Director of Marketing Communications presso Northern Virginia Family Services

**Please submit a cover letter, resume and work sample(s) in your application**

Working at Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS) means doing work that matters every day because of the difference you will make in the lives of children and families in Northern Virginia. NVFS’ breadth, depth and scope of services offer the resources and support to ensure that everyone in need, at every stage of life, maximizes their potential and fully contributes to a thriving community. At Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS), we value every team member’s contribution and our collective impact on our clients and the community. NVFS is an equal opportunity employer, E-Verify participant and drug-free workplace.

Join the NVFS Family: We are looking to hire a Director of Marketing Communications to join the NVFS Development & Communications team! As the Director of Marketing Communications, you will lead the strategic development and execution of all organizational communications and branding efforts to elevate the visibility, voice, and mission of NVFS. This role ensures cohesive messaging across all channels to engage key stakeholders, including clients, donors, partners, and the broader community, while supporting fundraising, program awareness, and advocacy efforts. The Director is expected to represent the Agency positively to the community, interpreting Agency services to the general public, key constituents, and the media.

Benefits and Compensation: We want you to be well, have work/life flexibility, grow your career with us, and have the resources and support you need. Check out our comprehensive benefit offerings here in support of various dimensions of your wellbeing.

In this role, you will be responsible for: 

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive, integrated and strategic communications plan to advance NVFS’ brand identity; broaden awareness of its programs and priorities; and increase the visibility of its programs across key stakeholder audiences.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to leadership on brand positioning, public relations, and reputation management.
• Lead strategic communications that combines compelling storytelling with data-driven impact to elevate NVFS’ supporters—including corporate partners, foundations, and individual donors—ensuring their contributions are consistently and meaningfully recognized.
• Advance NVFS thought leadership opportunities for agency leaders and ambassadors (op-eds, panel participation, podcast interviews, etc.).
• Lead crisis communication planning and implementation in coordination with senior leadership.
• Collaborate with Agency leadership to determine communication priorities and messaging.
• Represent the Agency as a member of community councils and initiatives as applicable.

Brand & Content Development:

• Oversee the creation, design, and distribution of all print and digital collateral including, but not limited to brochures, reports, newsletters, press releases, and video and website content.
• Ensure consistency and alignment with brand guidelines across all internal and external communications.
• Provide guidance to and work effectively with Graphic Designer consultant(s).
• Guide storytelling initiatives that highlight the organization’s impact, client stories, and community partnerships.

Digital Strategy:

• Oversee and manage digital presence, including website management, social media strategy, SEO, and email campaigns.
• Provide leadership in emerging platforms (AI tools, CRM-integrated marketing, marketing automation).
• Advance digital innovation to extend NVFS’ reach cost-effectively.
• Use analytics and insights to drive engagement and optimize campaigns.
• Develop and track KPIs to measure communications effectiveness and impact on fundraising, advocacy, and engagement.

Media & Public Relations:

• Create marketing/public relations strategy that will allow NVFS leadership to cultivate and enhance meaningful relationships with targeted, high-level external audiences, including the media and key influencers, and donors and philanthropic partners.
• Prioritize public relations and prepare talking points, speeches, presentations and other supporting material as needed.
• Actively engage, cultivate and manage press relationships to ensure coverage surrounding NVFS programs, special events, public announcements, and other projects.
• Seek proactive media opportunities to elevate the organization’s mission and programs.
• Provide guidance to and work effectively with Public Relations consultant(s).

Fundraising & Event Support:

• Collaborate with the development team to craft donor-focused messaging and materials for major gifts, corporate partnerships, and stewardship efforts. Develop overarching event messaging, themes, and narratives that highlight the organization’s mission and impact.
• Lead the development and execution of event marketing plans to drive engagement, attendance, and visibility.
• Oversee the creation of compelling event-related multi-media content, including invitations, collateral, digital campaigns, scripts, videos, and follow-up communications to ensure consistent and inspiring storytelling.
• Manage relationships with A/V vendors, ensuring appropriate equipment is secured and set up for seamless production. Provide guidance on presentation design and flow, including PowerPoint and other visual elements, to maximize audience engagement.
• Ensure high-quality event execution by anticipating and addressing production needs, troubleshooting issues, and coordinating day-of logistics related to communications and presentation.

Internal Communications:

• Ensure NVFS communications elevate client voices with dignity and authenticity.
• Lead internal communications to keep staff informed, engaged, and aligned with NVFS’ mission and strategy.
• Maintain deep knowledge of Agency programs and evolving communications needs.
• Ensure timely production of materials that are brand-aligned, equity-informed, and tailored to diverse stakeholders including clients, donors, partners, staff, and the broader community.

Financial Oversight & Compliance / Reporting Requirements:

• Oversee external vendor relationships and ensure alignment with NVFS standards, budget, and brand strategy.
• Assist in formulating the annual program budget and ensure that department operates within budgetary parameters established.
• Responsible for tracking and reporting levels of engagement, media placements and other communications efforts.
• Maintain files in accordance with department requirements and NVFS guidelines.

Staff Supervision and Development:

• Identify and fulfill staffing needs; work collaboratively with each staff member on talent development process to set professional goals; approval of timesheet, leave and reimbursement requests.
• Supervise Communications staff including regular individual and group staff meetings.

Your Background:  We understand that you may obtain skills through a variety of professional, personal, educational, and volunteer experiences.

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or related degree from an accredited college or university
• At least five (5) years related experience in community outreach, fundraising or communications
• At least three (3) years of experience leading an organization-wide communication function that includes all forms of media including external affairs, media relations, and marketing
• At least three (3) years of experience in design and web development preferred
• At least one (1) year experience providing direct supervision of staff; management of consulting engagements is a plus
• Oral and written fluency in English; additional language skills always welcome
• Digital and technical proficiency, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite; strong Excel skills required
• Proficiency in digital marketing platforms (e.g. Adobe Creative Suite, Google Analytics, social media analytics, WordPress) a plus
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; thorough attention to detail
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and provide timely results
• Proven measured results in executing successful media relations and digital marketing campaigns
• Commitment to organizational values of Communication, Integrity, Respect, Collaboration, and Accountability
• Ability to travel locally from time to time for key events and meetings with partners as needed

Additional Requirements:

• Successful completion of background checks upon hire
• Must have reliable transportation to conduct local travel on occasion to attend events and meetings with partners.
• May be called upon to work beyond normal working hours