Director of Communications & Public Affairs

Penny Appeal USA, a Muslim-founded 501(c)(3) relief and development organization, seeks a Director of Communications & Public Affairs for a full-time, remote-flexible senior leadership role based in the USA (15–25% travel). Reports directly to the CEO.

Role Overview

You will serve as the organization's chief communications strategist, brand steward, executive communications partner, and public affairs advisor. You will develop and execute integrated communications strategy, manage brand presence, and drive national visibility through strategic communications and public affairs initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Communications Strategy & Brand Management: Develop integrated communications strategy aligned with organizational and fundraising goals. Own brand voice, messaging framework, and editorial standards. Lead creation of annual reports, speeches, donor appeals, videos, and executive communications. Manage editorial calendars, workflows, and content systems.

Marketing & Fundraising Communications: Partner with development on donor communications. Lead campaign communications for Ramadan, Zakat, Giving Tuesday, and emergency appeals. Oversee website, email, SMS, social media, SEO, digital advertising, and audience growth using analytics.

Media Relations & Public Affairs: Serve as primary media contact and build journalist relationships. Prepare executives for media interviews and public appearances. Draft press releases, statements, talking points, and crisis communications. Support CEO engagement with policymakers, civic leaders, and strategic partners.

Team Leadership & Management: Build, mentor, and manage the communications team. Oversee consultants, agencies, vendors, and freelancers. Own departmental budgets, reporting, systems, and performance metrics.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Public Affairs, or related field (Master's preferred)
• 7+ years of progressive communications, marketing, media relations, or public affairs experience
• At least 2 years in a senior leadership role
• Experience leading communications in nonprofit, humanitarian, faith-based, advocacy, or mission-driven organizations
• Demonstrated success in donor communications, fundraising campaigns, and integrated marketing
• Strong media relations, executive communications, and crisis communications credentials
• Team management and cross-functional project experience
• Exceptional writing and editing skills
• Proficiency in digital marketing, analytics, CRM, and content management platforms
• Cultural competency with Muslim-American communities and humanitarian work
• Ability to balance strategic leadership with hands-on execution

Apply: Resume and cover letter to hr@pennyappealusa.org. USA-based applicants only.