Communications Director at Maryland Legal Aid

Maryland Legal Aid (MLA) advocates with and for Marylanders experiencing poverty to achieve equity and social justice through free civil legal services, community collaboration, and systemic change.

Since 1911, Maryland Legal Aid has provided high-quality legal aid to vulnerable, low-income people and communities – helping to remedy their civil legal issues and become empowered to overcome challenges, achieve stability and independence, and reach their goals. MLA also identifies and seeks to remedy systemic barriers. MLA’s core work includes eviction and foreclosure prevention, family law, children’s rights, consumer protection, securing public benefits, and access to healthcare. MLA advocates operate primarily through the courts, via individual representation of indigent clients, but also engage in impact litigation, public communication and outreach, and policy advocacy.

Through this holistic approach, Maryland Legal Aid serves to amplify the voices of tens of thousands of economically disadvantaged and vulnerable Marylanders each year and seeks to be a leader in the legal services field nationwide.

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Development and Communications Officer, this is an exciting position responsible for earned media outreach, messaging, direct marketing fundraising appeals, editorial content, and communications planning. The ideal candidate is a compelling storyteller and media-savvy communicator who understands the power of integrated communications and fundraising to drive impact. They bring expertise in persuasive writing, particularly for annual fund appeals, and are passionate about leveraging strategic messaging to advance access to justice. 

About the Team  

You’ll be joining a newly formed, integrated Development and Communications team at Maryland Legal Aid, an energetic group of 10 professionals, including our dedicated 5-person Grants team. Led by our new Chief Development and Communications Officer, this team is charged with bringing fresh momentum to how we tell our story, engage supporters, and expand our funding base. Together, we’re building a collaborative, mission-driven culture that connects communications and development strategy to elevate Maryland Legal Aid’s profile and grow a vibrant community of donors, partners, and advocates for justice. 

Responsibilities 

• Position the organization as a trusted voice by leading earned media initiatives, securing coverage, and building influential media and partner networks.
• Drive donor engagement and revenue growth by drafting 3–4 annual fund campaigns (email and direct mail), leveraging targeted segmentation and creative tactics.
• Lead publication of annual report with a focus on storytelling, repurposing content strategically for other communications including monthly newsletter, social media, website copy, and more. 
• Drive process and standards for collecting human-centered client impact stories from staff, ensuring stories are solicited and used ethically.
• Drive strategy and process for growing brand awareness, engagement metrics and list-building. 
• Guide messaging for events, social media, and outreach in collaboration with the Digital Marketing Coordinator.
• Manage WordPress website ensuring that content is current and calls to action drive constituent growth, giving, and engagement. 
• Track, analyze, and report communications metrics; use insights to optimize strategy and audience engagement.
• Manage vendor relationships (e.g., writers, designers, videographers, printers, translators). 
• Monitor and audit outbound marketing campaigns to ensure adherence to legal standards and internal compliance policies.
• Supervise and support the professional growth of the Digital Marketing & Communications Coordinator.

Qualifications 

• 7+ years of experience in communications, journalism, or nonprofit marketing and/or fundraising.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, including experience with fundraising appeal writing and storytelling.
• Strong press/media experience and understanding of news cycles and placements.
• Familiarity with media monitoring platforms, digital content management platforms, and design software tools.
• Data-driven mindset with experience tracking and analyzing performance metrics.
• Project management and supervisory experience required.
• Commitment to equity and justice; ability to communicate with empathy and cultural competence.
• Experience in a mission-driven, nonprofit, or legal services environment. 

Work Environment

This position is based in the Baltimore City office and is a hybrid role with a minimum of two-days per week worked in person. More days in-person may be needed to attend leadership and other relevant meetings. Work duties are typically performed at a desk with regular interaction in-person, videoconference, instant messaging, and email. 

Benefits 

The salary range for this position is $96,000 - $115,000. In addition, MLA offers employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, three weeks of paid time off, paid sick leave, 14 annual paid holidays, and more.  

Application and Additional Requirements 

If you are ready to join in our important mission and ensure dignity, equity and justice for all, please submit a resume and cover letter describing your interest and qualifications with your online application.

Note that references will be required at the time of the final interview.  

Maryland Legal Aid is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. We are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace, reflective of our core values, for all employees.