About Leadership Brainery
Leadership Brainery supports college students who have limited access to master’s and doctoral degrees. This includes students who: (1) are the first in their families to pursue graduate education, (2) come from low-income backgrounds, or (3) are from under-resourced communities. We work with prospective and current graduate students, academic institutions, employers, and committed community members to eliminate systemic barriers to education and create inclusive communities.
JOB CLOSED - Director of Communications
Title: Director of Communications
Location: Remote with occasional travel
Start Date: Immediately
Salary Range: 80k-85k
Benefits: Five weeks of PTO, 401(k), and medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Description
The Director of Communications at Leadership Brainery leads the strategy and execution of all internal and external communications to elevate the organization’s mission, voice, and brand. This role oversees storytelling, media relations, digital content, design, and messaging that inspire action and drive engagement among students, partners, donors, and the public.
As the head of the Communications Department, the Director plays a critical role in shaping how Leadership Brainery shows up across platforms—from public events and press coverage to social media and impact reports. This leader works collaboratively across departments to ensure consistency, clarity, and purpose in every message. The Director of Communications also supervises the Policy & Research Specialist to ensure content is rooted in data, justice, and narrative change.
Responsibilities
Strategic Communications Leadership
- Represent Leadership Brainery publicly as a head thought leader and advocate for our mission, programs, and policy & research agenda.
- Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy that advances LB’s brand, visibility, and engagement across key audiences.
- Serve as the organization’s lead storyteller, ensuring all messaging reflects the voice, values, and impact of Leadership Brainery.
- Oversee the creation of communication plans for campaigns, events, public releases, and partnerships.
Supervision & Collaboration
- Supervise the Policy & Research Specialist, ensuring integration of research-based messaging into communications.
- Maintain strong, strategic relationships with our Strategic Alliances – community-based organizations and HBCUs – by sending newsletters, leading info sessions, and hosting two annual meetings.
- Collaborate with Development, Programs, and Executive teams to produce reports, donor updates, and campaign materials.
- Align communications goals with organizational milestones and strategic priorities.
- Develop and lead trainings for staff on brand voice, storytelling techniques, and message consistency across all channels and departments.
Content & Platform Management
- Direct the planning and development of digital content (social media, email, newsletters, blogs, etc.).
- Manage the organization's website content and updates in collaboration with vendors or internal support.
- Ensure accessibility, accuracy, and relevance across all channels.
- Maintain and evolve LB’s brand guidelines and visual identity.
- Oversee the creation and approval of all external-facing graphics, video content, and marketing materials.
- Work with designers, photographers, and videographers as needed for campaigns and events.
Media & Public Relations
- Cultivate and manage relationships with journalists, media outlets, and public influencers.
- Draft press releases, talking points, and op-eds in partnership with the Executive Director and Policy & Research Specialist.
- Serve as a spokesperson and coach other team members for public appearances.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or related field (advanced degree preferred).
- At least 5 years of experience in strategic communications, public relations, or content leadership in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization.
- Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills across formats and platforms.
- Demonstrated success managing social media, press outreach, and content teams.
- Experience supervising staff and/or creative contributors.
- Deep understanding of racial justice, equity, and inclusive communications.
- Proficient in Canva, Adobe Suite, website CMS (e.g., WordPress), social scheduling tools, and CRMs.
Leadership Brainery is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.