Director of Communications

Center Forward is seeking a strategic, creative, and entrepreneurial Director of Communications to build and lead the organization’s external communications strategy. Reporting directly to the Executive Director and working closely with the CEO, the Director of Communications will serve as a senior strategic partner responsible for strengthening Center Forward’s national profile and positioning the organization as a leading voice on bipartisan governing and policymaking.

The Director will oversee earned media, executive positioning, digital strategy, social media, website content, and external communications consultants while developing the infrastructure and long-term strategy necessary to grow Center Forward’s public profile.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Communications & Positioning: Develop and execute a comprehensive brand strategy; serve as senior strategic adviser to the Executive Director and CEO; monitor the political/policy environment to identify opportunities while protecting the organization’s bipartisan identity.

Earned Media & Press Relations: Execute a proactive earned media strategy; build relationships with national,Washington-based, and local reporters/editorial boards; generate earned media in key regional markets.

Executive Visibility: Identify and secure opportunities for leadership to conduct interviews, author op-eds, appear at events, and contribute to public conversations.

Digital Communications & Content: Lead digital strategy across platforms; oversee the website; develop owned content across video, audio, newsletters, and podcasts.

Programming & Events Communications: Develop communications strategies around conferences, polling releases, and research to extend reach beyond direct participants.

Management & Operations: Direct external consultants; build internal communications infrastructure (editorial calendars, media lists, messaging materials); establish and evaluate measurable goals.

Cross-functional Collaboration: Partner with policy and programming teams to surface compelling stories; support communications around political/electoral activities; represent the organization externally.

Compensation & Benefits:

Salary Range: $130,000 – $140,000 USD (salaried, exempt)

Generous contribution (80% of monthly premium) to healthcare and 100% of monthly premium to dental and vision plans

Matching retirement/IRA contribution (100% of deferral up to the first 5%)

Hybrid and flexible work schedules, flexible PTO, student loan repayment, and transit benefits

To apply, please submit a resume and 1-page cover letter as one document in PDF format. Applicants can submit application materials to [email protected] with the subject line “Director of Communications.”