Communications Director

Job Title: Communications Director

Reports to: Co-Executive Directors

Status: Full-time, Exempt

Location: Anchorage, Alaska

Salary Range: $82,000-$87,000

Organizational Overview:

The Alaska Center engages, empowers, and elects Alaskans to stand up for clean air and water, healthy communities, and a strong democracy. We are working to transition our state from an extractive economy to an equitable, just, and clean energy economy in which all Alaskans can thrive. We advocate for the protection of salmon habitat, clean energy solutions in the face of rapid climate change, and amplifying Alaskans' voices in the public process. Our sister organization The Alaska Center Education Fund provides education and leadership development for children, youth and adults, and promotes civic engagement.

Position Overview:

The Communications Director serves as The Alaska Center's strategic and external communications lead, setting narrative direction and advancing the organization's vision, mission, and priorities. This is an executive-level leadership role, responsible for growing and maintaining positive brand recognition, expanding each organization's reach within our target audiences, and ensuring organizing and issue campaigns are optimized to achieve top performance.

The Communications Director reports to the Co-Executive Directors and works closely with Program Directors to strategize communications campaigns and narratives. The role works with vendors to execute print, press, and outreach strategies to engage and grow our base of social change advocates and supporters, build community, create new alliances and partnerships, and provide communications support internally and externally. This role engages the press and the public, supports and educates key decision-makers, grows AKC's membership, and helps ensure The Alaska Center is a prominent and respected voice on relevant issues and politics.

Core Communications Responsibilities

• Lead all public-facing communications, including messaging, media relations, and brand voice across both organizations
• Develop and execute integrated communications strategies that align with organizational priorities, advocacy efforts, and fundraising goals
• Shape clear, compelling narratives by translating complex issues into accessible stories that resonate with diverse Alaska communities
• Drive earned media strategy, including building relationships with press, securing coverage, and placing stories that elevate organizational priorities
• Ensure communications reach priority audiences-LGBTQIA, BIPOC, low-income, non-English speaking, and youth-through culturally relevant and accessible channels
• Oversee the development of content, talking points, and educational materials that position the organization as a trusted resource and counter disinformation
• Manage digital communications, including social media and email campaigns, using data and metrics to refine and improve impact
• Track, analyze, and report on media coverage and communications performance to inform strategy
• Serve as the primary communications advisor and media contact, including supporting rapid-response and crisis communications when needed
• Coordinate media needs across team calendars, aligning messaging among departments while elevating programmatic work
• Serve as a communications resource to staff and partners, providing guidance and support
• Maintain relationships with vendors, contractors, and external partners to support communications work

• Supervise communications staff, including fellows, interns and staff at the team grows. Support onboarding, performance management, and professional development of staff, including annual work planning, monthly benchmarks, and regular evaluations
• Provide media and communications training to staff across the organization to strengthen overall capacity
• Serve as a member of the Executive Support Team, leading communications guidance and supporting strategic direction, including during rapid response and organizational pivots
• Support organization-wide alignment by ensuring communications strategies reflect shared priorities and goals
• Advance equity and inclusion through collaboration on messaging, materials, and internal practices
• Participate in cross-organizational leadership spaces to support coordination, decision-making, and organizational effectiveness

• Partner with Co-Executives and Development staff to communicate organizational goals, strategies, and impact to donors and supporters
• Lead communications for major fundraising efforts, including the annual auction, year-end campaigns, and other key initiatives
• Oversee creation of donor-facing materials, including newsletters and stewardship communications
• Ensure alignment between fundraising messaging and broader advocacy and programmatic communications

• Collaborate on development of the annual communications budget and manage expenditures across both organizations
• Oversee and maintain organizational websites, including updates for campaigns, accessibility (ADA compliance), and evolving priorities
• Manage and organize communications assets and materials for current and future use
• Support reporting, invoicing, and coordination with finance and administrative teams
• Utilize metrics and reporting to support organizational learning, grant reporting, and continuous improvement of communications strategies

• Minimum of four years of experience in communications, marketing, or a related field
• Experience in public relations, campaign communications, or advertising/account management is preferred

• Strong writing and visual storytelling skills
• Experience in graphic design with Canva or Adobe suite
• Experience securing earned media, including working with local outlets to promote events, tell stories, and place pieces
• Clear understanding of brand identity and how to apply it across platforms
• Experience developing and executing digital strategy for organizations or campaigns
• Ability to translate complex issues into clear, compelling messaging for media and community audiences
• Strong big-picture thinking with the ability to guide day-to-day implementation
• Effective project and people management skills, including managing up while executing on priorities
• Adaptable and flexible in shifting priorities while maintaining long-term goals
• Commitment to strengthening organizational ties within Alaska communities
• Experience with web design principles and SEO best practices

• Demonstrate knowledge about environmental and climate issues
• Familiarity with CRM, CMS (Wordpress), and online advocacy tools (such as EveryAction/NGP, Voter Activation Network (VAN), and Meltwater
• Experience with media placement and brand strategies
• Experience with video production, app development, and other new media opportunities