Director, Communications

Director, Communications

About Sandy Hook Promise 
Sandy Hook Promise (SHP) is a national nonprofit organization with a mission to end school shootings and create a culture change that prevents violence and other harmful acts that hurt children. Through its life-saving evidence-informed Know the Signs prevention programs, SHP educates and empowers youth and adults to recognize, intervene, and get help for individuals who may be socially isolated and/or at risk of hurting themselves or others. SHP is a moderate, bipartisan organization that supports sensible policy solutions that address the human side of gun violence and make schools safer. 
 
SHP is led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012.  
 
Commitment to Racial Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion  
SHP strives to ensure its culture and work environment reflects the values of race, diversity, equity, and inclusion (REDI) and is responsive to the views and issues of the diverse communities with which we live and work. SHP encourages individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to equity and inclusion to apply.   
 
About the Role 
As Communications Director, you'll be key in shaping public perception of Sandy Hook Promise’s nonpartisan approach to policy and advocacy. Your main responsibilities include developing and executing a strategic communications plan to shift media narratives, influence discussions on gun violence prevention and school safety, secure coverage for the Action Fund, research, and expert opinions, and engage our network to support key legislative goals. 

You will work closely with the Federal, State, Engagement, and Marketing teams to advocate for our nonpartisan movement, bipartisan policies, and key legislation. You will also support cross-promotional campaigns and legislative endorsements. In this role, you will serve as a liaison between our Action Fund (C4) and Foundation teams (C3), creating and executing omnichannel plans to mobilize constituents in support of our policies. While not a formal lobbying position, candidates should have strong political knowledge, an understanding of the legislative process, and the ability to navigate bipartisan divides and adapt to shifting policies. 

The role reports to the Associate VP of Communications and collaborates with the Marketing, Action Fund, Development, Business Development, and Partner Success teams. 

Location 

We are a U.S. based organization and most of our staff work remotely. This role will require less than 15% travel on an as-needed basis. 

Job Responsibilities (include but are not limited to): 

• Collaborate with senior leaders on strategic planning, messaging, and measurement. 
• Co-create and implement media and partner relations strategy based on organizational goals and Action Fund objectives. 
• Write and edit opinion editorials, press releases, letters to the editor, fact sheets, media kits, speeches, petitions, email campaigns, and more to promote SHP and encourage action, adhering to specific editorial style guidelines and strategic, audience-centric messaging. 
• Monitor news and lead media advocacy strategies to strengthen engagement and influence local and regional coverage. 
• Serve as primary lead on Action Fund initiatives, liaising with Digital, Creative, and Comms teams within Marketing department to co-create, implement, and measure omnichannel campaigns. 
• Prepare spokespeople and subject matter experts for interviews and speaking engagements. 
• Develop and produce monthly reports to evaluate ROI and refine SHP’s communication strategies based on time/effort tracking, mentions, message pull-through, reach/impressions, and audience engagement/conversion. 
• Conduct media analysis and support coverage archives, highlights, and contact database. 
• Manage and mentor direct report. 
• Other duties as assigned 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline is required (Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Political Science, Marketing, Public Policy, English or Writing, Media Studies) 
• Prior work with a policy and advocacy-based organization is required. 
• 10+ years of experience in a role focused primarily on PR, communications, media relations or related journalistic experience. Background in working for an agency a plus.  
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical skills, and legislative fluency with ability to translate the complexity of lawmaking into strategic communication plans and easy-to-understand content and assets. 
• Demonstrated writing, editing, and proofreading skills required. Familiarity with AP Style Guidelines.  
• Proven ability to earn media required. Opinion editorial placements are a plus. 
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. 
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with both internal and external stakeholders and deliver on shared goals -- on time and on budget. 
• Ability to work independently and prioritize projects in a fast-paced environment with competing deadlines and deliverables. 
• Embraces and values diversity of all kinds, does not shy away from it, is open to conversations about racism and equity, and is comfortable working cross-culturally and cross-community. 
• Proficient at using Microsoft Office; familiarity with Cision is a bonus. 
• A commitment to SHP’s mission and values. 

Benefits and Salary Range 
The salary range for this position is $93,000-$103,000. 
(SHP follows a strict internal rubric to help guide salary placement and ensure equitable pay amongst new hires and current staff. New hires should expect to be brought on at the start of the range, except in extenuating circumstances.) 

• SHP offers a competitive benefits package, including: 
  • Unlimited PTO 
  • Flexible schedules 
  • Paid holidays and 10 days sick leave 
  • Paid parental leave 
  • Health, dental, and vision 
  • Employer paid life insurance and short- and long-term disability 
  • 401k match 
  • Professional development stipend 
  • Wellness & mental health support 
  • Employer Paid Employee Assistance Program. 

Our organization operates within a distributed workforce, allowing for location flexibility across the country for most positions. We provide remote office support for all staff, which includes a laptop, home office reimbursement, monthly Wi-Fi reimbursement up to $40, and monthly cell phone reimbursement up to $50.   
 
Additional Instructions 

• Cover letter and resume should be submitted as a single PDF document (required). 
• Submit 2-3 writing examples with your application (required). 
• Internal applicants have until Thursday April 10, 2025, to submit their application. Please contact HR once you have applied.  
• All other applicants have until Thursday, May 8, 2025, to apply. 

Equal Opportunity Employment  
SHP is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strive to be an employer of choice: where a diverse mix of talented people want to come and do their best work. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We are focused on promoting diversity, multiculturalism, and inclusion and believe deeply in having a workforce comprised of people of all beliefs and backgrounds who seek to prevent gun violence and stop the tragic loss of life. Members of all under-represented groups are encouraged to apply.