VP of Communications
New York, NY
Freedom Together Foundation
Date Posted: 5/5/2025
ABOUT US
The Freedom Together Foundation’s mission is to support people who have been denied power to build it, so they can change unjust systems and create a more democratic, inclusive, and sustainable society. We are dedicated to long-lasting, systemic change. Over the last 10 years, Freedom Together has grown to be one of the largest US foundations, awarding over $300 million in grants each year.
THE POSITION
Freedom Together seeks an experienced communications professional as the Vice President of Communications. Reporting to the Managing Director, the VP of Communications will provide a range of communications strategy development and managing implementation. This person will work in service of Freedom Together’s overall donor organizing strategy, and strategy to build power and defend and expand multiracial democracy (not as a grantmaker promoting itself).
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
External Communications
Direct and execute the full range of strategic communications planning necessary for the foundation, including to shape the landscape of ideas in our sector, to mitigate risk for the organization and sector (including crisis communications), and to communicate about our programmatic work.
Lead and execute detailed project management for the above, including managing digital content, newsletters, and multi-collaborator outreach in relation to the foundation’s overall influence and donor organizing strategy
Manage all thought leadership (Op-eds, magazine articles, etc.) and media engagement (interviews, etc.)
Coordinate talking points and speeches for all speaking engagements; strategize about speaking engagements to attend
Partner and collaborate with the VP of Strategic Partnerships on communications plans and strategies to assist with organizing donors
Lead and manage all crisis communications
Strategy and Brand Management
Manage all communications content for the foundation, driving and implementing overall brand strategy
Manage the visual identity of the foundation and help Freedom Together live into our new brand
Ensure that all external communications are consistent with the foundation’s brand identity and messaging
Internal Communications
Develop and implement an internal communications strategy that supports organization-wide initiatives and fosters a sense of clarity and shared purpose across all teams
Provide leadership for strategic communications related to organizational changes, leadership updates, and employee engagement efforts
Provide strategic guidance to senior leadership, helping them to refine messaging
Lead the creation and execution of a communications calendar, including newsletters, and leadership messaging
Team Leadership
Manage communications staff (one to start)
Manage external contractor(s)
Forge a strong alliance with other teams throughout the foundation
Assist with special projects
Ensure timely and effective implementation and provide coaching as needed
QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES AND BEHAVIORS
While no one candidate will embody all the qualifications below, the ideal candidate will have many of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes, and experiences:
Minimum of 10 years of experience as a communications executive at social justice movement organizations or foundations, or an Executive Director who supervised the communications of an organization
Deep knowledge of the media ecosystem (nonprofit and philanthropy ecosystem preferred). Comprehensive grasp over diverse media platforms, ensuring aligned media choices
Experience managing crisis communications
Experience driving and developing the unique voice of an organization
Ability to develop and implement a strategy to engage and coordinate a range of senior leaders within the Foundation to help carry out a shared organizing and communications strategy
Sharp instincts and judgment, grounded in experience, about how to prioritize among competing pressing goals and a high level of humility and comfort with supporting other leaders
High level of emotional intelligence, integrity, and strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trusting relationships, manage complex issues, and build a culture of shared accountability
Top notch writer and editor
Excellent communication, as well as project management, time management, and problem-solving abilities
Proven ability to manage and collaborate across an organization
Able to thrive in a changing and fast-paced environment
SALARY & BENEFITS
This is a full-time, exempt position and the annualized salary is $270,000-$285,000, commensurate with experience. Freedom Together offers an extensive and generous benefits package including health insurance (with 100% of the premiums paid for employees, spouses, domestic partners, and qualified family members), paid time off (including last week of the year), 401(k) retirement plan with 12% employer contribution, and access to an inclusive family building reimbursement plan. Freedom Together provides up to $5,000 annually for professional development and the ability to recommend an annual grant to the nonprofit of your choice.
WORKING WITH Freedom Together Foundation
We believe that diversity is critical to our mission, and we value an inclusive culture. We strongly encourage applications from people with lived experiences related to our programs and applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Freedom Together Foundation is an equal opportunity employer; we do not discriminate in employment based on race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, gender or gender identity, age or sexual orientation.
This position is based in our NYC office. Freedom Together staff operates on a hybrid schedule and currently works from the NYC office three days weekly, with the flexibility to work remotely two days weekly.
Candidates must have current legal authorization to work in the U.S.
TO APPLY
To apply, please submit a resume and answer the application questions.
Priority will be given to applications submitted by May 5, 2025 although we will continue to receive applications until the position is filled.
This search is being led by NRG Consulting Group. Reach out to Jaclyn Jones at jaclyn@nrgconsultinggroup.org with any questions.
The targeted starting salary range for this position listed below is based on experience:
Position pay range
$270,000 - $285,000 USD
