Director, Communications

As our Director of Communications you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of our communications efforts—strategy development, media relations, event management, content creation, and digital engagement. You’ll be a key member of our leadership team, helping to shape the narrative around animal welfare issues and amplifying our voice to supporters, donors, and the public. You will be an excellent writer and someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment.

You will report to the Executive Director, manage a Digital Marketer and Content Coordinator and work closely with the Campaigns, Programs and Fundraising teams.

This is an exciting chance to use your communications talent and expertise to deliver positive impact for animals.

General purpose of the position

We are seeking a passionate and strategic Director of Communications to lead and elevate our communications. This role is responsible for shaping and executing a comprehensive communications strategy that increases awareness, engagement, and support for our mission. The Director will oversee brand management, public relations, digital content, and media outreach, and manage a small but dynamic communications team.

Essential duties and responsibilities

Strategy and Leadership:

• Develop and implement an integrated communications strategy aligned with the Humane World for Animals’ mission and goals.
• Serve as a key advisor to leadership on communication opportunities and reputational risk.
• Manage, mentor, and support the Digital Content Coordinator and Digital Marketing Specialist
• Manage all communications outputs to ensure smooth flowing engagement across departments and clear external storytelling with compelling calls to action
• Prepare reports and analysis on communications performance for rest of leadership team and Board

Brand and messaging:

• Ensure accuracy, consistent voice, tone, and visual identity across all platforms and materials.
• Craft compelling messaging that resonates with diverse stakeholders, including donors, partners, and the public.

Media and Public Relations:

• Build and maintain relationships with media outlets, journalists, and influencers.
• Write and distribute press releases, op-eds, and media pitches to amplify key initiatives and campaigns.
• Prepare spokespeople for media engagements and public appearances.
• Assist with the management of fundraising and campaign events.

Digital Communications:

• Oversee the development and execution of digital campaigns, website content, social media, and email marketing strategies.
• Guide the Digital Marketing Specialist in optimising SEO, analytics tracking, and paid media campaigns.

Content Development:

• Manage and engage in the creation of impactful storytelling, reports, newsletters, fundraising appeals and campaign materials.
• Collaborate with the Content Coordinator to maintain a robust content calendar and editorial standards.

Budget Management:

• Manage the Communications budget and contribute to the preparation of campaigns and programs budgets to ensure efficient and effective allocation of resources to achieve communication goals.

Industry Awareness:

• Stay updated on the latest trends and best practices in communications for not-for-profits.

Desired minimum qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and experience:

• A bachelor’s degree or post graduate qualification in marketing, communications, journalism or similar.
• At least five-years’ experience in a communications leadership role in not for profit communications.

Necessary knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Ability to manage a small team and work collaboratively to deliver communications outcomes.
• Excellent writing skills and storytelling ability across different media.
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities and work well under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Experience in building relationships with media to increase awareness and understanding of the Humane World for Animals brand, campaigns and programs.
• Experience in website management and social media communications.
• Experience with Microsoft Office suite.
• Experience with EDM and Advocacy platforms (Orto and New Mode)
• Experience with CRM systems (especially Salesforce)
• Experience in writing and managing the production of a variety of publications including newsletters and the annual report.
• Excellent project management, time management and organisational skills
• Avid news tracker

Supervision exercised

Work collaboratively as part of a small team across communications, campaigns and programs and fundraising departments.

Manages two staff: Digital Content Coordinator and the Digital Marketing Specialist.