Job summary
Job post source
This job is directly from Fountain House
Job overview
The Director of Strategic Communications at Fountain House leads efforts to amplify voices of people with serious mental illness, advancing the organization's mission through media strategy and advocacy to influence public and policy understanding.
Responsibilities and impact
The role involves strategic communication planning, media campaign execution, crisis communication management, promoting thought leadership, centering member storytelling, developing partnerships, and collaborating across teams to ensure consistent messaging.
Compensation and benefits
The salary range is $140,000 to $150,000 with a hybrid work model requiring NYC-area employees to be onsite at least two days a week and DC-area employees onsite as needed.
Experience and skills
Candidates should have 6-10 years in communications, public relations, journalism, or advocacy, experience with integrated media strategies, crisis communication skills, and preferably nonprofit or healthcare background and familiarity with media tracking tools.
Work environment and culture
Fountain House values social justice, equity, community power, and lived experience, fostering a mission-driven, inclusive environment focused on mental health advocacy and systemic change.
Company information
Fountain House is a pioneering community mental health organization with a global model serving over 100,000 people, offering comprehensive care and advocacy for serious mental illness.
Team overview
The Director reports to the Senior Director of Policy and Communications and collaborates closely with the Director of Communications and Marketing, working with members and advocacy groups.
Job location and travel
The position is hybrid with locations in Harlem, the Bronx, or Midtown NYC, and DC area with flexible onsite requirements.
Unique job features
This role uniquely combines strategic communications with social justice advocacy, emphasizing member-centered storytelling and systemic change in mental health policy and culture.
Company overview
Fountain House is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals living with serious mental illness by fostering community, providing resources, and promoting recovery through its innovative Clubhouse model. Founded in 1948 in New York City, it has grown into a global movement, with its model replicated in over 30 countries. The organization generates funding through donations, grants, and partnerships, enabling it to offer employment, education, housing, and wellness programs. Its pioneering approach has significantly influenced mental health advocacy and policy worldwide.
How to land this job
Position your resume to highlight your strategic communications expertise with an emphasis on media strategy, public affairs, and advocacy campaigns that align with Fountain House's mission to transform mental health care through community and social change.
Emphasize your experience in narrative change, member-centered storytelling, crisis communication, and cross-functional collaboration with advocacy, research, and programming teams to showcase your ability to lead integrated communication efforts.
Apply through multiple platforms including Fountain House's official careers page, LinkedIn, and other job boards to maximize your application visibility and reach.
Connect with current communications and policy team members at Fountain House on LinkedIn, using ice breakers like referencing their recent mental health advocacy campaigns, expressing admiration for the Fountain House model, or asking about their experience working in a mission-driven environment focused on social justice.
Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'strategic communication planning,' 'media campaigns,' 'thought leadership,' 'member-centered storytelling,' and 'crisis communication' to ensure your resume passes initial screenings.
Leverage Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate tailored applications, identify multiple application channels, and discover LinkedIn contacts for networking, allowing you to focus your time on preparing for interviews and refining your narrative.
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