National Director, Communications

The National Director of Communications is responsible for implementing and managing UNCF's branding, marketing, and communications efforts at a national level. This role focuses on day-to-day operations, team management, and executing strategies that ensure consistent, compelling messaging across all platforms. The position requires a highly organized, execution-oriented professional who can manage multiple projects, ensure alignment with strategic goals, and maintain the organization's brand integrity. This is a tactical role that supports the Senior Vice President in operational execution, media relations, content development, support of the UNCF local offices and internal divisions and event coordination.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Communications Strategy Implementation: Execute national communications strategies and initiatives in alignment with organizational goals and objectives.

Team Leadership and Development: Lead and mentor the communications team, providing guidance, feedback, and support to ensure high performance and professional growth.

Media Relations and Publicity: Develop new media relationships and oversee media strategy and outreach.

Content Development and Management: Oversee high-quality content for newsletters, press releases, social media, and other platforms, ensuring messaging consistency and alignment with the UNCF brand.

Internal Communications: Manage internal communication efforts to ensure staff and stakeholders are informed and aligned on key messages and organizational updates.

Brand Management: Uphold and enhance the organization's brand identity across all platforms, ensuring consistent communication of the brand's mission, values, and vision.

Crisis Communication: Implement crisis communication plans, providing clear and timely messaging to address issues and protect the organization's reputation.

Event Management: Oversee BMC's participation and planning around national events, conferences, and media opportunities, ensuring consistent branding and communication.

Project Management: Oversee project timelines, deliverables, and budgets, ensuring successful execution of communication initiatives.

Collaboration and Cross-functional Support: Work closely with departments such as National Development, Government Affairs, Scholarships and Programs, Research, K-12 Advocacy and STEM to ensure integrated communication strategies.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct supervision of the Branding, Marketing, and Communications team members.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum of 10 years of experience in communications, marketing, or public relations, preferably in the nonprofit or association sector, with a proven track record of successful program implementation and team management.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Proficiency in developing and executing communication plans that align with organizational goals.

Strong writing, editing, media relations and verbal communication skills.

Experience managing content across multiple platforms, including digital and traditional media.

Ability to respond effectively in crisis situations, demonstrating strong judgment and problem-solving abilities.

Proven ability to lead, inspire, and mentor a team of communication professionals.

Strong analytical skills to monitor trends, evaluate performance, and optimize strategies.

Familiarity with multimedia content creation, such as video production and graphic design.

Ability to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Commitment to ethical communication practices and maintaining the organization's credibility.

A collaborative and strategic mindset with a strong focus on execution and results.

Commitment to maintaining a high level of professionalism and integrity.

Travel Requirements: Out-of-town, overnight travel is required.

About UNCF

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF), the nation's largest and most effective minority education organization, has been an engine of minority educational achievement for more than 70 years. UNCF's mission is to build a robust and nationally recognized pipeline of black students who, because of UNCF support, become highly qualified college graduates. UNCF is committed to closing the educational attainment gap between African Americans and other populations by increasing postsecondary access and success for students from underrepresented groups, particularly low-income and first-generation students.

Compensation and Benefits

Benefits include:

Medical, Dental & Vision

Vacation, Sick & Personal Leave

Life Insurance (Basic & Optional)

Flex Spending Accounts

403(b) Retirement Account

Holiday Savings Plan

Salary Range: $120,000.00 - $135,000.00; Salary is commensurate with experience, and for the Headquarters location in Washington DC. This is a hybrid position.

UNCF is EOE M/F/D/V