Director of Communications

Job Description

Job Description

Title : Director of Communications

Reports To : Chief Executive Officer

Classification : Exempt

Date : November 2025

POSITION PURPOSE

The Director of Communications leads the strategy and execution of the Foundation’s communications efforts, overseeing the development, implementation, and evaluation of an annual communications plan. This role shapes and manages the Foundation’s internal and external presence, advancing its mission and strengthening its reputation.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in communications and marketing—including media relations, branding, messaging, and project management—and a passion for the Foundation’s mission. With strong strategic thinking and hands-on leadership, the Director will elevate the Foundation’s visibility and impact.

Building on insights from the Foundation’s recent communications audit, the Director of Communications will seize new opportunities to highlight the essential role of civil legal aid in Washington, DC’s health and vibrancy. They will also play a central role in leading communications efforts for the Foundation’s 50th anniversary in 2027.

JOB DUTIES

Leadership and Communication Strategy

• Participate in the overall management of the organization as a Senior Leadership Team member
• Set the strategic communications direction for the Foundation, identifying key themes and messages that will most clearly communicate the Foundation's vision, mission, and values to its stakeholders
• Demonstrate a team-oriented approach by supporting peers and contributing to collective success
• Manage the Foundation’s communications team
• Develop a communications calendar, content plan, and design and an approval process that covers all social media, online, and offline communications in collaboration with other key team members
• Develop a deep understanding of the Foundation’s work to gather stories that highlight the impact of the Foundation’s work. Proactively develop relationships with staff and other stakeholders to source stories

Organizational Messaging and Storytelling

Organize and Execute External Organizational Communications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES :

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This is a professional role based in Washington, DC, and will require work to be performed remotely and within the office space. The position involves frequent use of computers, phones, and virtual meeting platforms. The role may require periodic work outside of regular business hours and occasional local travel.

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to safely and successfully perform the essential functions of this job consistent with federal, state, and local standards, including meeting productivity standards. Persons with mental and physical disabilities are eligible for this position as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodations are made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible for this position.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

We believe in paying fairly and competitively. To execute this, we utilize a strategic compensation review process to determine starting pay rates as well as annual adjustments. The salary range for this position is $160,000-$173,000. Decisions regarding each individual’s compensation are made using a holistic analysis of market rates, experience, competencies, education, performance, internal equity, annual budget, and economic state.

We also believe in supporting employees’ professional development, health and wellness, and work / life balance. Our benefits include health insurance, medical and dependent care FSAs, 401(k) retirement plan, commuter assistance, home office allowance, summer hours, professional development allowance, and generous paid time off.

EEO STATEMENT

The DC Bar Foundation provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.

THE FOUNDATION

The DC Bar Foundation is the leading funder of civil legal aid in the District of Columbia. We are committed to the vision that residents of the District have equal access to justice, regardless of income. Our mission is to fund, support, and improve the legal representation of people who are financially disenfranchised or who are otherwise underserved in the District of Columbia.

OUR BELIEFS

We believe that everyone should have access to justice regardless of wealth, knowledge, or power. We seek to be community-rooted, led by the voices of those most impacted by our decisions. We believe in working collaboratively and demonstrating mutual respect for each other’s capacities, contributions, and ideas. We believe that we must work within ourselves, our networks, and our institutions to challenge racism with each decision we make. Finally, we believe in Team. It’s not just about getting the work done; it’s about HOW you get it done.

TO APPLY :

Interested applicants should submit the following to HR@dcbarfoundation.org with “ DCBF Director of Communications ” in the subject line :