Remote | Contract (~25 hours/week, 12-18 months) | $150,000 - $170,000

About the Role

A national philanthropic organization focused on transforming suicide care is looking for a Fractional Director of Communications to lead its external messaging and brand strategy on a contract basis. The organization works at the intersection of mental health policy, research, and systems change, funding initiatives that improve how suicide care is delivered across the country. This role owns the full communications function: shaping the narrative, managing media relationships, overseeing content production, and ensuring that all public-facing materials reflect the sensitivity and precision this subject matter demands. The Director will work closely with the executive team and program leads to translate complex policy and research work into clear, compelling stories for diverse audiences. A strong fit for someone with deep experience in nonprofit or public health communications, comfort with sensitive subject matter, and the ability to build and execute a communications strategy without a large team underneath them. What the Role Covers

• Developing and executing an integrated communications strategy that raises the organization's visibility among policymakers, funders, researchers, and the general public
• Serving as the primary media contact, building relationships with journalists and managing press inquiries, op-eds, and rapid response messaging
• Overseeing all content production, including reports, newsletters, social media, website copy, and campaign materials
• Crafting messaging frameworks and talking points for leadership, board members, and grantee partners
• Managing the organization's brand identity and ensuring consistency across all channels and materials
• Monitoring media coverage and public discourse related to suicide prevention, mental health policy, and adjacent issues
• Coordinating with program and research teams to identify and develop stories that illustrate impact
• Advising on crisis communications protocols given the sensitivity of the organization's focus area

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in communications, public relations, or media strategy, with significant time in nonprofit, public health, or advocacy settings
• Demonstrated experience communicating about sensitive health or social issues with accuracy and care
• Strong media relationships and a track record of earned media placements
• Experience developing brand and messaging strategies for mission-driven organizations
• Excellent writing and editing skills across formats (press releases, op-eds, social media, long-form reports)
• Familiarity with suicide prevention, mental health, or behavioral health policy (preferred but not required)
• Comfort operating as a senior solo contributor in a small, distributed organization
• Experience managing freelancers, agencies, or other external communications partners

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