Title: Director of Communications
Location: Redmond with occasional travel to other worksites
Work schedule: Full Time, Hybrid with some in-person and some remote work from home opportunities (typically 3 days a week onsite or based on business need). Occasional pre-planned evening availability for events.
Who we are: Since 1971, Hopelink has provided stability-building programs for people experiencing poverty, immigrants and refugees, and people with disabilities. We are the largest nonprofit in North and East King County.
Make an impact in your community! Hopelink equips people to exit poverty through comprehensive services, impactful partnerships, and advocacy for equitable opportunities for all.
Join us!
Hopelink programs work in tandem to fill gaps, supporting each family or individual’s unique needs. These include food, energy, and financial assistance, housing with case management, mobility management, non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), Dial-a-Ride Transit (DART), English for work, family development, and financial capabilities.
To learn more, go to https://www.hopelink.org/
The career opportunity:
Reporting to the VP of Development, Marketing & Communications the Director of Communications works cross-functionally to implement Hopelink’s impact agenda, development initiatives, and strategic priorities by implementing a comprehensive brand strategy and communications plan. The Director of Communications provides leadership for a Marketing and Communications Department responsible for internal and external communications, digital marketing, media relations, visual communications, digital and print content production, and event production.
What qualities we are looking for:
- Five-plus years leadership experience in creative communications, preferably with a nonprofit agency, which includes management and development of staff, teams, and attention to positive collaborative workplace culture
- Relevant education or training; Bachelor's degree in journalism, advertising, graphic design, or communications is preferred or equivalent combination of education, work experience, or military experience. Stellar oral and written communication and presentation skills with ability to adapt voice skillfully across diverse audiences while maintaining authentic connection
- Design digital workflows and communication processes that enhance efficiency, consistency, and team alignment across the agency through systems thinking.
- Strong understanding of existing and emerging technologies and communication trends, continuously exploring new platforms, tools, and methods to keep our communication infrastructure modern, relevant, and ahead of the curve
- Extensive experience with logo design, typography, color, web layout design, print production, image selection and package design with a strong portfolio
- Knowledge of AP Style writing
- Familiarity with keyword research and placement, SEO, and Google Analytics
- Understanding of managing an editorial process
- Experience in a leadership role representing an organization on issues of importance to communities experiencing poverty and systemic racism is preferred. Is committed to increasing equity and justice through Hopelink’s brand, messaging, and collateral content
- Flexible and adaptable style; a leader who can positively impact creative initiatives; has comfort and experience motivating others into action
- Familiarity with web design and backend maintenance; Knowledge of HTML/CSS
- Experience writing and/or editing digital or print publications
- Bicultural lived experience highly valued and BIPOC candidates highly encouraged to apply
- An understanding around a trauma informed approach to providing services
Examples of what you will be doing:
Brand Communications Strategy & Implementation:
- With guidance from VP of Development, Marketing & Communications and in cross-functional partnership with Executive Leadership Team, build a comprehensive strategic communications plan in support of the 2026 – 2029 Strategic Plan, and corresponding impact agenda, development objectives, and agency-wide objectives.
- Using the strategic communications plan as a guide and in partnership with internal stakeholders, spearhead various marketing and communications campaigns that meet or exceed strategic priorities, advance brand positioning, increase donor and stakeholder engagement, and expand Hopelink’s impact regionally, and beyond.
- Build creative briefs and project plans for each campaign, lead Marketing & Communications staff members in campaign execution, and partner with the Marketing Manager to ensure campaigns are data-informed from start to finish.
- Provide counsel and support to agency leadership, including media training and talking points, for media interviews and/or speaking opportunities. Support executive leadership by drafting speeches, presentations, blogs, etc., on behalf of executive leadership, furthering thought leadership recognition and influence.
- Oversee media relations, serving as media liaison, strategically pitching and procuring coverage opportunities, developing thought leadership personas, and growing regional influence.
Team Leadership & Performance Management:
- Build a plan for the Marketing & Communications Department to develop sustainability, scale capacity and brand architecture, and ensure operational success.
- Supervise the Marketing Manager, Multimedia Specialist, and Digital & Data Specialist in executing strategic communications plan and Global Content Calendar. Foster a fun, dynamic, collaborative, respectful, and inclusive work culture; provide coaching and performance management; lead weekly team meetings; offer professional development and team-building opportunities.
Operational Success & Administration:
- In partnership with the Marketing Manager and various agency stakeholders, fortify Hopelink’s brand architecture including brand identity and experience, positioning, style guides and content guidelines, as well as policies and procedures.
- Oversee the narrative development and editorial production of Hopelink’s blog, Reaching Out Newsletter, Hopelink Connections, and Impact Report. Supervise the Marketing Manager in implementing strategic communications plan across digital marketing content.
How you will be compensated: Hopelink is proud to provide meaningful paid time away from work and an affordable, comprehensive benefits package.
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Compensation: $122,000 - $130,000 Annually, Depending on Experience
- Up to 10 paid vacation and sick days annually and 10 paid holidays,
- Plus up to 7 paid float days available to use immediately; dependent on hire date and hours/week
- Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits after 1 month waiting period
- Flexible Spending Accounts; 401k with Employer Match; Life, Disability & Accident coverage
- Wellness Program; Employee Resource Groups; Employee Assistance Program; Employee Discount Opportunities; Training Classes
- Internal Career Opportunities; Professional Development; Leadership Development; Career Path Coaching
- Annual Performance Reviews with Merit Increase Opportunities
Hopelink Values:
Growth & Human Potential
Relationships Built in Trust
Culture of Belonging
Quality of Our Work
Community-Centered
Fiscal & Data Stewardship
We are actively building an environment that welcomes and encourages the involvement and success of all individuals and respects the new possibilities that are created when diverse people, beliefs and values are included. Home Page - Hopelink