Director, Communications

Director, Communications & MarketingThink of Us is a systems change organization helping accelerate the transformation of the child welfare system into a Child and Family Well-Being System one that helps youth and families heal, develop, and thrive. We focus on driving structural change and cultural transformation across the ecosystem shifting how government systems operate, make decisions, and define success. This work builds on a series of national and state laws, regulations, and policy directions that have created the opportunity for child welfare systems to operate in drastically different, more family-centered ways.Our work spans innovation, collaboration, and implementation to strengthen reform efforts that help children, youth, and families build stability, connection, and well-being. We partner with government, philanthropy, and communities nationwide to accelerate reform grounding every effort in lived experience, guided by data, and strengthened by technology.We translate lived experience into actionable insights, embed those with firsthand experience in the work of change, and co-design strategies that bridge practice and policy. When gaps appear in the ecosystem, we develop or help others develop proof points that show how the system can work differently. And when we learn what works (or what doesn't), we bring those lessons to policymakers and leaders to shape new laws, regulations, and practices that make lasting change possible. We tackle the most challenging problems and innovation risks that others can't - working to make child and family well-being the organizing goal of the nation's child welfare system.Here's what this looks like:Built the Lived Experience Engine into the largest dataset of its kind (51,000+ voices), powering AI tools and shaping reformsHelped secure passage of the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act and the Protecting America's Children Act, landmark federal reformsPartnered with California to launch the Kinship Accelerator in 8 counties, backed by $150M and a budget increase from $317M ? $896MPartner to drive a national kin-first shift: 39 states (plus 5 tribes) adopting kinship standards, unlocking $3B for familiesOperate direct resource networks, connecting 1,827 families to $28M+ in supportOur team members share a commitment to driving systems change through creative problem-solving, obsessive curiosity, and a love of quickly driving innovative, measurable, and impactful results.Position OverviewAs TOU continues to expand its reach and influence, we're seeking a Director, Communications & Marketing to tell that story powerfully helping shape how the world sees, understands, and partners with us. The Director, Communications & Marketing is responsible for shaping how Think of Us shows up in the world. You will design and execute an integrated communications and marketing strategy that tells TOU's story, builds our thought leadership, engages partners and funders, and creates powerful convenings that accelerate systems change.Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, this role works closely with the CEO and leaders across the organization to align messaging, marketing, and events with TOU's mission and goals.This is a hands-on, strategic role for a creative and forward-thinking communicator who connects vision to execution. You're as comfortable crafting narratives that move people as you are testing new tools that make communication smarter and more efficient. You embrace emerging technologies including AI as creative partners that expand what's possible, helping TOU communicate with greater precision, reach, and impact. You know how to balance innovation with integrity and are excited to lead a team that experiments, iterates, and delivers communications that shape systems change.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Communications & MarketingDesign and lead an integrated communications, influence, and marketing strategy that advances TOU's mission, amplifies our impact, and supports fundraising and partnership goals.Manage TOU's brand across all channels ensuring our voice, visuals, and storytelling reflect our values and partnership-driven approach.Lead TOU's media and press relations strategy cultivating relationships with journalists, editors, and outlets to elevate TOU's voice and thought leadership across national and sector-specific platforms.Develop multi-channel campaigns (digital, video, social, print, and events) that engage funders, partners, policymakers, and the broader public.Use data and analytics to inform strategy, measure engagement, and continuously improve communication outcomes.Build efficient systems, workflows, and creative processes that enable timely collaboration across teams.Content & Storytelling and AI InnovationLead content strategy and oversee the creation of high-quality multimedia storytelling including videos, digital campaigns, reports, and presentations.Capture and elevate lived-experience stories that authentically demonstrate TOU's work and impact.Translate complex systems-change efforts into compelling, accessible narratives that mobilize audiences and strengthen TOU's voice in the field.Collaborate with internal and external creatives to produce innovative content and maintain a unified organizational narrative.Design and operationalize an AI-powered content production studio in collaboration with the CEO's AI Innovation Initiatives, translating experiments into codified, AI-enabled practices that drive content development and storytelling.Leverage generative AI tools for ideation, writing, editing, and design to expand creative capacity, accelerate production timelines, and increase the reach and resonance of TOU's message.Events & EngagementLead and coordinate TOU's events and convenings, from internal gatherings to external summits, donor engagements, and partner activations.Integrate events into broader communications and marketing strategies to extend their reach and storytelling potential.Partner with colleagues, consultants, and vendors to ensure every event reflects TOU's brand, values, and commitment to inclusion.May supervise or collaborate with an events manager, contractor, or fellows to support event planning and execution.Innovation, Collaboration & LeadershipIncorporate AI tools and emerging technologies into communications and marketing workflows in creative, ethical, and transparent ways.Partner with interns, fellows, or early career innovators to test and refine AI-supported content creation and digital engagement.Build organizational capacity by equipping staff with messaging, tools, and processes that strengthen storytelling and communication.Collaborate across departments particularly with Development, Policy, and Programs to align messaging, campaigns, and donor communications.About YouWe recognize that candidates may not meet every listed qualification. Studies show that individuals from underrepresented groups are more likely to opt out of applying if they don't meet 100% of the criteria. If you believe you can succeed in this role, we encourage you to apply so we can learn about your unique strengths.You bring 8+ years of progressive experience in communications, marketing, or public affairs, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.You are a mission-driven communications leader who believes storytelling, strategy, and innovation can drive systems change. You balance big-picture vision with hands-on execution, building the structures that make bold ideas real. You thrive in creative, fast-moving environments where ideas turn into measurable impact.You have a track record of demonstrated success developing and implementing integrated communications and marketing strategies that elevate an organization's visibility and influence.You possess strong writing, storytelling, and editing skills able to translate complex systems-change work into clear, compelling narratives for diverse audiences. You possess and embody a commitment to inclusion, and belonging in every aspect of storytelling, representation, and communication.You bring experience managing multimedia content production (especially video, digital campaigns, and reports) and collaborating with designers, creatives, and partners.You have a collaborative approach to leadership building relationships across teams and empowering others to tell TOU's story with clarity and consistency.You are comfortable using analytics, insights, and digital tools to guide communication and marketing decisions.You bring personal or professional experience with the child welfare system or other social impact work, or you are deeply committed to learning about these systems. You approach this work with humility, curiosity, and a willingness to grow alongside the communities we serve. You're energized by purpose, guided by integrity, and committed to using your craft to make life better for children, youth, and families.You are passionate about driving systems change and