Director, Communications & Marketing

Third Sector New England, Inc. (TSNE) (tsne.org) is working to build a more just, equitable society. We do this by providing capacity building services, consulting and training services, and operational support for hundreds of nonprofits, foundations, community-based groups, and others working for social change. We are partners and colleagues working collaboratively to support areas critical for organizations, including  property management, leadership development and support, finance and accounting, human resources, and organizational development. We live by our values as an organization, and are committed to identifying, including, and valuing the unique skills, perspectives and knowledge of each member of our team.

About our Values:

• Justice - A just society is one in which all people have the dignity, resources, power, and self-determination to fully thrive. We seek to create a more just world in all of our work.
• Progress - We commit our resources, expertise, and energy to delivering high quality support and services that make movement toward a more just world possible.
• Impact - We work collaboratively with others to build the capacity and sustainability of organizations who work toward social good.

The Director of Communications & Marketing (DCM) is a visionary and strategic leader responsible for shaping and executing a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy that advances TSNE’s mission, elevates its brand as an effective, field-leading partner, and expands its influence within the nonprofit and philanthropic ecosystem. The DCM will lead an integrated, multichannel approach that supports organizational growth, stakeholder engagement, and sector leadership.

Reporting to the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), the DCM oversees a growing team of communications professionals and works cross-functionally to build a high-performing, data-informed communications infrastructure. This leader will ensure consistent messaging, deepen engagement with target audiences, and enhance TSNE’s visibility through brand storytelling, digital strategy, media relations, and thought leadership initiatives. The DCM also manages the day-to-day operations of the Communications & Marketing team, including prioritizing workstreams, assigning responsibilities, and ensuring project timelines and deliverables are met. The DCM will also manage relationships with external consultants, agencies, and vendors to ensure high-quality service delivery and alignment with TSNE’s communications goals.

The DCM will ensure a unified branding and communications strategy that supports and uplifts TSNE’s diverse programmatic and service lines, such as fiscal sponsorship, shared services, cohort training and consulting, property services, while reinforcing a clear, compelling organizational narrative.

This role will be instrumental in helping to shape and execute communications that align with TSNE’s evolving organizational strategy and strategic plan. The DCM will collaborate closely with the CSO throughout the planning process and will help operationalize and execute communications strategies aligned with TSNE’s long-term goals.

Essential Functions

Strategic Marketing & Communications Leadership

• Develop and implement a long-term, enterprise-wide strategic communications and marketing plan aligned with TSNE’s mission, programs, and strategic vision.
• Lead an integrated marketing approach that includes earned, owned, paid, and shared media strategies.
• Serve as chief architect of TSNE’s brand narrative, ensuring coherence across all platforms and departments.
• Advise the CEO, CSO, and executive team on high-impact visibility and brand positioning strategies.
• Collaborate with senior leaders across fiscal sponsorship, consulting, fundraising, and advocacy to co-develop communications strategies that drive program and business goals.
• Build strong partnerships with TSNE department leads and teams to align internal and external messaging.
• Lead executive visibility strategy, including public speaking opportunities, op-eds, and external affairs.

Brand & Content Strategy

• Oversee the development of key messaging frameworks, brand guidelines, and tone-of-voice documentation to ensure coherence across all communications channels.
• Lead the creation and curation of compelling content that reflects TSNE’s values, amplifies its impact, and resonates with target audiences including nonprofit leaders, funders, advocates, and policy makers.
• Develop, write and shape content strategy, approve key messages, and contribute to select high-impact materials (e.g., executive op-eds, sector reports, public statements), while delegating direct content execution as appropriate.
• Supervise and support the development of multimedia assets, including reports, blogs, case studies, video content, and visual storytelling pieces in collaboration with internal and external partners.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive editorial calendar that aligns organizational priorities, program milestones, and sector trends.
• Ensure brand voice and visual identity are consistently applied across platforms, print, digital materials, and partner co-branded collateral.
• Collaborate with cross-departmental teams to embed storytelling and brand clarity in campaigns, events, trainings, and fundraising initiatives.
• Utilize audience research and performance data to refine content strategy, improve engagement metrics, and inform future messaging approaches.

Digital Engagement & Analytics

• Guide digital communications and content marketing strategies to grow audience engagement and reach.
• Oversee and ensure strategic use of analytics, CRM, and digital tools to drive campaigns and assess effectiveness.
• Lead performance marketing efforts with a focus on segmentation, measurement, and optimization.

Media Relations, Crisis Communications & Public Affairs

• Oversee proactive and responsive media strategy to position TSNE in local and national conversations.
• Manage press relationships, PR vendors, and ensure effective crisis communications protocols.
• Represent TSNE in coalitions and strategic partnerships, including joint communications initiatives.
• Serve as a confident, credible external-facing spokesperson for TSNE when appropriate, including in press interviews, public forums, and media engagements.

Team Building and Management

• Supervise and mentor a growing team including managers, designers, and specialists.
• Build a team culture of creativity, accountability, and inclusion.
• Oversee departmental budgeting, staffing, vendor management, and capacity planning.
• Direct day-to-day operations of the Communications & Marketing department, including managing internal workflows, assigning project leads, overseeing calendars and pipelines, and ensuring that cross-departmental communication requests are triaged and completed on time.
• Manage consultant and vendor relationships to ensure timely deliverables, strategic alignment, and cost-effective outcomes.

Complete other tasks and projects related to the position, as needed.

Many folks who are impacted by biased professionalism standards, such as women, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and individuals with disabilities, tend to only submit an application if they meet every requirement listed. At TSNE, we are always looking for enthusiastic candidates who are the best fit for the role, both culturally and through experience. If you believe you’d be a good addition to our team, we look forward to your application!

• Minimum 8 years of experience in communications, marketing, or public affairs, with at least 2-3 years in a senior leadership role.
• Demonstrated success in building and executing integrated marketing and communications strategies.
• Track record of collaborative message development aligned to organizational goals.
• Deep experience managing brand, narrative, and digital engagement for mission-driven organizations.
• Strong leadership skills with a record of managing diverse teams in collaborative, inclusive environments.
• Expertise in executive visibility, media strategy, content development, and stakeholder communications.
• Commitment to racial equity, social justice, and community-centered practices.
• Experience working with or within BIPOC-led community-based organizations.
• Experience with nonprofit sector issues, including funding equity, governance, compliance, and capacity-building strongly preferred.
• Experience in fiscal sponsorship, nonprofit consulting, or systems change advocacy strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with Salesforce, WordPress, Google Analytics, and digital engagement platforms is preferred.

You also believe in and embody our organizational values and the below core competencies:

• Communication – The ability to effectively exchange ideas, concepts, facts, and data with diverse audiences.
• High standard of integrity, ethics, and professionalism – The highest standards of integrity, ethical practices and professionalism are demonstrated in all aspects of work, including interactions with others, decision-making, and the development and delivery of work product. The ability to integrate core values, equity, integrity and accountability throughout all organizational practices.
• Relationship management – The ability to develop and nurture positive, productive relationships with others.
• Collaboration – The ability to collaborate vertically and horizontally throughout the organization and with others.
• Technologically and organizationally functional – Computer skills and demonstrates willingness to learn additional, specific platforms. Also understands and follows the policies and procedures applicable to all staff.

And a strong combination of the following qualifications:

• Soft Skills including exceptional discretion and judgment. Effective verbal and written communication skills with a wide audience. Ability to build productive and successful range of relationships and effectively serve in roles ranging from trusted advisor, teammate, subject matter expert and to coach.
• Demonstrate cultural awareness and some understanding of fostering an inclusive, culturally sensitive, environment. Willing to ask questions, learn, and constructively share and accept feedback. Must be adaptable to a range of audiences and dynamics.
• Just do good work by providing high quality work in fast-paced environment. Strong analytical skills are necessary. Must be flexible and able to manage multiple changing priorities and projects, and be organized and detail oriented. Provide excellent customer service by being on-time and accurate.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

The physical demands described for this position are that of a typical office environment. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time in front of a computer screen is an essential aspect of the position. There may be a need to lift and/or move materials or equipment.

Location: Work will be performed between our office located at the NonProfit Center at 89 South Street, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02111 and your home office. This position will require you to be on-site for in-person client engagements and some meetings with TSNE staff, funders, and program participants, which may take place outside of the TSNE office and may require to be on-site more regularly with advanced notice.

Schedule: This position is full-time at 37.5 hours per week and hours are flexible within reason.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation: The salary for this position is $165,800.18 annually, paid bi-weekly at $6,376.93.

Benefits: This position is eligible for a full benefits package including:

• Generous Paid-Time-Off (PTO): twelve paid holidays, three weeks of vacation, one week of personal holiday, and ability to accrue up to 487.5 hours of health leave time for benefited staff.
• 80% Employer-paid, offering some $0 deductible Health Insurance through Harvard Pilgrim along with several low-deductible plans;
• Low-cost Guardian Dental and Vision.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Health and Dependent Care.
• Employer-paid Life, Long- and Short-Term Disability Insurance.
• Employer-paid Pension and Employee-paid 403b plan through TIAA.
• Up to $1,080.00 in annual commuter subsidy
• $10 monthly cell phone stipend.
• No meetings after noon on Fridays.
• ...and more!

TSNE strives to achieve excellence through a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment that embraces all of our individual and collective differences. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Middle Eastern and North African, Bilingual and/or Bicultural candidates, and LGBTQ2SIA+ candidates are encouraged to apply. We value and honor the unique talents, learning styles, and lived experiences of each individual that enrich and strengthen our workplace culture, and we are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

All employment conditions are based on an individual’s performance and job qualifications. TSNE prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, creed, color, religion, native language, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, race-based hairstyles, or any other protected characteristic stated by federal and state law. Regardless of any class’ protection under the law or lack thereof, TSNE celebrates diversity and values the strengths that come with having a diverse team of employees. It is represented in our workplace culture, and it is who we are.

TSNE's EEO statement extends to volunteers, interns, contractors, vendors, and clients.