VP of Communications

ABOUT US

The Freedom Together Foundation’s mission is to support people who have been denied power to build it, so they can change unjust systems and create a more democratic, inclusive, and sustainable society. We are dedicated to long-lasting, systemic change. Over the last 10 years, Freedom Together has grown to be one of the largest US foundations, awarding over $300 million in grants each year.

THE POSITION

Freedom Together seeks an experienced communications professional as the Vice President of Communications. Reporting to the Managing Director, the VP of Communications will provide a range of communications strategy development and managing implementation. This person will work in service of Freedom Together’s overall donor organizing strategy, and strategy to build power and defend and expand multiracial democracy (not as a grantmaker promoting itself). 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

External Communications

• Direct and execute the full range of strategic communications planning necessary for the foundation, including to shape the landscape of ideas in our sector, to mitigate risk for the organization and sector (including crisis communications), and to communicate about our programmatic work.
• Lead and execute detailed project management for the above, including managing digital content, newsletters, and multi-collaborator outreach in relation to the foundation’s overall influence and donor organizing strategy
• Manage all thought leadership (Op-eds, magazine articles, etc.) and media engagement (interviews, etc.)
• Coordinate talking points and speeches for all speaking engagements; strategize about speaking engagements to attend
• Partner and collaborate with the VP of Strategic Partnerships on communications plans and strategies to assist with organizing donors
• Lead and manage all crisis communications

Strategy and Brand Management

• Manage all communications content for the foundation, driving and implementing overall brand strategy
• Manage the visual identity of the foundation and help Freedom Together live into our new brand
• Ensure that all external communications are consistent with the foundation’s brand identity and messaging

Internal Communications

• Develop and implement an internal communications strategy that supports organization-wide initiatives and fosters a sense of clarity and shared purpose across all teams
• Provide leadership for strategic communications related to organizational changes, leadership updates, and employee engagement efforts
• Provide strategic guidance to senior leadership, helping them to refine messaging
• Lead the creation and execution of a communications calendar, including newsletters, and leadership messaging

Team Leadership

• Manage communications staff (one to start)
• Manage external contractor(s)
• Forge a strong alliance with other teams throughout the foundation
• Assist with special projects 
• Ensure timely and effective implementation and provide coaching as needed

QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES AND BEHAVIORSWhile no one candidate will embody all the qualifications below, the ideal candidate will have many of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes, and experiences:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience as a communications executive at social justice movement organizations or foundations, or an Executive Director who supervised the communications of an organization
• Deep knowledge of the media ecosystem (nonprofit and philanthropy ecosystem preferred). Comprehensive grasp over diverse media platforms, ensuring aligned media choices
• Experience managing crisis communications
• Experience driving and developing the unique voice of an organization
• Ability to develop and implement a strategy to engage and coordinate a range of senior leaders within the Foundation to help carry out a shared organizing and communications strategy
• Sharp instincts and judgment, grounded in experience, about how to prioritize among competing pressing goals and a high level of humility and comfort with supporting other leaders  
• High level of emotional intelligence, integrity, and strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trusting relationships, manage complex issues, and build a culture of shared accountability 
• Top notch writer and editor
• Excellent communication, as well as project management, time management, and problem-solving abilities
• Proven ability to manage and collaborate across an organization
• Able to thrive in a changing and fast-paced environment

SALARY & BENEFITS

This is a full-time, exempt position and the annualized salary is $270,000-$285,000, commensurate with experience. Freedom Together offers an extensive and generous benefits package including health insurance (with 100% of the premiums paid for employees, spouses, domestic partners, and qualified family members), paid time off (including last week of the year), 401(k) retirement plan with 12% employer contribution, and access to an inclusive family building reimbursement plan. Freedom Together provides up to $5,000 annually for professional development and the ability to recommend an annual grant to the nonprofit of your choice.

WORKING WITH Freedom Together Foundation 

We believe that diversity is critical to our mission, and we value an inclusive culture. We strongly encourage applications from people with lived experiences related to our programs and applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Freedom Together Foundation is an equal opportunity employer; we do not discriminate in employment based on race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, gender or gender identity, age or sexual orientation.

This position is based in our NYC office. Freedom Together staff operates on a hybrid schedule and currently works from the NYC office three days weekly, with the flexibility to work remotely two days weekly. 

Candidates must have current legal authorization to work in the U.S.

TO APPLY

To apply, please submit a resume and answer the application questions. 

Priority will be given to applications submitted by May 5, 2025 although we will continue to receive applications until the position is filled. 

This search is being led by NRG Consulting Group. Reach out to Jaclyn Jones at [email protected] with any questions.