Senior Director of Communications

About the role

The Senior Director of Communications will serve as a strategic leader responsible for orchestrating the full spectrum of communications, public relations, marketing, and branding initiatives for Planned Parenthood of Michigan and its affiliated 501(c)(4), PAC, and SuperPAC entities. This role requires a deep commitment to racial equity, ensuring that this value is reflected not only in internal team dynamics but also in every external message and stakeholder interaction across the state. The successful candidate will own the development and execution of an integrated communications strategy designed to elevate the organization's brand, amplify its public impact, and ensure message consistency across all platforms. They will act as a key advisor within the Development leadership team, aligning communication priorities with broader organizational goals and advocacy efforts. This position demands mastery in managing high-stakes narratives, fostering collaborative relationships with media and community partners, and driving initiatives that advance the mission of reproductive health and justice. Ultimately, the hire will be accountable for safeguarding and enhancing the organization's reputation while delivering measurable results that support Planned Parenthood of Michigan's long-term vision.

Key facts

What you'll do

- Spearhead the development and implementation of a comprehensive integrated communications strategy that strengthens the statewide brand and magnifies organizational impact for Planned Parenthood of Michigan.

- Provide senior leadership on the Development team, actively participating in high-level strategic decisions to ensure seamless alignment between communications, advocacy, and organizational priorities.

- Build, mentor, and cultivate a high-performing communications team, fostering an environment of creativity, collaboration, and continuous professional growth while empowering staff to take ownership of their projects.

- Lead crisis communications planning and execution, designing rapid response strategies, managing high-pressure situations, and mitigating reputational risks with transparency and trust.

- Manage all project timelines, budgets, and resources, ensuring deliverables are completed on schedule and within scope, particularly during fast-paced advocacy campaigns and urgent crisis moments.

- Oversee the creation of compelling, high-quality content, including press releases, op-eds, speeches, donor communications, case for support materials, campaign storytelling, talking points, social media, and multimedia assets.

- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the effectiveness of communication initiatives, analyzing data and insights to optimize reach, engagement, and overall impact.

- Direct marketing efforts for Planned Parenthood of Michigan's health and education services, managing vendor relationships and enforcing brand consistency across all materials and channels.

- Oversee communication efforts related to electoral activities, including voter education and mobilization, candidate endorsements, and support for the organization's 501(c)(4), PAC, and SuperPAC entities.

- Strengthen internal communications by developing channels that ensure staff are informed, connected, and aligned with organizational goals, promoting transparency through newsletters, meetings, and other collaborative methods.

- Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with journalists, editors, media outlets, stakeholders, partners, and community leaders to advance the organization's mission and enable collaborative projects.

- Leverage project management tools such as Asana to set clear expectations, track progress, and promote accountability across the communications team.

- Ensure all communications are culturally competent, consistent with Planned Parenthood's brand identity, and reflective of the communities served across Michigan.

- Collaborate closely with other functional areas to incorporate diverse needs, wants, and goals into communication materials and reporting information that supports organizational objectives.

Requirements

- Possess a minimum of 5-8 years of experience in donor communications, media relations, case of support development, and campaign storytelling within a relevant sector.

- Have at least 3-4 years of experience in a leadership and/or supervisory role, demonstrating the ability to guide teams and manage complex projects.

- Show proven skill in partnering with other functional areas to accomplish objectives, integrating needs and goals from different business unit perspectives into communication materials and reporting information.

- Demonstrate a steadfast commitment to Planned Parenthood's mission, values, and principles, with a clear understanding of the organization's advocacy and political engagement framework.

- Exhibit exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, concise, and impactful messages for diverse audiences.

- Have a strong track record of building and maintaining relationships with media, journalists, and key stakeholders in a professional and ethical manner.

- Bring experience in managing high-pressure situations and leading crisis communications with composure, transparency, and strategic thinking.

- Show proficiency in using project management and communication tools, including but not limited to Asana, to organize workflows and monitor progress effectively.

- Commit to upholding standards of cultural competence, equity, and inclusion in all communication strategies and materials.

Practical notes

25% travel

Full Time, Exempt