About the Organization

A new sector-wide coalition dedicated to supporting American higher education seeks an experienced Director of Communications (“the Director”) to advance its mission and the work of its partner organizations.

Position Details

In addition to fulfilling other responsibilities as necessary, the Director will engage in the following activities:

• In consultation with the organization’s leadership, implement a communications plan and messaging strategy as part of the coalition’s public launch early in 2026, including tracking metrics of success
• Shape and implement media relations strategy for the organization
• Establish and maintain relationships with national, regional, and local media
• In partnership with organizational leadership, establish a plan for advocacy within the sector and in political domains
• Position the coalition as a “go-to” resource for up-to-date information about issues of academic freedom and equity in the higher education sector
• Develop and regularly update, in collaboration with others at the organization, a comprehensive crisis communications plan
• Conduct scenario planning both with organizational leadership and in collaboration with outside communications partners
• Prepare spokespeople—including coalition leaders—for high-stakes media moments and stakeholder communications
• Act as a strategic advisor to leadership during high-stakes moments, providing calm, direct counsel and rapid, thoughtful action
• Develop and maintain the organization’s website
• Generate content and audience acquisition strategy for social media platforms; execute initial strategies, including content creation and editorial calendars
• As needed, liaise with subject matter experts–scholars, advocates, fellows–to coordinate and advise on content creation for the coalition
• Coordinate and collaborate with communications colleagues at partner organizations
• In the first half of 2026, hire and manage two positions on the Communications team
• Oversee consultant relationships as needed
• Develop and support thought leadership strategy for President and CEO

Candidate Qualifications

Candidates should possess:

• Shared belief in the organization’s mission and a commitment to advancing the understanding of higher education as a pillar of democracy
• Ten (10) or more years of senior-level experience in communications, with a proven record of managing staff or contractors and executing successful communications strategies
• Background in journalism, nonprofit communications, advocacy, or public policy
• Strong strategic acumen positioning and building mission-driven organizations, including proven experience developing an organizational brand identity and website
• Demonstrated commitment to monitoring and engaging with national discourse on higher education, democracy, and equity issues
• Ability to think and act strategically under pressure while demonstrating tactical expertise
• Exceptional judgment during rapid change; ability to filter signal from noise and act quickly without sacrificing accuracy or mission alignment
• Politically astute with an ability to thrive in a thoughtful and action-oriented organization
• Strong experience developing content strategies; exceptional writing and editing skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks at a time; skilled at multitasking and driving a project forward
• Demonstrated facility with media relations, including established relationships across traditional and digital media outlets
• A demonstrated track record of sound judgment, good instincts, and prudent decision-making
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and other digital productivity tools

The Director will report to the organization’s President and CEO. This is a full-time role, with the need to occasionally work evening and weekend hours. The position is primarily remote, with in-person staff meetings and retreats to take place in Washington, DC 2-4 times per year. Candidates will be expected to work Eastern Time hours, and have the ability to travel up to 15% of the year. The pay range is $200,000 - $215,000, plus a comprehensive set of benefits through the organization’s fiscal sponsor. The required start time is December 2025 or early January 2026.

Interested candidates should apply by using the application form. A cover letter is required as part of your application. Chaloner will review all applicants and, upon qualification, contact you to determine next steps.