Director of Communications and Brand Strategy-New Jersey Ave.

Job description

Director of Communications and Brand Strategy
Job Title: Director of Communications and Brand Strategy
Location: Washington, DC
Organization: Unity Health Care
Employment Type: Full-Time
About Unity Health Care
Unity Health Care is a leading community health organization dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality healthcare to individuals and families throughout the Washington, DC community. Our mission is centered on improving health outcomes, advancing health equity, and serving patients with compassion, respect, and excellence.
Position Summary
Under the supervision of the Chief External Relations and Program Officer (CERPO), the Director of Communications and Brand Strategy serves as Unity Health Care’s chief storyteller and brand steward. This strategic leader will develop and execute an integrated communications and marketing strategy that builds trust, strengthens the organization’s reputation, increases patient and community engagement, and advances Unity’s mission.
The Director will oversee media relations, brand strategy, digital marketing, content development, internal communications, and community outreach while ensuring consistent messaging across all audiences and communication channels.
This position serves as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on organizational positioning, reputation management, and crisis communications. The Director will also lead and develop the communications and marketing team, manage department priorities and budgets, establish performance metrics, and oversee external vendors and partners.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy & Brand Leadership
• Develop and execute an annual, data-driven communications and marketing strategy aligned with organizational priorities.
• Lead Unity’s brand architecture, voice, messaging, and visual identity across internal and external communications.
• Conduct brand health and competitive positioning assessments to strengthen Unity’s presence within the healthcare and community landscape.
• Serve as a strategic communications advisor to the CEO and executive leadership team.
• Develop and maintain branded templates and communication materials for executives and staff.
• Partner with the CERPO to develop, oversee, and monitor the communications and marketing budget.

Media & External Relations
• Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries.
• Proactively identify and pitch stories that highlight Unity’s impact, services, patients, and community initiatives.
• Oversee press releases, media advisories, op-eds, executive communications, and spokesperson preparation.
• Support crisis communications and lead communications responses during emergencies and other high-profile situations.

Marketing & Digital Media
• Direct integrated marketing campaigns promoting healthcare services, seasonal initiatives, and community health priorities.
• Oversee website strategy, SEO, UX, and content governance in partnership with IT and external web vendors.
• Lead social media strategy and digital advertising initiatives.
• Use analytics and performance data to evaluate campaigns and maximize audience engagement and reach.
• Ensure digital content is accurate, accessible, responsive, and aligned with Unity’s brand.

Content & Internal Communications
• Oversee the development of high-quality content for print, digital, and internal audiences, including annual reports, newsletters, email campaigns, videos, and executive talking points.
• Lead internal communications initiatives in partnership with HR and clinical leadership.
• Develop and maintain emergency communications resources, including messaging templates, approval processes, and stakeholder notification protocols.
• Support town halls, all-staff meetings, board presentations, and organizational events with communications materials and messaging guidance.
• Oversee the strategy and content management of the employee intranet.

Team & Vendor Management
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing communications and marketing team.
• Establish department goals, priorities, and performance expectations.
• Manage external agencies, designers, media buyers, consultants, and other vendors.
• Establish and monitor department KPIs, including media impressions, digital engagement, campaign performance, and patient/community engagement.
• Present communications and marketing performance updates to executive leadership and the Board.

Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, English, or a related field.
• At least six (6) years of progressive communications experience , including a minimum of three (3) years in healthcare, public health, an FQHC, hospital, or health-related nonprofit organization .
• Demonstrated expertise in communications strategy, media relations, content development, and digital/social media management.
• Strong writing, editing, storytelling, and communication skills with the ability to develop compelling content for diverse audiences.
• Strong understanding of healthcare communications, patient engagement, and community outreach.
• Knowledge of HIPAA requirements as they relate to patient privacy and communications.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with executive leadership, clinical teams, staff, community partners, media, and vendors.
• Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive communications and respond effectively during crisis situations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with content management systems such as WordPress or Drupal, social media management platforms such as Hootsuite or Sprout Social, and email marketing platforms such as Mailchimp or Salesforce Marketing Cloud is highly desirable.
• Experience with analytics and media monitoring platforms such as Google Analytics, SEMrush, Meltwater, or Cision is preferred.
• Master’s degree in Communications, Public Health, Public Administration, or a related field is preferred.
• APR or digital marketing certification such as Google Analytics, Hootsuite, or HubSpot is strongly preferred.
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish/English or Amharic/English is highly desirable.

Why Join Unity?
At Unity Health Care, you’ll have the opportunity to use your communications expertise to make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of the Washington, DC community.