Communications Director - Housing Trust Silicon Valley in Issaquah, Washington
Location
Issaquah, Washington
Job Type
Full-time
Company
Another Source
Job Description
## Communications Director — Housing Trust Silicon Valley
At a glance: this is a newly created Director of Communications role with Housing Trust Silicon Valley. The position is based in San Jose, CA (Hybrid) and carries an annual salary range of $140,000 – $170,000. Reporting to the Chief Development and Impact Officer (CDIO), the Communications Director will provide strategic leadership for Housing Trust’s communications function and shape a comprehensive communications strategy that elevates the organization’s brand, amplifies its mission, and deepens engagement across the affordable housing ecosystem.
You will spend most of your time on Strategic Communications Leadership (75%). In that work you will lead the development and execution of an integrated communications strategy aligned with organizational strategic and operational goals. This includes annual communications planning and budgeting, setting priorities, allocating resources, and measuring progress through reporting on reach, engagement, earned media, and digital analytics. You will serve as a primary communications advisor to executive leadership and the Board, offering counsel on messaging, brand positioning, and public affairs, and you will set the vision and direction for Housing Trust’s brand identity to ensure consistency across internal and external channels.
Day-to-day responsibilities include directing the organization’s storytelling strategy so content and narratives clearly reflect Housing Trust’s impact and differentiators; managing media relations and public affairs strategy in partnership with external PR consultants and serving as organizational spokesperson when appropriate; overseeing editorial strategy and content planning across digital, print, social media, and earned media channels; and directing production of the Annual Report, thought leadership content, and other strategic communications materials. You will manage external speaking opportunities and panel placements for Housing Trust leadership, serve as a hands-on content creator and editor across platforms, represent Housing Trust on industry communications committees and convenings, translate legislative and regulatory developments into clear communications for key audiences, and develop and maintain crisis communications protocols, serving as the primary communications lead for rapid-response messaging.
You will also provide Team and Department Leadership (15%) by leading, mentoring, and directly supervising the Communications and Development Assistant while providing oversight and direction to communications consultants. Expect to foster a culture of creativity, accountability, and continuous learning, set performance goals and conduct regular evaluations for direct reports, and oversee the organization’s CRM and contact database strategy to ensure effective management of media, partner, funder, and stakeholder relationships.
Event and Investor Communications (10%) are part of the role as well. You will provide strategic communications direction for events (invitations, press kits, stakeholder announcements), partner with the Development team on messaging for funder outreach and capital-raising campaigns, and lead communications surrounding major funding announcements and lending milestones.
Minimum qualifications are clear and specific: a Bachelor’s degree in journalism, English, business, marketing, communications, or a related field is required; a Master’s degree is preferred. Candidates should bring 7–10 years of progressive communications experience, including at least 3 years in a leadership or management role. Demonstrated success developing and executing integrated communications strategies for a mission-driven or nonprofit organization is required. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, experience serving as a presenter and organizational spokesperson, and experience directing media relations strategy (including managing external PR consultants or agencies) are all called for. A proven track record in brand management and content strategy, experience managing and developing staff and cross-functional teams, familiarity with email marketing platforms, CRM systems, and graphic design tools, and experience managing departmental budgets and vendor relationships are all listed requirements. Strong strategic thinking, the ability to translate organizational goals into impactful communications programs, and high organization skills to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment are also required.
Preferred qualifications include knowledge of affordable housing, community development finance, or the broader nonprofit lending sector, and a demonstrated ability to quickly develop subject matter expertise in a mission-driven environment.
What’s in it for you: Housing Trust offers a competitive compensation package, including a bonus plan and comprehensive benefits. Total compensation and benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage fully paid for employees, with 50% of premiums covered for eligible dependents; an employer-funded 401(k) contribution of 3%, plus an additional employer match of up to 2%; generous paid time off including three weeks of vacation, twelve paid sick days, eleven paid holidays, and a paid year-end office shutdown; eligibility for an annual performance-based bonus; and a tuition reimbursement program and additional benefits.
Housing Trust is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and is an equal opportunity employer. Another Source is partnering on this search and encourages applicants to apply even if they do not meet every qualification listed.