Communications Director

About Western States Center   

Based in the Pacific Northwest and Mountain States, Western States Center (WSC), a 501(c)(3), and Western States Strategies (WSS), a 501(c)(4) affiliate, work nationwide to strengthen inclusive democracy. Since 1987, we’ve played a catalytic role advancing justice by convening, developing, organizing, and supporting the communities most affected by inequities in the West. WSC works with communities and organizations to build movements, develop leaders, shift culture, and defend democracy through a prism of race, gender, justice and equity. We take regional action for national impact and serve as a leading national voice on the threat of white nationalism and anti-democracy movements, equipping local communities and democratic institutions to be resilient in the face of organized bigotry and political violence.  
 

Position Overview   

The Communications Director will play an integral role in the continued growth of WSC’s impact and influence. Successful execution of this position’s responsibilities will strengthen our organizational effectiveness, expand our network of donors and partners, and elevate the profile of our tools and programming with key audiences. 

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Communications Director will drive a comprehensive annual communications strategy across all digital and owned channels, manage media relations, oversee content creation and external collateral to consistently articulate WSC’s mission and impact and ensure compelling storytelling. This position will also work closely across teams within the organization as the lead communications partner on a variety of strategic initiatives—serving as a key peer for advancing program and development goals through effective communications. 

Responsibilities include:  

Organizational Strategy & Content Leadership 

• Develop, implement and evaluate an annual strategic communications plan aligned with programmatic and development goals, including crisis communication protocols.  

• Supervise and mentor the Digital & Communications Manager, collaborating to execute a shared workplan. Manage communications consultants including content writers, graphic designers, and videographers as needed.  

• Oversee the editorial calendar and production of various materials like website and social media content, email newsletters and action alerts, annual reports, and videos.  

• Ensure consistency in messaging across all communication channels and external materials, maintaining organizational branding, framing and values.  

• Track metrics to evaluate communications effectiveness and make data-driven adjustments to maximize audience engagement and list building. 

• Prepare and present quarterly communications reports for the Board of Directors. 

Media Relations 

• Develop and lead a regional and national press strategy that elevates WSC’s expertise, voice, and programming. 

• Build and maintain relationships with reporters, manage media inquiries, and coordinate press conferences. 

• Provide media training and technical assistance, including messaging guidance and interview support to staff, senior fellows, key partners, and other spokespeople. 

• Grow and manage organizational press list and maintain updated data on press hits. 

• Work closely with program and executive leadership to draft press releases, public statements, and media pitches that seize on opportunities and advance our narrative goals. 

Program & Development Communications 

• Increase the profile of WSC’s tools, analysis and program impact at the local, regional, and national levels through earned and owned media strategies. 

• Coordinate with program staff and consultants leading state-based coalition efforts and local organizing to execute communications strategies related to campaigns. 

• Manage a consistent organizational process for toolkit production/releases, including copy editing, branded design, comprehensive public launch, and data tracking. 

• Provide drafting, editing and design support for donor and program materials including one-pagers, case studies, appeals, recognition letters, pitch decks, and other collateral.  

• Work closely with the development team and senior staff to produce quarterly funder briefings, enhance donor communications, and attract new supporters. 

• Coordinate with development staff on list building, targeting, and CRM data integrity. 

Required qualifications:  

• Broad experience developing and implementing communications strategies, including five years of relevant media and communications expertise in a nonprofit or advocacy setting. 

• Excellent writing, editing and verbal communication skills. 

• Experience leading a team and nurturing a positive working environment. 

• Strong track record as an implementer who can manage various initiatives concurrently. 

• Sincere commitment to collaborate with staff, board, consultants, and partners. 

• High energy relationship-builder who can serve as a unifying force across teams, positioning communications at strategic and tactical levels. 

• Self-starter, independent, and solutions-oriented; enjoys creating new systems. 

• Understanding of traditional and alternative media landscape and experience effectively pitching stories and building relationships with reporters and influencers.  

• Motivation to closely track developments in the field and act on them quickly with organizational discernment to crisis situations and breaking news.  

• Understanding of digital communication tools and content management systems.  

• Passionate about WSC’s mission and impact, strong racial and gender justice analysis, and commitment to embedding equity values in communications strategy. 

• Attention to detail; deep commitment to accuracy and measurable results.  

• Excellent critical thinking and organizational judgment.  
   

Preferred qualifications 

• Lived experience in the Pacific Northwest or Mountain West with a network of movement partners and reporters in our region, as well as a passion for storytelling to champion the place-based organizing and community resilience. 

• Ability to serve as spokesperson with media and on external panels and presentations. 

• Experience countering organized bigotry and authoritarianism, networks in the pro-democracy field and progressive nonprofit sector, and familiarity with organizing and movement building principles.  

Location   

The role will be remote with travel up to 1-2 times per quarter. We particularly encourage candidates based in OR, WA, ID, WY and AZ or with strong connections in the West to apply. 
 

Compensation   

This is a full-time exempt position. Benefits include health and dental insurance; paid sick leave; 20 days of paid vacation; 15 paid holidays; paid office closures in 2025 from June 30-July 4 and December 22-January 2; work from home stipend and paid digital security subscription; annual professional development support; and a 3% employer contribution to retirement effective date of hire and up to a 2% match for a total 5%. Western States Center observes a four-day work week with Fridays off for all staff. To maintain equity among staff, compensation is designated via an internal, non-negotiable salary matrix that considers years of relevant experience. This position is eligible to earn between $82,000 - $90,000 per year. 
 

Application 

Please submit the following for consideration through our online application form: 

• Cover letter clearly outlining the specific skills and knowledge you bring to the role;  

• Resume detailing relevant experience, work history, education and accomplishments.   

 Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. For priority consideration, please submit your application by February 28, 2025.  

 Western States Center strives to create an inclusive and equitable workplace, and we encourage people from marginalized communities to apply. Some candidates may see a long list of job requirements and feel discouraged because they don’t match every single bullet point – we suggest that you please apply anyway.