Job Title: Vice President, Communications and External Affairs

Location: Bethesda, MD
Reports To: Executive Vice President, External Affairs
FLSA Status: Exempt

About NACHC:

Founded in 1971, the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) serves as the leading voice for America’s Health Centers and the people and communities they serve. NACHC works to promote the provision of high-quality, affordable, community-based health care to everyone, particularly to underserved populations.

Position Summary:

Key Responsibilities:

·       Lead NACHC Strategic Communications:

o   Deliver brand compliance and consistency

i)      Control and oversee flow of communications and information between NACHC and key publics.

ii)     Ensure collateral materials are consistent with messaging and branding.

iii)    Conduct quality control on all communications.

iv)   Provide editorial oversight of NACHC content, including material for a website, press releases, marketing, and other types of content that take the message to the public.

o   Oversee NACHC’s digital, social, and owned media platforms to drive engagement and visibility among target audiences (to include NACHC Blog and editorial submissions and Community Health Forum microsite).

o   Oversee crisis communications and reputation management strategies.

o   Manage Communications Director and team, Grassroots Advocacy Director and team, and Speechwriter.

o   Prepare and manage communications, grassroots advocacy, and public relations budget.

·       Manage External Media Coordination:

o   Serve as a lead spokesperson as appropriate and media strategist to position NACHC as a credible, go-to source on CHCs, and community health policy.

o   Cultivate strong relationships with health, policy, and social justice reporters and editors. Maintain and enhance database of media organizations and contacts.

o   Oversee development of press releases, op-eds, statements, and rapid response materials.

o   Monitor and analyze media coverage to inform messaging and proactive storytelling opportunities.

o   Oversee press for all NACHC conferences, external engagements, and events including Capitol Hill fly-ins, briefings, and conferences.

o   Leverage communications, news, social media platforms to strengthen public and nonpartisan political support for CHCs.

o   Identify opportunities for impact and coverage.

o   Work with stakeholders, organizational partners, health center networks and primary care associations to ensure that health center messaging remains consistent and aligned with policy and advocacy goals.

o   Serve as the lead point of contact with PCAs/HCCNs/CHCs regarding technical assistance and training for media relations, crisis communications, and reputation management.

·       Manage Internal Media Coordination:

o   Work in collaboration with NACHC staff and Board leadership to ensure the health center story is accurately amplified and elevated across multimedia platforms.

o   Collaborate with NACHC functional areas to advance organizational and public policy goals through strategic media outreach.

o   Execute media deliverables, including all (but not limited to) statements, press releases, op‐ eds, letters to the editor, templates for Primary Care Associations (PCAs)/Health Center Controlled Networks (HCCNs)/CHCs in collaboration with all NACHC divisions (policy, research, clinical, etc.).

o   Develop media policies, rules, and procedures as appropriate in collaboration with NACHC leadership.

·       Mobilize Policy & Grassroots Advocacy:

o   Design and lead public education and grassroots advocacy campaigns that mobilize supporters, partners, and community leaders around key health policy issues.

o   Collaborate closely with the policy and federal affairs teams to translate complex policy issues into accessible, compelling narratives.

o   Build and manage relationships with PCAs, coalition partners, advocacy groups, and community and partner organizations to advance shared policy goals.

o   Develop advocacy materials, toolkits, and training programs to empower advocates and amplify community voices.

·       Team Leadership & Organizational Development:

o   Lead, mentor, and inspire a multidisciplinary team of communications, media relations, and advocacy professionals.

o   Manage budgets, contractors, and external consultants to maximize efficiency and impact.

o   Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning across the communications and advocacy teams and enterprise-wide.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and ten or more years of senior-level communications, advocacy, and public relations experience.
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to motivate and involve others in planning and achieving goals.
• Proven aptitude for tracking industry trends and evolving business strategies to ensure resilience.
• Ability to develop, communicate, and execute effective strategies and plans.
• Ability to establish and maintain strong interpersonal and partner relationships with diverse individuals and organizations.
• Highly developed organizational and project management skills.
• Experience leading a high-performing team, developing annual work plans, and managing budgets.

Key Skills & Competencies:

• Proficiency in CRM systems and databases.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of products.
• Proficiency with data analytics to inform business decisions.
• Proficiency with basic profit/loss management.

Why Join NACHC?

At NACHC, you’ll be part of a dedicated and collaborative team working to improve the health and well-being of communities nationwide. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for growth in a purpose-driven organization.

Salary: $220,000-$250,000