Senior Director, Communications and Strategic Engagement - Foundation

ECMC Foundation is a nationally focused foundation whose mission is to improve higher education for career success among underserved populations through evidence-based innovation. It is one of several affiliates under the ECMC Group enterprise based in Minneapolis. ECMC Foundation makes investments to remove barriers to postsecondary completion; build the capacity of organizations, institutions and systems; and transform the postsecondary ecosystem using a spectrum of funding structures, including strategic grantmaking and program-related investments, to support both nonprofit and for-profit ventures.

Job Summary

The Senior Director of Communications and Strategic Engagement leads a multi-faceted communications department, developing and implementing ECMC Foundation’s communications and field engagement strategy. The primary responsibilities support internal and external communications, applied learning, and convening activities collectively designed to elevate the Foundation’s visibility, brand, and impact, support organizational learning, and advance progress toward the Foundation’s North Star goal. The Senior Director builds strategy, guides a high-performing team, and leads through change with humility as a member of the Foundation’s leadership team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for higher education and for driving substantial improvements to postsecondary outcomes for students from underserved backgrounds.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Design and execute a comprehensive communications strategy that advances the Foundation’s North Star goal through narrative building and aligns with ECMC Group’s communications strategy

• Oversee development and delivery of high-quality written and multimedia content across platforms, including web, social media, publications, presentations, and convenings

• Translate learning and evaluation insights into targeted communications products for internal and external audiences, including partners, policymakers, media, higher education leaders, and peer organizations

• Enact a relationship management strategy to build and cultivate external partnerships that support progress toward the Foundation’s North Star goal, in alignment with ECMC Group’s overarching strategy

• Apply a thought partnership approach to work with internal leaders and subject matter experts to shape and advance the Foundation’s field engagement strategy

• Increase the Foundation’s visibility through speaking engagements, sponsorships, conferences, and other external-facing opportunities

• Drive strong results from direct reports across multiple locations by providing appropriate work direction, strategic guidance, and performance management; strengthen communications capabilities across the broader Foundation

• Serve on the Foundation’s leadership team and collaborate with ECMC Group partners to ensure coordinated, enterprise-aligned communications

• Manage the communications budget and oversee agency and vendor relationships related to communications and field engagement activities

• Establish and monitor partner interaction, audience engagement, and other performance metrics to assess impact and inform decision-making

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations or related discipline or equivalent professional experience

• 12+ years of progressive communications experience

• 8+ years in leadership and people management roles

• Proven experience developing and executing communications strategies with measurable outcomes

• Experience developing and implementing strategic public relations and communications campaigns

• Demonstrated ability to develop a learning strategy and detailed plan to support internal and external partners in their development and understanding of complex subject matters

• Demonstrated success building, leading, and developing high-performing teams

• Strong writing, editing, and content development skills across a variety of communications formats

• Demonstrated ability to plan and support external events, including speaking engagements, conferences, and sponsorships

• Experience supporting executive communications and advising senior leaders

• Experience collaborating with cross-functional partners and external stakeholders to advance shared goals

• Experience building or supporting relationship management strategies to influence outcomes

• Ability to travel domestically of at least 25% of the time

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in communications, public relations or related discipline

• Experience using artificial intelligence to enhance communications activities

• Experience developing and managing a department budget

This role will be associated with an office in either Minneapolis, MN or Washington D.C., with the expectation of a hybrid work schedule and domestic travel at least 25% of the time.

The pay range for this position is $220,000 - $250,000. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as relevant experience, peer and market benchmarks, and geographic location.

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

ECMC Foundation also provides a comprehensive benefits package:

• Health & wellness benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plan options, with a generous employer subsidy. Company paid life & disability insurance, pre-tax flexible spending accounts and robust wellness programs.
• Financial benefits: Generous 401(k) plan with a company match up to 6% and additional discretionary contribution potential, paid time off starting at 20 days/year and commuter subsidy.
• Education benefits: Tuition reimbursement up to $10,500/year for approved programs and student loan payment reimbursement up to $4,800/year. Up to $5,250 of qualifying education benefits can be reimbursed pre-tax.