Earn up to $155K as Communications Director at For The People — Leading Narrative Change in Criminal Justice Reform
Overview of the Position
The Communications Director role at For The People represents a senior leadership opportunity within a mission-driven organization focused on criminal justice reform. The organization works to reduce excessive sentencing, support safe reintegration of incarcerated individuals, and strengthen partnerships between prosecutors, communities, and system-impacted people.
The Communications Director is responsible for shaping and executing all external communications strategies. This includes media engagement, brand positioning, storytelling, digital presence, and cross-functional collaboration with leadership and development teams. The role is both strategic and hands-on, requiring the ability to design long-term communications plans while also managing day-to-day execution and team output.
The position is remote within the United States and offers a full-time salary range of approximately $135,000 to $155,000, depending on experience.
Organizational Context
For The People operates within the broader field of criminal justice reform, working directly with prosecutors and justice system leaders to advance fair sentencing practices and reduce incarceration rates. Its communications function plays a central role in shaping public understanding of reform efforts and elevating the voices of impacted communities.
The Communications Director contributes to this mission by ensuring that messaging is consistent, strategic, and impactful across all platforms. The role supports organizational credibility among funders, policymakers, media outlets, advocacy networks, and community stakeholders.
Core Responsibilities of the Communications Director
The role spans leadership, strategy, media relations, content oversight, and team management.
Strategic Leadership and Planning
- Develops and leads the organization’s communications and marketing strategy
- Translates organizational priorities into clear messaging frameworks and campaigns
- Serves as a thought partner to executive leadership on narrative direction
- Oversees annual and quarterly communications planning and goal setting
- Manages communications budgets and external consultants
Media Relations and Public Engagement
- Leads proactive and reactive media relations efforts
- Secures press coverage, speaking opportunities, and public visibility
- Builds relationships with journalists, policymakers, and justice sector stakeholders
- Develops compelling narratives that elevate organizational impact and thought leadership
Content and Channel Oversight
- Serves as executive editor for organizational publications and reports
- Oversees newsletters, donor communications, digital content, and advocacy materials
- Manages social media strategy across platforms such as LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and Facebook
- Ensures consistent brand voice across all communications channels
- Oversees ethical storytelling and multimedia content development
Development and Internal Collaboration
- Partners with fundraising teams to produce donor-facing materials
- Supports grant communications, stewardship content, and campaign messaging
- Collaborates with program teams to align communications with organizational outcomes
Team Leadership and Performance Management
- Manages and mentors communications staff and consultants
- Coordinates project workflows and ensures timely delivery of outputs
- Leads performance tracking, reporting, and communications analytics
- Supports internal communications and organizational alignment
Required Skills and Qualifications
The Communications Director is expected to bring extensive experience and a strong alignment with social justice values.
Professional Experience
- 10+ years in communications, marketing, journalism, or related fields
- Proven experience managing teams and leading communications strategy
- Background in advocacy, nonprofit communications, or public interest work
- Experience with rapid-response communications and crisis messaging
Strategic and Creative Skills
- Strong ability to design integrated communications strategies
- Advanced writing and editing skills across multiple formats
- Experience shaping public narratives and influencing key stakeholders
- Ability to translate complex policy issues into accessible messaging
Operational and Technical Skills
- Experience managing multi-channel communications systems
- Proficiency with tools such as Salesforce, Asana, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Office
- Strong project management and organizational skills
- Ability to manage competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Values and Leadership Competencies
- Commitment to racial justice and criminal justice reform
- Experience working with diverse and impacted communities
- Strong collaborative leadership style
- Openness to feedback and iterative strategy development
Benefits and Work Environment
The organization offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package designed to support employee well-being and professional growth.
- Salary range of $135,000–$155,000 depending on experience
- Fully paid medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
- Paid holidays and generous paid time off
- Professional development and coaching hours (25 paid hours annually)
- Access to a 403(b) retirement plan
- Flexible work arrangements with remote eligibility within the United States
The role may require occasional travel, particularly for in-person engagement in the San Francisco Bay Area and related program activities.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to apply directly through the organization’s recruitment portal or by submitting application materials including:
- A resume
- A tailored cover letter outlining interest and qualifications
- Three professional references
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
For inquiries or direct correspondence, candidates may contact:
Email: info@fortheppl.org
Conclusion
The Communications Director position at For The People is a high-impact leadership role for a communications professional who is equally skilled in strategy and execution. The role sits at the intersection of storytelling, advocacy, media relations, and organizational leadership.
It offers the opportunity to shape national conversations around criminal justice reform while building communication systems that support long-term institutional impact.
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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
