We Build Progress - Communications Director

Position Description We Build Progress, a 501©(3) nonprofit organization, and the Progressive Caucus Action Fund (PCAF), a distinct 501©(4) organization, are seeking a Communications Director to lead communications and audience engagement strategies for both organizations. The Director will strengthen the organizations’ distinct brands, increase their reach and influence, and clearly communicate their work and unique value to partners, funders, policymakers, advocates, and other key audiences. The Communications Director will oversee digital communications, content and channel strategy, messaging, executive communications, selective media engagement, and communications planning for major organizational initiatives and events. Working closely with communications, leadership, program, and development staff, the Director will guide the organizations’ communications strategies, shape the organizations’ external voice, identify opportunities to advance their policy and organizational priorities, and advise on reputational and communication risks. This position requires a strategic leader who is comfortable operating in a hands-on communications environment. The Director will advise leadership and partner with program staff to integrate communications strategy into the development of program initiatives, publications, partnerships, and events. The ideal candidate has excellent judgment and political acumen, can translate complex policy issues into compelling content, and can build the systems and cross-functional relationships necessary to execute high-quality communications across two distinct organizations. The candidate will understand the rapidly changing communications environment and be familiar with progressive narratives and emerging methods used to reach key organizational audiences. The Communications Director will be employed by We Build Progress and will support the work of both We Build Progress and PCAF pursuant to the organizations’ cost-sharing agreement. The Communications Director will supervise the Digital & Content Communications Specialist and report to the Chief Development Officer as part of the Development and External Affairs function. Organizational Context and Near-Term Priorities In 2025, the Congressional Progressive Caucus Center became We Build Progress, introducing a new organizational name and brand intended to better reflect the organization’s mission, work, and broader community. The incoming Communications Director will play a central role in continuing to establish the We Build Progress brand, increasing awareness and understanding of the organization, and clearly distinguishing and positioning both We Build Progress and PCAF for their respective audiences. Primary Responsibilities The Communications Director is responsible for the following areas: Communications Strategy, Brand, and Content Develop and oversee an integrated communications strategy, editorial calendar, channel strategy, and cross-functional processes for planning, producing, reviewing, and distributing content. Maintain clear and distinct communications strategies, voices, and identities for We Build Progress and PCAF while identifying appropriate opportunities for alignment and shared storytelling. Lead the organizations’ external messaging and brand strategy, ensuring consistency of messaging and voice across all channels. Develop communications plans for major organizational initiatives, campaigns, policy priorities, and key announcements. Develop and implement strategies to expand the reach and impact of organizational communications assets, including the Unrig the Rules newsletter, DCDownload, briefings, publications, toolkits, events, and other current or future products and channels. Partner with program and organizational leaders to incorporate a communications lens into the development of program and policy initiatives, product development, event design, and other organizational priorities, ensuring communications strategies are embedded throughout planning and execution. Provide guidance and oversight for priority written, visual, and multimedia content to ensure accuracy, quality, accessibility, and alignment with organizational voice and priorities. Development and Audience Engagement Partner closely with Development staff to produce donor and funder communications, grassroots fundraising campaigns, sponsorship materials, annual reports, and other collateral that advances fundraising and engagement goals. Develop and implement strategies to grow, segment, and meaningfully engage the organizations’ audiences across email, social media, events, and other communications channels. Develop engagement strategies and opportunities that deepen relationships with partners, funders, advocates, policy makers, and other priority audiences. Coordinate with staff and external partners to produce timely, strategic, and engaging content for email subscribers and other organizational audiences. Develop and implement strategies to grow the organizations’ small dollar donor base via our email campaigns. Manage the production of annual reports and other flagship communications products for We Build Progress and PCAF. Executive and Event Communications Support the development of messaging, talking points, briefing materials, speeches, presentations, and other communications materials for organizational leadership. Lead communications planning for organization-hosted events, advising on programming, messaging, promotional and conference materials, media engagement, and audience experience. Develop timely communications resources and promotional materials that enable speakers, partners, and staff to amplify organizational messages before, during, and after events. Coordinate content capture at conferences and events to maximize storytelling and audience engagement opportunities across communications channels. Media Relations and External Partnerships Develop and execute proactive media strategies that elevate the organizations’ work, policy priorities, experts, and events. Cultivate and maintain relationships with reporters, editors, producers, podcasters, content creators, messaging experts, and other external communicators. Draft and distribute press materials, pitch stories and organizational experts, manage incoming media inquiries, and prepare staff and organizational leaders for interviews. Identify and pursue opportunities to elevate the organizations’ profiles through podcasts, conferences, speaking engagements, earned media, partnerships, and other external platforms. Monitor relevant media coverage and public conversations to identify emerging communications opportunities, reputational risks, and rapid-response needs. Develop and maintain crisis communications plans, protocols, and messaging to ensure the organizations are prepared to respond quickly and effectively to reputational, operational, or policy-related issues. Team and Vendor Management Supervise the Digital & Content Communications Specialist, providing clear expectations, ongoing coaching, professional development, and effective performance management. Establish workflows, roles, and decision-making processes for communications work across teams. Manage communications vendors and consultants, including scopes of work, contracts, budgets, deliverables, and project oversight. Measurement and Learning Establish communications goals and performance indicators and regularly assess audience growth, engagement, media reach, content performance, and other relevant measures. Use quantitative and qualitative insights to refine communications strategies, channels, content, and audience-engagement efforts. Stay informed about evolving communications practices, tools, digital platforms, and audience engagement strategies, and recommend improvements that strengthen organizational communications. Provide regular reporting to leadership and staff on communications performance, emerging opportunities, and areas for improvement. Performs other duties as assigned; the omission of specific duties does not preclude the assignment of duties logically related to this position. Core Competencies Demonstrated commitment to centering racial equity and anti-racist principles in organizational work. Excellent strategic judgment and political acumen. Ability to build meaningful relationships and collaborate effectively with staff, partners, and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. Ability to manage multiple communications initiatives while maintaining quality, meeting deadlines, and advancing organizational priorities. Flexible and adaptable approach to changing priorities, emerging opportunities, and rapid-response needs. Proactive, creative, and solutions-oriented approach to challenges. Exceptional project- and time-management skills. Excellent written and verbal communication and active-listening skills. Consistent attention to detail and commitment to producing timely, high-quality work. Ability to remain effective, organized, and composed in a small, fast-paced organization with multiple competing priorities. Key Relationships This position will report to the Chief Development Officer as part of the Development and External Affairs function and supervise the Digital & Content Communications Specialist. The Director will serve as the lead communications strategist for both We Build Progress and PCAF and work closely with organizational leadership, program and development staff, external partners, vendors, and consultants. Qualifications Required: At least eight years of progressively responsible communications experience, including significant experience leading an organization-wide communications strategy, advising senior executives, managing staff and external partners, and overseeing multiple communications functions. Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience. Demonstrated experience developing and implementing integrated communications strategies that advance organizational goals and strengthen brand visibility, positioning, and audience engagement. Experience serving as a senior communications adviser to executives or organizational leaders, including advising on sensitive issues, reputational risks, rapid-response needs, and high-profile opportunities. Excellent strategic judgment and political acumen, including the ability to identify communications opportunities, navigate complex or sensitive issues, and make sound decisions in a rapidly evolving environment. Strong understanding of policymaking and legislative processes and the ability to quickly synthesize complex policy issues and translate them into clear, compelling communications for varied audiences. Exceptional writing and editing skills, with experience producing high-quality content across audiences, formats, and channels. Experience developing and executing media-relations strategies, responding to press inquiries, pitching stories and organizational experts, and preparing leaders or subject-matter experts for media opportunities. Experience overseeing digital communications strategies and channels, including email, websites, and social media. Demonstrated ability to lead complex, time-sensitive communications initiatives involving multiple departments, external partners, competing priorities, and firm deadlines. At least two years of experience supervising staff and leading a communications function or team. Strong organizational and project-management skills, including the ability to lead initiatives from concept through execution, manage multiple priorities, and maintain high standards of quality and accuracy. Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends in support of events, organizational priorities, and rapid-response communications needs. Preferred: Established relationships with reporters, editors, producers, podcasters, content creators, and other media professionals covering Congress, public policy, progressive advocacy, or related issues. Experience partnering with fundraising or development teams on donor and funder communications, grassroots fundraising campaigns, sponsorship materials, and other development collateral. Experience leading communications for major conferences, convenings, campaigns, or public events. Experience developing and managing crisis or rapid-response communications. Experience supporting communications across distinct 501©(3) and 501©(4) organizations and understanding the legal and strategic considerations applicable to each. Salary and Benefits The salary range for this position is $150,000–$160,000. The final salary will be determined based on the selected candidate’s relevant experience and qualifications and will be consistent with We Build Progress’s compensation framework and internal equity considerations. We Build Progress offers excellent benefits, including 20 days of paid vacation annually, 10 paid sick days, one personal day per month, additional paid holiday leave between December 24 and January 1, a 5% employer match on 401(k) contributions, 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance for employees, generous paid parental leave, and other benefits consistent with the Employee Handbook. FLSA Classification Exempt, full-time. Location This is a remote position based in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area, with regular in-person responsibilities related to meetings, events, media opportunities, and other organizational activities. Candidates must currently live in or be willing to relocate to the Washington, DC, metropolitan area. Commitment to Diversity We Build Progress is an equal opportunity and fair-chance employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, family responsibilities, personal appearance, political affiliation, military or veteran status, caregiver status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, women, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and people from other communities historically underrepresented in nonprofit, policy, and advocacy leadership. About We Build Progress We Build Progress is a 501©(3) nonprofit that puts power in the hands of the people. We equip frontline communities with analysis and tools, amplify their voices, strengthen coalitions, demystify Congress, and advance policies that dismantle oppression and deliver real, lasting progress.