Senior Director of Communications

Jul 30, 2025

Reporting to the Managing Director of Programs

About Heron

Founded in 1992, Heron is dedicated to helping people and communities to help themselves. Heron works directly with local organizations that are embedded in, deeply trusted by, and inherently driven by the voice and vision of their neighbors. Heron partners with communities to source relevant and actionable research, nurture a learning collaborative of peers, help communities reclaim their narrative of place and self, foster stronger collective agency and social bonds, and provide long-term financial support. Heron works mainly in rural communities experiencing persistent poverty, systemic challenges, historic disinvestment, and a legacy of disenfranchisement.

Over the coming 8-10 years, Heron will pursue an exciting, innovative set or strategies to (1) empower dozens of distressed rural communities across the country, (2) help rewrite the playbook for national funders working in rural community advancement, and (3) position Heron, not as a traditional grantmaking private foundation, but as a resourceful, experienced, and well-regarded rural community advancement agency, poised to perform this important work effectively well into the future. Heron will:

Provide our community partners with extensive data and research, technical assistance, communications support, and networking opportunities.
Share its growing knowledge broadly to help increase capital flow to the direct control of rural communities.
Invest significant financial capital into local organizations leading community-driven projects and initiatives to advance the vitality and well-being of their community.

About the Job

Heron is seeking a visionary and strategic Senior Director of Communications to lead its Outreach function—an essential pillar of Heron’s transformation from a traditional grantmaking foundation to a national community advancement agency. As Heron shifts the majority of its financial capital to the control of a cohort of local “Community Capitals Partners” (CCPs) and supports them with research, data, and peer learning, the Senior Director of Communications will play a central role in shaping the national narrative around community agency, rural equity, and philanthropic transformation. CCPs are well-established community-based organizations that have built local trust and work to advance the vitality and well-being of their community. This leader will guide Heron’s efforts to communicate its evolving identity, elevate the voices of CCPs, and catalyze a broader shift in how capital and power are distributed in the U.S.

The Senior Director of Communications will oversee and lead the execution of a comprehensive communications strategy that includes corporate and partner communications, publishing, annual reporting, and funding partner development. They will also support CCPs in building their own communications capacity and storytelling power. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned communicator to lead a bold, values-driven strategy that blends storytelling, advocacy, and systems change.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Vision

Lead the development and execution of a communications strategy that supports Heron’s strategic transformation and long-term vision.
Serve as a key thought partner to executive leadership, helping to shape and articulate Heron’s evolving identity and role in the field.
Translate complex ideas—such as systems change, community capitals, collective agency, mission-aligned investing, and rural public policy—into accessible, compelling narratives.

Movement-Building & Narrative Change

Develop and implement strategies to shift national narratives around rural communities, persistent poverty, and community-led development and investments.
Curate and amplify the voices of CCPs, community leaders and members, and grassroots practitioners through co-created storytelling, media, and publishing.
Build relationships with media (national, trade, and local), funders, and policymakers to advance Heron’s mission and influence.

Publishing & Content Strategy

Develop a content strategy that educates, inspires, and mobilizes diverse audiences—from funders, to policymakers, to community leaders, and to the general public.
Oversee and execute Heron’s external communication strategy, often taking the lead in drafting website and social media content, essays, opinion editorials, newsletters, and press releases.
Ensure Heron’s digital presence and reports reflects its values, work, and the voices of its partners.

Partner & Community Support

Provide strategic communications support to CCPs—as needed and at their request—helping them build their own capacity for storytelling, media engagement, and narrative change.
Develop toolkits, templates, and training resources to support local communications efforts.
Collaborate with CCPs to co-create content and elevate their work from local to national platforms.

Organizational Alignment

Lead a high-performing communications team, including one staff and consultants.
Foster a culture of collaboration, curiosity, and continuous learning.
Ensure alignment of messaging across Heron’s programs, teams, and platforms.

Brand Stewardship & Institutional Identity

Lead efforts to refresh and maintain Heron’s website, brand identity, and in-house style guide in alignment with its strategic evolution.
Ensure consistency in voice, tone, and visual identity across all communications.
Draft annual reports and other institutional publications.
Vet speaking and press opportunities for Heron’s executive leadership and as required, draft talking points, speeches, and presentations for Heron’s President.

Evaluation & Learning

Capture and publicly share major lessons learned relative to the execution of Heron’s program and investment strategies.
Establish metrics to assess communications effectiveness, reach, and impact.
Use data and feedback to refine strategies and inform decision-making.

Desired Skills and Experience

Minimum 10 years of experience in strategic communications, public affairs, or movement-building roles, including leadership and team management.
Deep alignment with Heron’s mission and principles, including a commitment to community agency, equity, and systems change.
Proven success in narrative strategy, public engagement, and media relations, especially in complex or emerging issue areas.
Experience working with or supporting grassroots organizations, rural communities, or community-led initiatives.
Strong understanding of philanthropy, community development, and social impact sectors.
Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills across formats and audiences.
Demonstrated ability to translate complex concepts into accessible, compelling content.
Experience managing digital platforms, content strategy, and multimedia storytelling.
Experience producing institutional publications such as annual reports or impact reports.
Familiarity with funder engagement strategies and communications for donor development.
Strong leadership and team-building skills, with a track record of mentoring and developing talent.
Ability to work collaboratively across internal departments and with external partners.
Comfort navigating ambiguity and operating in a fast-paced, evolving environment with multiple priorities and stakeholders.
Experience supporting executive leadership with public speaking, media preparation, and thought leadership.

Position Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $184,000 to $220,000 based on skills and experience. Heron offers an attractive benefits package.

While the position is remote, the Senior Director of Communications will be required to travel to our partners’ communities as well as to Heron’s future offices in the NJ/NY area and Birmingham, AL on a fairly regular basis. This position is expected to travel up to 20% of the time. Preference will be given to candidates local to Heron’s NJ/NY office location.

To Apply

Interested candidate should provide a cover letter and resume by clicking through this link: Apply here. Please submit materials by August 22, 2025.