Creative Communications Director Jobs in Reston, VA

About Airlink

Airlink is a Washington, DC-based global humanitarian organization that connects vetted nonprofits with aviation and logistics resources to deliver critical aid and emergency responders/relief workers to communities in crisis worldwide. Through strategic partnerships and rapid response capabilities, Airlink ensures that relief reaches those who need it most - efficiently and safely. To date, Airlink and its partners have deployed over 15,000 passengers and 8,100 tons of aid cargo to over 75 million people in need. Airlink has also saved its partner organizations more than $56,000,000 in humanitarian logistics and transportation costs over the past 15 years.  
As Airlink continues to grow, the organization is seeking an exceptional communications leader to elevate our voice, deepen public engagement, and ensure our storytelling conveys the human impact of our aviation and logistics operation, and reflects the dignity of the communities we serve.

Position Summary

The Director of Marketing & Communications is a senior leadership role responsible for developing and executing a bold, integrated communications strategy that advances Airlink's mission, strengthens our global brand, and mobilizes public support. Reporting to the President, the Director leads all internal and external communications functions, including media relations, digital and content strategy, crisis communications, and strategic messaging.

The ideal candidate will be a seasoned communications professional with experience in the humanitarian, international development or social sector able to leverage strong storytelling to support Airlink's fundraising, mission delivery, and general organizational communications needs. Due to Airlink's disaster response mission, there will be an occasional need to work extended hours or on weekends with limited advance notice.

Primary Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and lead a communications strategy that aligns with Airlink's strategic plan, engages all key stakeholders, and supports fundraising and program delivery objectives.
• Advise the CEO and Board of Trustees on communications, brand management, and reputational matters.
• Identify and secure speaking opportunities for the CEO and senior team; develop relevant talking points and conference/event collateral as needed. Manage a high-performing marketing and communications team, and service providers.
• Establish metrics and KPIs to measure the effectiveness of Airlink's communications efforts, analyze data insights, and develop strategies for continuous improvement.

External Communications

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with global, regional, and local media outlets and journalists.
• Serve as Airlink's spokesperson and prepare senior leadership for media appearances, high-stakes interviews, and public engagements
• Manage media relations including development of press releases, statements, and op-eds; cultivating relationships with press; providing media training to staff, and organizing press briefings/events. Lead crisis communications planning and rapid-response media strategy.

Brand, Content, and Digital Strategy

• Serve as Airlink's brand ambassador, overseeing Airlink's brand identity and voice, ensuring consistency of message, look, and feel of all communications products.
• Work across teams to create rich and creative content that is audience appropriate and highlights Airlink's donors and NGO partners. Manage Airlink's communication vehicles, including the website. Oversee the creation of compelling multimedia content-including reports, videos, social media, newsletters, blogs, annual reports, and other marketing materials.
• Lead digital strategy across owned, earned, and paid channels to grow audience engagement and support for Airlink's work.
• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships to expand the Airlink brand.
• Ensure communications uphold ethical storytelling standards and reflect the dignity of the people and communities featured.

Fundraising & Campaign Communications

• Lead communications support for Airlink's development and fundraising campaigns, emergency appeals, and donor engagement, including digital and direct mail collateral.
• Partner with the programs team to develop and execute public-facing campaigns, reports, and analysis on priority humanitarian and development topics.
• Assist Programs Team with creation and distribution of NGO partner newsletters and reports.

Internal Communications

• Partner with Operations Team to design and implement communications systems that keep a purpose-driven workforce connected and engaged.
• Develop communications capacity across teams through training and new tools.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism or related field is required. Advanced degree preferred. 
• Demonstrated experience in the humanitarian, international development, or related social impact sector. At least seven years of non-profit communications experience, including two years+ in a management role (relevant agency or for-profit experience considered).
• Proven track record of developing and executing integrated communications strategies with measurable impact.
• Strong project management and people skills; ability to pivot seamlessly between priorities and work well on a collaborative and interdisciplinary team.
• Exceptional writing and storytelling skills; ability to craft narratives that resonate across audiences and cultures.
• Strong proficiency in communication tools and platforms, including social media management, email marketing, content management systems, and analytics tools.
• Experience working with media and key influencers; ability to train others for interaction with media.

Preferred Skills and Personal Characteristics:

• Strategic mindset, creative problem-solving skills, and a passion for driving positive changes through effective communication.
• Maintains a professional, principled, organized, and respectful approach, showing responsiveness and taking strong initiative.
• Established relationships with major global media, including international broadcast outlets
• Passion for Airlink's mission and commitment to aiding those in need.

• Knowledge of the aviation and/or humanitarian logistics industries.

Location:

Airlink is headquartered in downtown Washington, D.C. and operates a hybrid work schedule with the team in-office three days a week. Given the collaborative nature of this position, we are only considering candidates who are in or willing to relocate to the Washington, D.C. area.

Compensation & Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $125,000 to $145,000. Additionally, Airlink provides a comprehensive benefits package including, but not limited to:

• 75% company-paid health benefits, including dental and vision for employees
• Competitive 401(k) matching
• Three weeks of paid vacation per year, sick leave, and paid parental leave
• Cell phone with international service
• EAP Program
• Potential for annual merit bonus

EEO Statement:

Airlink is an equal opportunity employer.  The organization provides equal employment opportunities to qualified persons without regard to race, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information or make-up, or any other protected category enumerated by applicable local ordinance, state law, or federal law.