Communications Director
Grantmakers In Health

Objective

Grantmakers In Health (GIH) is the Washington, DC-based professional association for health philanthropy. The Communications Director will spearhead development and implementation of communications strategies across multiple platforms. This is a full-time, senior-level position in the organization. It requires onsite participation.

Core Responsibilities

Communications Strategy: Develop and lead the organization’s communications strategy. Ensure that the organization stays ahead of the curve by identifying, interpreting, and acting upon changes in nonprofit and philanthropic communications practice. Pursue new ideas and innovative approaches to communicate the organization’s purpose and programs as well as that of the field. Manage branding.

Content: Supervise editorial content of GIH website, GIH Bulletin, GIH e-alert, publications, and marketing materials. Write press releases, promotional materials, op-ed pieces, annual reports, and other products. Curate content produced by the program staff. Manage relationships with our communications consultants.

Editing and Design: Oversee the editing, design, and production of all content. Edit all materials to ensure accuracy, clarity, consistency, and compelling storytelling. Maintain and update the organization’s style manual and visual identity. Act as liaison with graphic design firms, printers, and other vendors.

Dissemination: Develop and implement the organization’s dissemination strategy. Maintain and update mailing lists of key contacts in philanthropy, the media, and other key audiences.

Social Media: Manage existing social media channels. Serve as visionary for and experimenter with new social media channels. Select graphics and artwork for use on social media platforms including, but not limited to, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

Data Analysis: Evaluate the usefulness and reach of GIH products, web content, and social media activities through quantitative measures of activity (such as page views, retweets, and click-through rates) as well as quantitative methods (such as focus group findings and feedback from advisory groups). Recommend new products and tactics as needed.

External Relations: Develop and maintain relationships with appropriate media outlets including The Chronicle of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Quarterly. Field all press inquiries and track press coverage of GIH activities. Represent GIH at public functions as needed. Work with other organizations in the health, policy, and philanthropic communities (especially communications staff in health foundations) on activities relevant to communications.

Reporting Relationships

Reports to the Vice President for Program and Strategy. Works collaboratively with a Communications Assistant, a Database and Website Specialist, and the program staff.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree is required; a graduate degree is preferred.
• A minimum of eight years’ of work experience in strategic communications.
• Experience working in health and/or philanthropy is desirable.
• Strong writing, editorial, and public speaking skills with keen attention to detail.
• Project management experience, with a demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively, take initiative, and manage multiple projects.
• Fluency with new forms of media.
• Ability to analyze data and apply insights to further organizational objectives.
• Experience in selecting graphics for web and print.
• Experience with social media in a professional capacity.
• Prior experience with creative tools, digital platforms, and CRMs.
• Adept at simplifying the complex, clarifying the ambiguous, and adapting to change.
• Possessed with curiosity, creativity, passion, humor, and drive.

Application Process

The position will remain open until filled. Please send a resume and a 2 to 5-page writing sample to [email protected] or by mail to:

Grantmakers In Health
Attention: Sue Jonas
1100 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 1200
Washington, DC 20036