Director, Communications

About Think of Us

Think 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 reforms
• Helped secure passage of the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act and the Protecting America's Children Act, landmark federal reforms
• Partnered with California to launch the Kinship Accelerator in 8 counties, backed by $150M and a budget increase from $317M → $896M
• Partner to drive a national kin-first shift: 39 states (plus 5 tribes) adopting kinship standards, unlocking $3B for families
• Operate direct resource networks, connecting 1,827 families to $28M+ in support 

Our 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 Overview

Department: Development & External Affairs

Reports to: Chief Development Officer

Direct Reports:  May supervise a Manager, Events (potential future hire)

Location: Hybrid; Washington, DC 

Category: Full-time, exempt 

 

As 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 Responsibilities
Strategic Communications & Marketing

• Design 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 Innovation

• Lead 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 & Engagement

• Lead 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 & Leadership

• Incorporate 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 You

We 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 bring a relentless, solutions-oriented mindset to your work. You thrive in fast-growing, evolving organizations and adapt quickly to new challenges, using change as an opportunity to learn, innovate, and make a greater impact.
• You bring a blend of strategic thinking, creative direction, and hands-on skill in communications, marketing, and content development. You are equally comfortable shaping strategy, managing complex stakeholder relationships, and producing compelling materials that inspire action.
• You bring curiosity and confidence working with emerging technologies, including AI, to strengthen content creation, design, engagement, and storytelling reach. You use them responsibly and ethically, always centering TOU's mission, equity, and authenticity in your work.
• You are able to work out of our Washington, DC office three days per week.

 
Compensation & Benefits

At TOU, we believe that taking care of our people is foundational to the impact we aim to make. Our compensation philosophy is rooted in transparency and a holistic understanding of people's needs. We believe fair, market-competitive pay is essential to attracting and retaining the exceptional talent needed to achieve our ambitious goals. As a not-for-profit organization, we design our compensation packages—including both salary and benefits—with care and in alignment with our financial sustainability. 

The annual salary for this role is $125,000–$140,000. Starting salaries for new hires will be determined based on a combination of the new hire's relevant experience and market demands.

TOU'S benefits go beyond the basics. They're designed to support your well-being, growth, and sense of purpose at work and beyond. From comprehensive health coverage to professional development support and meaningful time off, our benefits reflect our commitment to nurturing a workplace where people can thrive, both personally and professionally.

Health & Insurance

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees; 50% for dependents.
• Access to Talkspace for confidential therapy and mental health support.
• Short-Term Disability, Life, and AD&D Insurance included.
• Optional Long-Term Disability and Supplemental Life Insurance.
• Health Care and Dependent Care FSAs available.

Financial Benefits

• 401(k) Plan for pre-tax retirement contributions.
• Work-from-home setup stipend to optimize your workspace.

Paid Time Off

• Flexible PTO policy, plus sick leave and paid leaves of absence.
• 8 company holidays, plus three organization-wide seasonal breaks.

Learning & Development

• $1,500 annual stipend per employee.
• Regular organization-wide learning sessions on relevant and reflective topics.

 
Application Instructions 

As part of your application,  please submit a resume outlining your skills and experiences relevant to this role.

We are accepting applications through December 5, 2025. Applications submitted by that date will be reviewed, and candidates will receive updates on their candidacy by the week of December 15. Only complete applications will be considered.

Please note: We do not accept phone inquiries about this position in order to ensure a fair and consistent hiring process for all applicants.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Think of Us is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and value applicants of all backgrounds, knowing that diverse perspectives strengthen our work with children, youth, and families. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and for applicants' religious practices as required by law.

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