Public Health Advocates (PHA) works to advance health and racial justice across California by changing systems, policies, and norms that shape the well-being of communities. For over 25 years, we’ve helped more than 200 cities and counties enact over 600 transformative local and state policies — from getting soda out of schools to pioneering alternative response models that reduce police involvement in nonviolent crises.
THE OPPORTUNITY
PHA is seeking a bold and visionary Director of Advocacy Communications to lead our organization- wide communications strategy — positioning us to win policy campaigns, mobilize communities and elevate their narratives, inspire decision-makers and funders, and deepen our brand identity in this critical political moment.
The Director will play a senior leadership role across the organization, providing strategic direction and supervision for a small communications team, while also personally leading the design and execution of communications campaigns tied to two key PHA initiatives:
- All Children Thrive California (ACT): a statewide initiative engaging community members and youth leaders focused on childhood trauma prevention and local policy innovation — up for reauthorization in 2026.
- First Response Transformation Campaign (FRTC): a campaign to reimagine first response systems by investing in non-police alternatives grounded in community and equity.
We are looking for someone who brings creativity, conviction, and execution. This is not just a comms role — it’s a leadership role. If you can translate complexity into compelling messaging, strategize and implement campaigns, develop staff and train community members, and know how how to use communications to shift culture, build power, and win funding — we want to hear from you.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership & Strategic Vision
- Serve as a senior leader within PHA, helping to shape the organization’s overall communications identity, policy positioning, and public presence.
- Supervise and mentor communications staff and consultants, fostering a high-performance, mission-driven team culture.
- Translate advocacy priorities into compelling campaigns that mobilize communities, influence decision-makers, and appeal to funders.
Campaign Communications & Policy Support
- Co-develop and lead communications strategies for ACT and FRTC, including message development, media engagement, storytelling, and content creation.
- Provide strategic comms support for local and state policy campaigns, including branding, talking points, digital strategy, earned media, and collateral.
- Collaborate with program staff to integrate data, research, and policy into clear, values-driven messaging.
Brand Stewardship & Visibility
- Ensure consistency and clarity across all organizational messaging and platforms.
- Elevate PHA’s presence as a bold and credible voice for health and racial justice policy change.
- Support fundraising communications, including donor outreach, proposals, reports, and impact stories.
IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE
Must-Haves
- Leadership Experience: At least 3 years managing staff and/or contractors, including performance support and hard conversations.
- Strategic Communications Expertise: Minimum 7 years in advocacy, nonprofit, or public interest communications, with demonstrated experience in campaign communications, media relations, and narrative strategy.
- Mission Alignment: Deep understanding of and commitment to health equity, racial justice, and community power-building.
- Policy Fluency: Ability to translate policy, research, and organizing strategies into accessible, actionable content.
- Creative Vision: Strong aesthetic and messaging instincts — you can craft compelling copy, visuals, and strategies that cut through noise.
Bonus Points
- Experience supporting fundraising or development communications.
- Familiarity with California’s political and media landscape.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish.
LOCATION, COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
PHA is a remote organization. Employees must reside in California. Occasional in-person travel required, particularly in Sacramento, Stockton, and key partner cities.
Compensation:
$111,473–$122,620 depending on experience.
Benefits include:
- 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision coverage for employee and dependents.
- 403b retirement contribution (5%, no match required).
- Generous PTO: 10 vacation days, 12 holidays, 10 sick days, 2 weeks paid winter and summer break, 2 days paid leave for civic engagement.
- $3,000 annual telework allowance + phone reimbursement.
- Life insurance policy.
TO APPLY
Please submit your cover letter, resume, and a sample of communications materials that highlight your fit for this role via Idealist: https://ideali.st/f7dbYM
Application Deadline:
Applications received by May 23rd will be given priority consideration. Position open until filled.
Public Health Advocates is committed to building a team that reflects California’s diversity. We strongly encourage applications from women, Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQ+, and people with lived experience of health inequities.