages, talking points, presentations and other communications.
Lead the strategic planning, writing and content development of the agency's annual report and annual calendar.
Create, review and/or edit publications, newsletters, feature stories, flyers, presentations, grant applications, requests for proposals (RFPs), reports and other agency materials.
Collaborate with departments across MDHA to communicate programs, initiatives and community impact.
Lead Crisis Communications and High-Visibility Events
Develop and maintain crisis communications procedures.
Coordinate crisis messaging and updates for media, employees, stakeholders and the public.
Plan and coordinate the agency's special events, including groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings and other high-profile activities.
Represent the chief of staff or MDHA at events and meetings as assigned.
Perform work outside normal business hours, including weekends, when needed.
What Success Looks Like
In your first six to 12 months, you will help MDHA:
Proactively identify emerging communication needs and opportunities and recommend a path forward.
Strengthen consistency across agency messaging, branding and communications.
Expand media relations and increase opportunities to share MDHA's work and impact.
Build strong working relationships and collaboration across departments.
Advance the communications team's processes, priorities and overall effectiveness.
Who You'll Work With
This role works across the organization and with external partners, including:
Chief of Staff and executive leadership
MDHA department directors and assistant directors
MDHA Board of Commissioners
Residents
Community stakeholders and partners
Metro department public information officers
Local, regional and national media
Skills and Capabilities
We're looking for someone who can:
Analyze complex issues, identify communication challenges and opportunities, and develop thoughtful, practical solutions.
Communicate clearly and effectively with residents, employees, leadership, Board members, partners and the public.
Think critically and strategically.
Maintain a strong, proactive mindset.
Represent MDHA confidently and professionally in public and media settings.
Build trusted relationships across diverse audiences.
Manage competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Exercise sound judgment and discretion, especially when handling sensitive information.
Apply knowledge of public information laws and applicable regulations.
Work Environment
This position operates in a professional office environment and requires regular interaction with employees, residents, community partners, leadership, Board members, media and the public.
The position may require work outside of normal working hours and/or weekend work based on agency events, media needs, crisis communications or other priorities.
