Required Experience:
REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, political science, English, or related field; master’s degree preferred.
710 years of communications, media relations, or public affairs experience. Minimum 5 Years of experience managing staff, including direct supervision and mentorship.
Demonstrated emotional intelligence and empathy, with the ability to craft and deliver nuanced messaging that resonates across diverse audiences and highpressure situations.
Strong strategic communication and leadership skills, including active listening, storytelling, and the ability to influence and align internal and external stakeholders around a shared vision.
Proficient with Microsoft 365, Adobe Creative Suite, and any mass email communications platform like Constant Contact.
Experience working with Tribes, Tribal epidemiology centers, or Tribal notforprofits strongly preferred.
PRFERRED EXPERIENCE
Experience with legislative communications or advocacy campaigns.
Experience developing fundraising communications or marketing materials.
Familiarity with web content management systems or digital marketing tools.
Political acumen in Tribal, federal, or mainstream contexts.
About National Indian Health Board
The National Indian Health Board serves as the unified voice of 574+ Federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes, championing the cause of health equity. Before colonization, our people were among the healthiest on Earth, sustained by our traditional foods, clean water, and natural medicines. Today, NIHB is dedicated to helping Tribes reclaim that legacy of health and well-being. At the heart of our work is the belief that our traditions, languages, and practices are not merely remnants of the past, but the foundation of our health and resilience. By embedding cultural integrity into every aspect of our advocacy, we empower our communities to heal, grow, and thrive.
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Duties / Expectations:
Communications Director
National Indian Health Board
Washington, DC 20001
$110,000 - $150,000 a year - Full-time
Skills
Team management
Senior leadership
Microsoft Office
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Education
Bachelor's degree
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Full job description
The National Indian Health Board is seeking highly skilled, confident candidates with substantial national-level media relations experience for the senior-level position of Communications Director. The Director is responsible for staffing and managing the Communications Department staff, overseeing all organization-wide external communications and messaging, and providing high-level leadership on content and materials that are in line with the organization’s vision, brand, culture, and purpose. The Director will develop communications products to generate excitement about NIHB events and conferences, and initiatives through marketing materials creation and outreach strategy development, and execution. The Communications Director is the main media contact for the organization and is effective at garnering earned media coverage. The Communications Director is driven by a commitment to NIHB’s mission and strives to cultivate media perception of the organization and is aligning with the organization’s mission, audiences, and priorities.
The ideal candidate will bring strong political acumen in both Tribal and mainstream contexts and demonstrate expertise across a broad range of communications formats. This includes crafting press releases, policy position statements, social media content, public health messaging, legislative communications, and fundraising campaign materials. They must be skilled in speechwriting—both for others and for their own public delivery. Success in this role requires versatility, quick thinking, and the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively in both written and verbal forms. The candidate must thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, bringing creativity, strategic insight, and consistent productivity.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy that advances the organization's mission, priorities, and brand across all platforms.
Oversee all internal and external communications, including press releases, newsletters, social media, email campaigns, and website content.
Serve as the organization’s lead media advisor, cultivating relationships with media and ensuring accurate, valuesaligned coverage.
Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO and executive team, providing messaging guidance, briefing materials, and communications support for media engagements, public speaking, and key organizational decisions.
Lead crisis and rapid response communications, providing timely, strategic messaging during urgent or sensitive situations.
Ensure consistent and culturally competent messaging, especially when working with diverse communities, partners, and stakeholders.
Collaborate with executive leadership, program staff, and development teams to align messaging with fundraising, advocacy, and program goals.
Manage and mentor communications staff or consultants, building a highperforming team and overseeing daytoday workflow.
Track performance and impact of communications efforts through analytics, reporting, and feedback loops to inform ongoing strategy.
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