Managing Director, Communications

Who We Are:

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a 501(c)(4) organization, is the premier coalition of more than 240 organizations that promotes and protects civil and human rights in America. The Leadership Conference has coordinated national lobbying efforts on behalf of every major civil rights law since 1957. To learn more about The Leadership Conference, please visit www.civilrights.org.

The Leadership Conference Education Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization, builds public will for federal policies that promote and protect civil and human rights in the US. Founded in 1969 as the education and research arm of The Leadership Conference, the Education Fund’s campaigns empower advocates to push for progressive change in the US. To learn more about the Education Fund, please visit www.leadershipconferenceedfund.org.

About the Role:

We seek a Managing Director, Communications to join our Communications Department. The ideal candidate will have experience running large-scale and tactically diverse communications campaigns. This person will work closely with the Executive Vice President, Communications, overseeing the department, providing broad management oversight, and working with other staff members to develop and execute communications strategies, including nuanced relational and advocacy strategies.

The ideal candidate has a proven ability to take initiative, conceive and make the case for ideas, and drive processes forward in rapidly changing and, at times, ambiguous situations. They can synthesize complex ideas and manage projects effectively. They learn quickly, think critically and analytically, and adapt when priorities change. They have experience cultivating and managing many internal and external relationships.

This position will report to the Executive Vice President (EVP), Communications, and supervise four staff members. This position is not part of the collective bargaining unit.

What you will do:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership that supports The Leadership Conference’s internal and external messaging and advances the vision, mission, and strategic priorities.
• Oversee the creation of communication plans for assigned issue areas to support and influence public policy and advocacy efforts.
• Manage the day-to-day activity of the Communications team, ensuring the team is aligned with the communications and organizational calendar.
• Lead higher-level operational responsibilities to streamline processes and allocate resources effectively.
• Manages the implementation of integrated strategic communications plans to advance the organization’s mission and brand, broaden awareness of their priorities and programs, and increase the visibility of their programs across key stakeholders.
• Convenes the strategic communications, digital, and creative teams to ensure The Leadership Conference conveys clear, consistent messages across all channels and with member organizations and key partners.
• Helps manage the team to translate complex ideas into concise, impactful materials, maintaining consistent narratives throughout materials.
• Supports the development of communications vision, frame, and narrative to achieve the organization’s campaign goals and policy objectives.
• Oversees Communications operations, including contracts, invoices, vendors, subscriptions, team communications and engagement, and budget working with the EVP.
• Manages communications consultants as needed.
• Other duties as necessary and related.

What you will bring:

• A minimum of ten years of communications experience is required, and in nonprofits is preferred.
• At least five to seven years of management experience in a communications role/department.
• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in education and experience.
• Deep, diverse knowledge across a large range of external and internal communications tactics, working with several teams at once across a large number of issue areas.
• Passion and commitment to civil rights.
• A proven track record of driving exceptional internal and external communications for organizations.
• Track record of successful communications campaigns.
• A record of exceptional senior management and leadership that articulates and maintains high standards, transforms teams, and empowers, develops, and motivates team members.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills and collegial working style.
• A multitasker and strong project manager with the ability to manage teams in a fast-paced environment.

What We Offer:

The Leadership Conference offers its employees a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, and generous personal leave and vacation time. Staff can also take advantage of Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and a retirement savings account.

Salary Range – $154,164 – $180,430, dependent on years of related experience.

To apply, please visit our Career Center and submit your resume and cover letter. Cover letters are required and should be attached.

Office Re-opening Statement

Currently, staff has the option to work from the office or home while we determine our long-term policy on remote and hybrid work. Please note this position is not permanently remote and over time the person filling this role may be required to work on occasion or regularly from the Washington, DC-based office.

Our Commitment to an Inclusive Workplace

The Leadership Conference and The Education Fund are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability.