Director of Communications
St. Louis, MO
Deaconess Foundation
Date Posted: 3/13/2025
Join Deaconess Foundation as our Director of Communications
Take the lead in shaping nonprofit communications for liberation. We're seeking an experienced, senior-level professional passionate about racial equity and community engagement to lead strategic communications initiatives. You'll play a pivotal role in crafting our organizational narrative and influencing public policy through impactful storytelling for social change.
As a key member of our faith-based, collaborative team, you'll drive branding and messaging, manage media relations, and spearhead impactful communications campaigns. Located in vibrant St. Louis, Missouri, this onsite role offers a competitive starting salary of $122,000-$126,000/year and great benefits, including employer-paid employee medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, 401(k) with up to 5% employer contribution, flexible paid time off (with generous guidelines), 12-16 weeks paid parental leave, 6 weeks paid caregiver leave, equipment stipend, snack/drink room, racial identity caucusing, and a professional development budget.
WHO ARE WE?
Deaconess Foundation, a ministry of the United Church of Christ, works to improve the health of the community and people of Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois. We've invested over $100 million to create conditions for liberation through policy, advocacy, and organizing. Our focus spans Missouri and Illinois, where we lead efforts in building transformative power for social justice.
YOUR ROLE AS DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS
As Director of Communications, you'll oversee branding, messaging, media relations, and communications campaigns, ensuring they align with our mission towards liberation and racial justice. Collaborating with internal teams and external partners, you'll craft content, draft press releases, and manage social media to amplify our message. You'll also evaluate the effectiveness of communications strategies and track analytics to measure success.
Providing support to our funded partners, you'll operate within a framework that prioritizes community engagement and transformation while embodying our core values. This is a unique opportunity to lead social justice communications that make a real difference.
ARE YOU A GOOD FIT FOR THIS ROLE?
We're looking for someone with expertise in developing and executing communications strategies and media relations. You should have experience with digital platforms and social media engagement, a strong grasp of branding, and the ability to lead teams effectively. You should be adaptable in a fast-paced environment and committed to racial equity and justice.
Key Skills and Experience Required:
Communications Strategy: Proven experience developing and executing communications plans.
Media Relations: Strong skills in building relationships with media, journalists, and influencers.
Digital Communications: Expertise in managing social media, websites, and digital platforms.
Branding & Messaging: Consistency in branding across materials.
Racial Equity: Deep understanding of racial equity and justice frameworks and how to apply them within communications efforts.
Leadership: Ability to lead communication initiatives and teams ensuring alignment with organizational values and goals.
Strategic Thinking: Ability to see the big picture while managing details to execute on long-term strategic initiatives.
Relationship Building: Excellent interpersonal skills for managing relationships with internal and external partners and stakeholders.
Writing & Editing: Exceptional skills in creating clear, compelling content.
Time Management: Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
Download the full job description PDF to learn more about responsibilities, qualifications competencies, work environment, and more.
INTERVIEW PROCESS & TIMELINE
We're interviewing on a rolling basis, with first-round interviews from March 24-April 3 and second-round interviews the week of April 7. The desired start date is as early as late April, flexible based on notice period. The timeline may shift, and the job posting may close earlier or later, so apply soon! Interviews may be scheduled sooner or later based on availability.
The interview process is expected to include two rounds, potentially with a work assignment or case scenario. Any assigned work will be compensated, and in-person interviewees will receive a $50 stipend (W-9 required for payment).
WILL YOU JOIN OUR TEAM?
If this role excites you, we encourage you to apply. We look forward to hearing from you!
