Mental Health America (MHA) is seeking a Senior Director of Communications who will take the lead on all MHA communications. This includes creating multichannel communications plans, proactively pitching for earned media, fielding media requests, building press lists, acting as MHA’s main copy editor for all external projects, copywriting, drafting press releases and statements, and working across the organization to develop a unified voice and messaging, all with a focus on ensuring MHA’s mission and vision are represented.

To apply for this position, please send a cover letter and resume to: jobs@mhanational.org. Please type “Senior Director of Communications” in the email’s subject line. No phone calls or emails, please. EOE.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Communications planning. Manage, develop, and execute multichannel marketing and communications plans, coordinating efforts across multiple departments. This includes daily, monthly, and yearly planning, keeping an up-to-date communications calendar, and incorporating annual MHA signature awareness events, funder projects, and marketing campaigns while ensuring all pieces adhere to MHA’s strategic plan. Work closely with senior leadership to develop communications protocols and processes that are consistent across the organization.

Writing and editing. Write and/or edit communications across the organization that are publicly distributed through email, public education materials, press releases, funder and partner publications, and our website. When necessary, hire/contract out writers and editors.

Media. Write press releases, public statements, and press materials for partnership and funding announcements, MHA’s Annual Conference, signature awareness events (such as Mental Health Awareness Month), and large reports and data releases. Secure placement of the MHA name in a variety of outside channels, including print, television, radio, and online publications. Work with an outside vendor to plan and execute satellite media tours. Manage incoming media inquiries and secure interviews with key staff. Monitor daily mental health-related news and craft rapid responses for our CEO and/or from MHA. Build relationships with members of the press who cover mental health and keep updated media lists.

MHA voice, messaging, and accessibility. Establish style guidelines across MHA, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility. Work closely with the VP of Digital Marketing, Digital and Social Media Director, key leadership, and Director of Website and Digital Projects on consistent messaging, branding, and strategy. Craft talking points for MHA’s president and CEO and other senior leadership to prepare for interviews/media tours and keep messaging on point.

Communications assessment. Monitor and assess the effectiveness of all communications efforts, from one-off announcements to annual occurrences. Work with the Director of Website and Digital Projects and the Digital and Social Media Director to analyze web and social metrics, using findings to shift strategies and build MHA’s audience.

Advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Work with historically underrepresented groups and BIPOC and LGBTQ+ identifying members of staff, affiliates, and partners to ensure public-facing media and resources in the Senior Director of Communications’ purview contribute to the breaking of stigma, are written with cultural humility and use the correct terms. In addition, make sure we hear the voices of diverse individuals speaking on behalf of MHA and ensure diversity in the creation of new content.

Other duties. Manage the delegation of tasks to external contractors and consultants. Assist in strategically growing segmented contact lists for audiences, including public officials, funders, partners, media, affiliates, and individuals.

This position is located in Alexandria, VA with the option to work from home several days per week as agreed with the manager. There is some travel for meetings and affiliate visits (up to 10% time). Bilingual Spanish fluency is a highly preferred skill for the position. Employees must be eligible to work in the U.S.

About Mental Health America National Office

Founded in 1909 by Clifford W. Beers, Mental Health America (MHA) ’s work is driven by its commitment to promoting mental health as a critical part of overall wellness, including prevention services for all; early identification and intervention for those at risk; integrated care, services, and support for those who need them; with recovery as the goal. MHA’s programs and initiatives fulfill its mission of promoting mental health and preventing mental illness through advocacy, education, research, and services. MHA’s national office and its 140+ affiliates and associates around the country work every day to protect the rights and dignity of individuals with lived experience and ensure that peers and their voices are integrated into all areas of the organization.

Connections working at Mental Health America National Office