Director of Communications & Public Affairs

About FPWA

FPWA, a leading anti-poverty, social policy, and advocacy organization fighting for economic equity for all New Yorkers, seeks an experienced and visionary Director for Communications & Public Affairs. This role will lead the development and execution of FPWA’s internal and external communications, grow its brand identity and visibility, and elevate its national profile on specific systems policy issues.

Since 1922, FPWA has driven groundbreaking policy reforms to better serve those in need. We work to dismantle the systemic barriers that impede economic security and well-being, and strengthen the capacity of human services agencies and faith organizations so New Yorkers with lower incomes can thrive and live with dignity. FPWA engages in research and analysis-driven policymaking and advocacy; program and practice testing to inform policy change; strengthening capacity to build more effective and responsive organizations; and raising awareness, educating and mobilizing on the issues and policies that most impede economic security and well-being.

Role Overview

The Director will be instrumental in actualizing FPWA’s work, not only continually developing and telling the story of FPWA’s 100-year history but also powering our work of awareness building, narrative change, and advocating for true systems change at the national level.

The Director reports to the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, and supervises the Communications and Marketing Manager. The Director will work closely with policy, program, membership, and development colleagues to identify significant media and public policy issues that can be leveraged to increase the visibility of FPWA’s work and support the engagement of donors, media, policymakers, influencers, and other key stakeholders important to FPWA’s mission. In support of FPWA’s strategic direction, they’ll work with event execution and all forms of media, including press releases and digital campaigns, print materials, social media, audio and video, etc., to elevate FPWA work and visibility.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Strategic Communications Planning: Develop and execute a strategic communications plan that aligns with FPWA’s mission, goals, and policy agenda.
• Media & Advocacy Outreach: Cultivate relationships with national and local media outlets, journalists, and influencers, and support FPWA’s team in building campaigns at the national, state, and local levels.
• Collaborative Messaging & Branding: Collaborate with policy, program, membership, and development colleagues to create messaging and tools that cultivate FPWA’s relationships with target audiences. Develop and refine FPWA’s core messages to ensure organizational consistency.
• Internal Communication Strengthening: Enhance FPWA’s internal communications to ensure staff alignment and understanding of various initiatives, programs, and strategic direction.
• Leadership & Spokesperson Duties: Manage leadership participation in press conferences and media events, and serve as a media liaison and organizational spokesperson.
• Team Management & Cross-Department Collaboration: Direct and manage the Communications and Marketing Manager, ensuring effective collaboration across departments.
• Quality Assurance & Compliance: Ensure all branded external communications are accurate, timely, and meet internal, legal, and brand/image guidelines.

Required Experience, Skills and Abilities

• BA/BS required.
• Minimum of eight (8) years in progressively responsible positions in marketing, public relations, communications, or a similar discipline. Experience in policy, advocacy, and research settings with a particular focus on organizations and institutions engaged in racial and social justice is a plus.
• At least three (3) years of experience directly managing staff; experience setting goals and objectives and managing to outcomes with one’s staff. Strong sense of leadership and mentorship. Willingness to guide and develop staff to be their best professional selves.
• A creative thinker, strategist, and do-er with a proven track record of developing creative ideas and campaigns and driving implementation. Ability to develop and move on a multi-year strategy for building a brand and promoting recognition of a body of work.
• Demonstrated success in complex project management and advancing multiple projects with tight timelines; outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Results-oriented; meets or exceeds goals regularly and uses a combination of analysis, fact-finding, experience, and judgment to improve and problem solve.
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal skills. Ability to recognize and tell a story.
• Strong understanding and demonstrated skill in the use of social media/digital media, and the engagement of audiences through technology.
• Ability to prioritize among competing needs with limited resources. Can navigate complexity, change, and ambiguity while continuing to function productively and strategically.
• Initiative to take on new projects and exhibit a positive, proactive attitude towards all tasks and people.
• Willing to take a ‘hands-on’ approach, enjoys working hard and looks for challenges; able to act and react as necessary, even if limited information is available.
• An excellent team player; proven ability to develop effective working relationships.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary Range: $90,000 minimum to $130,000 maximum, commensurate with experience.
• Excellent Benefit Package: Includes medical, dental, vision, life, 403(b) with match, and more.
• Ample Vacation Time: Four weeks of paid vacation accumulated during the year plus 12 company holidays.
• Professional Development: Resources committed to bolstering professional and personal growth.
• Modern & Flexible Work Environment: Our staff work out of a beautifully designed open workspace with flexible and tech-equipped meeting spaces to support different workstyles, promote team building and collaboration.

Work Environment

As part of building a culture where employees can do their best work, FPWA currently employs a hybrid model. Employees are in-office twice per week and senior leadership is in-office three times per week. We observe a company-wide remote day on Fridays.

Work performed by this role is expected to happen in or near New York, NY given FPWA’s work policies and practices. This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment. In accordance with NYC Mayoral Executive Orders and mandates, FPWA requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume via BambooHR.

No phone calls or other inquiries, please.

Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. We will be interviewing applicants on a rolling basis and will fill the position quickly. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Equal Opportunity Employer

FPWA is committed to employing people who reflect the diversity of our member agencies and the communities and people they serve. Those with lived experience of justice involvement are strongly encouraged to apply. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged.