Job Description

The Assistant Director of Communications is a member of Heartshare's External Affairs team, responsible for advancing the organization's mission through compelling storytelling, media engagement, and high-impact publications. This role serves as a key steward of Heartshare's voice and brand, translating complex programs and outcomes into narratives that resonate with current and prospective donors, the media, industry leaders, policymakers, and the communities we support. The ideal candidate is an exceptional writer and editor with a strong instinct for developing cohesive and compelling narratives, building and nurturing earned media relationships, elevating executive voices, and committed to Heartshare’s mission.

Copywriting & Publications

• Serve as the lead writer and editor for a broad range of organizational communications, including messaging that supports brand positioning, stakeholder-facing external communications, descriptions for programs and new initiatives, fact sheets, and talking points.
• Lead the development and production of Heartshare's annual report, impact reports, and other external-facing organizational collateral from concept through final delivery.
• Manage relationships with designers and other vendors to ensure high-quality, on-brand outputs.
• Develop and maintain a consistent organizational voice that reflects Heartshare's mission and values.
• Collaborate with program staff to surface stories that demonstrate impact.

Media Relations

• Partner with the VP of Strategic Communications to develop and execute a proactive earned media strategy that increases local and regional coverage.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, producers, and influencers across print, digital, and broadcast media.
• Identify and pitch compelling stories that highlight Heartshare’s impact, innovation, and leadership.
• Draft and distribute press releases and media advisories; build and maintain an in-house media contacts list.
• Oversee media monitoring, measurement, and reporting to assess impact and inform strategy.

Thought Leadership

• Partner with the VP of Strategic Communications to elevate the agency’s thought leadership platform in employment pathways, developmental disabilities, special education, housing, mental health/arts therapy, and trauma-informed foster care and family preservation.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to elevate Heartshare’s leadership team as voices in the field, including op-ed placements, speaking engagements, and award nominations.
• Research and draft op-eds, speeches, and conference submissions in collaboration with senior leadership.
• Track the thought leadership landscape to keep Heartshare positioned at the forefront of relevant conversations.
  
  

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of progressive communications experience; experience in nonprofit or mission-based communications a plus.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills with experience working across formats and audiences.
• Proven experience managing complex publications and collateral projects from inception to completion.
• A track record of successful press placements.
• Experience developing thought leadership content, including op-eds or executive communications.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) a plus.

Benefits

At HeartShare we offer a comprehensive benefit package based on full-time/part-time status. You can expect:

• Rewarding Work in a team environment.
• Paid vacation, sick, personal days, and holidays.
• 403(B) retirement plans with employer contribution.
• Health, dental, vision and life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Flexible spending account (Dependent Care, Medical, Parking, and Transit).
• Employee Appreciation Programs and Events.
• Tuition Assistance Program.
• Professional Development opportunities.
• Wellhub Discount
• Verizon Wireless Discount.
• BJs Membership discount.
• Discounts on Broadway tickets, movie tickets, theme parks, sporting events, gift certificates & more

HeartShare is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). If you need to request accommodation during the recruiting process, please reach out to Leaves@heartshare.org.

About Heartshare

Who WE ARE:

For over 150 years, Heartshare has been dedicated to championing and empowering New Yorkers society has too often overlooked and underestimated.

To learn more about Heartshare, please visit our website at or Follow us on Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Facebook

Heartshare Human Services of New York nurtures and empowers children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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