Senior Director, Brand & Communications
The Senior Director of Brand & Communications is a strategic and creative leader responsible for shaping and stewarding the voice, brand, and narrative of the organization across all internal and external channels, ensuring that every communication advances the organization’s mission, reflects its values, and tells the story of its impact and commitment to justice-centered philanthropy around the globe. This role leads the development and execution of a comprehensive communications strategy that advances the organization’s mission and business development, strengthens its visibility and credibility, and fosters alignment and engagement among staff, partners, and the broader philanthropic and social impact ecosystem.
Reporting to the Co-Chief Executive Officer, the Director oversees all aspects of brand management, digital and media strategy, Office of the CEO and executive leadership communications, storytelling, and internal communications. This role ensures the organization’s communications reflect its values, highlight its work and impact, elevate its voice and visibility, and connect authentically with diverse philanthropy audiences—including grantees, funders, staff, global collaborators, and the public. The Senior Director understands the power of narrative to; drive systems change, promote RPA’s mission, commitment to equity, community-centered messaging. the proven ability to translate complex work into compelling, accessible content. Accountabilities
Strategic Communications Strategy and Execution
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Develop a communications and branding strategy aligned with the organization’s mission and strategic plan.
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Partner with leadership as relevant to ensure clear, cohesive messaging in RPA’s voice across all internal and external platforms including newsletters, website, social media, and publications.
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Refine the organization’s voice, brand, and narrative in a way that centers justice and equity and is grounded in cultural competence.
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Determine approaches and messages that align with mission and brand that support RPA’s continued viability and sustainability, including key audience channels and aligned messages that support donor development and partnerships.
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Elevate the visibility of RPA’s thought leadership in partnership with Inquiry and Insights.
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Serve as strategic advisor to the Co-CEOs on messaging and public speaking.
External Communications and Public Engagement
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Lead media relations, including proactive press outreach, rapid response, and relationship management with journalists and sector influencers.
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Oversee the digital strategy and content, including website, social media, newsletters, and multimedia storytelling and provide direction to the team on implementation.
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Partner with executive leadership and teams across the organization, including core teams, Advisory, and Sponsored Project leadership to support communication efforts around key initiatives, events, and campaigns and amplify programmatic, core operations, and thought leadership work.
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Maintains enterprise-wide awareness, including major sponsored project communications and provides executive counsel and risk-based communications guidance for complex, high-visibility, or sensitive matters that may impact the organization's reputation, stakeholders, or strategic objectives.
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Develop and oversee processes for tracking initiatives, campaigns, and outreach.
Internal Communications
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Design and implement internal communications systems that strengthen employee connection, clarity, and alignment.
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Collaborate with core teams to ensure transparent and timely communication during change, growth, or strategic planning efforts.
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Build resources to support staff in communications opportunities and engagements (e.g., media training, message alignment, sharing on social media, etc.).
Media, Brand Stewardship, & Visibility
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Refine and protect the organization’s brand identity and voice across all touchpoints, e