Vice President, Communications and External Affairs
Location : Bethesda, MD
Reports To : Executive Vice President, External Affairs
FLSA Status : Exempt
About NACHC
Founded in 1971, the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) serves as the leading voice for America’s Health Centers and the people and communities they serve. NACHC works to promote the provision of high-quality, affordable, community-based health care to everyone, particularly to underserved populations.
Position Summary
The Vice President, Communications and External Affairs elevates NACHC’s voice, visibility, and influence in advancing healthcare for all. This role develops and executes multimedia communications and public relations strategies that raise the national profile of Community Health Centers (CHC), shape discourse on community health policy, and position NACHC as a trusted information source. The role oversees strategic communications, media relations, public affairs, and grassroots advocacy to engage policymakers, mobilize diverse stakeholders, and ensure all external affairs reflect NACHC’s mission and values, provide data‑driven insights, and advance NACHC’s commitment to improving community health outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Lead NACHC Strategic Communications
- Deliver brand compliance and consistency
- Control and oversee flow of communications and information between NACHC and key publics
- Ensure collateral materials are consistent with messaging and branding
- Conduct quality control on all communications
- Provide editorial oversight of NACHC content, including material for a website, press releases, marketing, and other types of content that take the message to the public
- Oversee NACHC’s digital, social, and owned media platforms to drive engagement and visibility among target audiences (to include NACHC Blog and editorial submissions and Community Health Forum microsite)
- Oversee crisis communications and reputation management strategies
- Manage Communications Director and team, Grassroots Advocacy Director and team, and Speechwriter
- Prepare and manage communications, grassroots advocacy, and public relations budget
Manage External Media Coordination
Serve as a lead spokesperson as appropriate and media strategist to position NACHC as a credible, go‑to source on CHCs, and community health policyCultivate strong relationships with health, policy, and social justice reporters and editors; maintain and enhance database of media organizations and contactsOversee development of press releases, op‑eds, statements, and rapid response materialsMonitor and analyze media coverage to inform messaging and proactive storytelling opportunitiesOversee press for all NACHC conferences, external engagements, and events including Capitol Hill fly‑ins, briefings, and conferencesLeverage communications, news, social media platforms to strengthen public and nonpartisan political support for CHCsIdentify opportunities for impact and coverageWork with stakeholders, organizational partners, health center networks and primary care associations to ensure that health center messaging remains consistent and aligned with policy and advocacy goalsServe as the lead point of contact with PCAs / HCCNs / CHCs regarding technical assistance and training for media relations, crisis communications, and reputation managementManage Internal Media Coordination
Work in collaboration with NACHC staff and Board leadership to ensure the health center story is accurately amplified and elevated across multimedia platformsCollaborate with NACHC functional areas to advance organizational and public policy goals through strategic media outreachExecute media deliverables, including all (but not limited to) statements, press releases, op‑eds, letters to the editor, templates for PCAs / HCCNs / CHCs in collaboration with all NACHC divisions (policy, research, clinical, etc.)Develop media policies, rules, and procedures as appropriate in collaboration with NACHC leadershipMobilize Policy & Grassroots Advocacy
Design and lead public education and grassroots advocacy campaigns that mobilize supporters, partners, and community leaders around key health policy issuesCollaborate closely with the policy and federal affairs teams to translate complex policy issues into accessible, compelling narrativesBuild and manage relationships with PCAs, coalition partners, advocacy groups, and community and partner organizations to advance shared policy goalsDevelop advocacy materials, toolkits, and training programs to empower advocates and amplify community voicesTeam Leadership & Organizational Development
Lead, mentor, and inspire a multidisciplinary team of communications, media relations, and advocacy professionalsManage budgets, contractors, and external consultants to maximize efficiency and impactFoster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning across the communications and advocacy teams and enterprise‑wideRequired Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and ten or more years of senior‑level communications, advocacy, and public relations experienceExcellent leadership skills with the ability to motivate and involve others in planning and achieving goalsProven aptitude for tracking industry trends and evolving business strategies to ensure resilienceAbility to develop, communicate, and execute effective strategies and plansAbility to establish and maintain strong interpersonal and partner relationships with diverse individuals and organizationsHighly developed organizational and project management skillsExperience leading a high‑performing team, developing annual work plans, and managing budgetsKey Skills & Competencies
Proficiency in CRM systems and databasesProficiency with Microsoft Office suite of productsProficiency with data analytics to inform business decisionsProficiency with basic profit / loss managementWhy Join NACHC?
At NACHC, you’ll be part of a dedicated and collaborative team working to improve the health and well-being of communities nationwide. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for growth in a purpose‑driven organization.
Salary
Salary : $220,000‑$250,000
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