Job Title: Director of Communications and Marketing

Department: Communications

Reports to: Deputy Executive Director, Membership & Programs

SUMMARY

The Director of Communications and Marketing provides strategic leadership for the National Press Club’s marketing, communications, and brand initiatives. This role oversees the development and execution of integrated communications strategies, the creation and management of Club publications, the performance and evolution of digital platforms (including the Club’s website), and the direction of media relations and crisis communications for the National Press Club and its affiliated entities.

This is a highly hands-on role operating within a lean team structure, responsible for both strategic leadership and direct execution of day-to-day communications, including content development, writing, and production across all channels.

SUPERVISES

Provides direct supervision of two staff positions, including social media and website functions.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Develop and execute a comprehensive, integrated marketing and communications strategy that advances the Club’s mission, brand, and revenue objectives.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on messaging, positioning, and reputational considerations.
• Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) and deliver regular reporting on the effectiveness of communications and marketing initiatives.

Team Leadership & Management

• Lead and manage a small communications team, balancing strategic oversight with direct execution of core communications functions.
• Establish clear expectations, priorities, and performance standards across the team.
• Implement consistent team communication structures, including regular meetings, project check-ins, and post-campaign evaluations.
• Provide ongoing coaching and feedback to strengthen team performance, execution, and professional growth.
• Hold team members accountable for deliverables, timelines, and quality standards.

Communications & Brand Management

• Oversee all internal and external communications to ensure consistency, accuracy, and alignment with the Club’s brand and voice.
• Lead and directly execute marketing campaigns, including drafting messaging, reviewing assets, and ensuring timely delivery.
• Maintain and evolve brand standards, messaging frameworks, and visual identity across all channels.

Publications & Content Strategy

• Direct the editorial strategy, production, and distribution of Club publications and content.
• Write, edit, and produce high-quality content across channels, including email communications, web content, press materials, statements, and promotional copy.
• Ensure content reflects the Club’s mission, maintains high editorial standards, and resonates with key audiences.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop timely, strategic, and audience-focused content.

Digital Strategy & Platform Oversight

• Oversee the strategy, performance, and continuous improvement of the Club’s website and digital communications platforms.
• Ensure digital content is accurate, current, and aligned with organizational priorities.
• Leverage analytics and user data to inform decision-making, optimize engagement, and drive growth.

Media Relations & Crisis Communications

• Lead media relations strategy, including proactive outreach, press engagement, and relationship management.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries, including drafting and approving statements, responses, and press materials.
• Develop and execute crisis communications strategies, including rapid response protocols, issues management, and reputational risk mitigation.
• Advise senior leadership on sensitive communications, high-profile issues, and external positioning.

Operational Excellence & Execution

• Ensure all communications and marketing deliverables are executed with a high degree of accuracy, consistency, and attention to detail.
• Maintain direct ownership of key communications deliverables, ensuring timely execution within a lean team environment.
• Establish and enforce processes that ensure alignment with event details, timelines, and organizational priorities.
• Implement quality control measures to ensure all outputs meet established standards.

Documentation & Process Management

• Establish and maintain clear documentation standards for communications activities, workflows, and team performance.
• Ensure appropriate documentation of key decisions, incidents, and personnel-related matters in alignment with organizational policies.
• Continuously assess and refine processes to improve efficiency, consistency, and scalability.

Cross-Department Collaboration

• Partner with internal departments, including Events, Membership, Broadcast, and Leadership, to ensure alignment and support organizational objectives.
• Serve as a central liaison to ensure clear communication, coordination, and successful execution of cross-functional initiatives.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations, or a related field. Minimum of seven years of progressive experience in communications and marketing, including at least two years working with journalism organizations, media outlets, and/or not-for-profit professional associations. Demonstrated success leading media relations and brand management efforts, including issues management, executive communications, and reputational risk mitigation. Strong writing and content development skills are essential.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & SCHEDULE

This position is based in Washington, D.C. and requires consistent in-office presence to support team leadership and cross-department collaboration. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required to support Club events and programming.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Salary is commensurate with experience. The National Press Club offers a competitive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This role requires the ability to sit, stand, and work at a computer for extended periods, as well as attend and support Club events as needed.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Duties may be adjusted as needed to meet organizational priorities.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The National Press Club is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

About National Press Club

The National Press Club is the World’s Leading Professional Organization for Journalists™. It serves its members through professional development activities that bolster their skills, through services that meet the changing needs of the global communications profession and through social activities that build a vital media community in Washington and around the world. Membership at the National Press Club is made up of professionals who work, study, or participate in activities that involve creating, producing, or distributing news or other content as part of the newsgathering process. The Club is where news happens in the nation’s capital and is a vigorous advocate of press freedom worldwide. The National Press Club is an equal opportunity employer.

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