The OpportunityHARP is seeking a Director of Communications to develop and execute a proactive communications strategy for the organization. HARP is growing rapidly, and needs a communications leader who can scale our strategy to match. The ideal candidate will craft clear and compelling communications that resonate across a wide range of perspectives and strengthen HARP's position as the go-to resource in the health and reentry policy space. This new position reports to HARP's Executive Director and is part of the senior leadership team.
ResponsibilitiesStrategy and Leadership- Serve as a strategic thought partner to the Executive Director on external positioning, branding, and narrative framing.
- Develop and execute a communications plan and supporting calendar aligned with HARP's mission and strategic priorities and evaluate and update it regularly.
- Build and maintain HARP's organizational voice, messaging, and visual identity across all platforms to advance HARP's visibility and brand.
Marketing- Create compelling materials that clearly communicate HARP's value to a wide range of audiences, including policy makers, state and federal agencies, local officials, advocates and stakeholders, and the public.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing strategy for HARP's new State Technical Assistance Center (STAC) and other core areas of work.
Communications Methods and Execution- Enhance and manage HARP's product development process from conception to publication, including oversight of external contractors and design vendors.
- Write and edit content across channels, including social media posts, newsletters, blogs, op-eds, and press releases.
- Expand HARP's digital presence, including the website, social media, and email communications; manage relationships with web and design contractors.
- Track and report on digital performance metrics to continuously improve reach and engagement.
- Support rapid-response communications around relevant policy developments and breaking news.
- Develop and maintain an editorial calendar that amplifies HARP's publications, policy work, and stakeholder engagement.
- Build and maintain HARP's media list; support HARP leadership and staff in direct engagement with reporters, managing external PR resources and relationships as needed.
Preferred Qualifications/Experience- Minimum of 10 years of experience in communications, with a track record in policy, nonprofit, membership association, consulting, or government settings.
- Bachelor's degree required.
- Clear track record of developing and executing high-impact communications strategies.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated leadership experience, including launching or establishing communications processes (e.g., workflows, templates, shared standards) in a collaborative, results-oriented culture.
- Experienced with digital communications tools, content management systems, social media, and basic performance analytics.
- Exceptional strategic thinking capabilities with a 'builder' mindset; a proven ability to translate vision into concrete, scalable operational plans while spotting opportunities for replicability and increased impact.
- A collaborative leader and team player willing to "roll-up their sleeves."
- A foundational learning orientation characterized by intellectual humility and curiosity; a leader who actively seeks diverse perspectives, values feedback, and thrives in a dynamic 'learning while doing' environment.
- Comfort operating in a nonpartisan environment that bridges multiple sectors and perspectives.
- Experience managing external contractors and vendors.
- Familiarity with health policy, criminal justice, or related fields, or the curiosity and skill to quickly learn complex policy issues.
HARP is a small, but growing, team that values team members who:- Are organized, detail oriented, results-focused and thrive in a work culture that prioritizes growth and learning.
- Maintain good humor and a positive attitude while juggling multiple priorities and meeting deadlines.
- Express ideas clearly and concisely both in writing and orally.
- Are self-motivated and able to work independently on a small team in a remote or hybrid work environment.
- Are committed to creating an inclusive environment that values sharing and learning from diverse perspectives and experiences.
LocationRemote within the continental United States.
Compensation & Benefits$120,000-160,000 commensurate with experience and may be adjusted based on the candidate's location. HARP offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401K, and more.
