Director of Strategic Communications
About New Moms
New Moms has been walking alongside young mothers and their children in Chicagoland since 1983. Our comprehensive model meets families where they are, and stays with them as they build stability. We support young moms to find stable housing, become job ready, and weave mental wellness and family support throughout - because lasting change requires all of it, together.
Position Summary
The Director of Strategic Communications is a leadership role responsible for shaping the organizational voice, brand architecture, and external positioning of New Moms and its social enterprises. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, this position serves as the strategic architect of how New Moms is known, understood, and trusted by donors, community partners, policymakers, employer partners, and the broader sector.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and steward New Moms' brand architecture, messaging framework, and organizational positioning across New Moms and its social enterprises
Provide strategic guidance on brand application across departments and initiatives
Lead strategies that expand New Moms' visibility through media relations, public relations, and thought leadership opportunities
Partner with leadership to elevate organizational impact stories and position New Moms and its social enterprises as sector leaders
Develop crisis communications protocols and oversee reputation management
Develop and oversee the annual communications strategy, including priorities, audiences, channels, and success metrics
Evaluate communications performance using data and audience insights to inform future strategies
Partner with the Development team to strengthen the case for support and fundraising communications
Ensure organizational brand strategy aligns with philanthropic engagement goals
Supervise and develop the Marketing & Communications Manager
Partner with leaders across New Moms, Bright Endeavors, and Bright Path to ensure aligned communications strategies
Serve as a strategic communications advisor to senior leadership and manage external communications vendors as needed
Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree required. Advanced degree in Communications, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, Public Affairs, or a related field preferred.
Experience: Seven (7) or more years of progressive experience in communications, marketing, or brand strategy. Three (3) or more years in a senior leadership or director-level role. Experience developing organizational brand strategy and messaging frameworks. Experience supervising staff and leading cross-functional initiatives. Nonprofit experience strongly preferred; experience with social enterprise, fundraising communications, or human services is a plus.
Skills
Outstanding written, verbal, editing, and presentation skills
Experience developing communications strategies and evaluating effectiveness through data
Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with Salesforce preferred
Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite or similar design software is helpful
Other Requirements
Valid driver's license with a safe driving record and current insurance
Ability to occasionally work evenings and weekends for events or organizational needs