Director of Communications
- Compensation
- Not disclosed
- Location
- Needham - Needham, MA 02492
- Work setup
- Not specified
- Seniority
- Not specified
- Employment
- Not specified
- Experience
- 3+ years
- Category
- Not specified
- Posted
Skills
Must have
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, English, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, marketing, media relations, or corporate communications.
- Minimum of 3 years of leadership experience with responsibility for developing and executing strategic communications initiatives.
Nice to have
- Master’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Business Administration, Nonprofit Leadership, or a related field.
- 6-7 years of communications experience in a nonprofit, healthcare, behavioral health, education, human services, or mission-driven organization.
Full description
About Walker
Since 1961, Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs has been a trusted partner for children, youth, and families, navigating some of life’s most difficult challenges. Based in Needham, our mission is to nurture hope, build strengths, and develop lifelong skills in partnership with the children, youth, families, and communities we serve. We provide comprehensive, trauma-informed residential, educational, and clinical services to children and youth with complex social-emotional, behavioral, and learning needs, while supporting their families every step of the way. Through three specialized divisions—Residential & Educational Programs, Behavioral Health & Community-Based Services, and Walker Solutions—we deliver relationship-based care and capacity-building that makes a lasting difference. Today, we serve children, youth, and families from more than 150 communities across Massachusetts.
Make a Difference Every Day
The Director of Communications plays a pivotal role in advancing Walker’s mission by leading a strategic communications function that elevates the organization’s impact, strengthens its reputation, and deepens engagement with key audiences. Through compelling storytelling and effective communication strategies, this role will highlight Walker’s innovative programs, dedicated workforce, and measurable outcomes while reinforcing the organization’s commitment to children, youth, families, and communities we serve.
Reporting directly to the CEO, the Director of Communications will build and lead a proactive mission-driven communication strategy that supports Walker’s organizational priorities, including engagement, philanthropy and fundraising, program growth, advocacy, and community partnerships. This individual will ensure consistent, accessible, and high-quality messaging across all internal and external channels, strengthening alignment among staff, families, donors, partners, and the broader community. The Director of Communications will also help position Walker as a trusted leader in behavioral health, special education, and human services by increasing visibility, enhancing transparency, and supporting communication efforts related to key organizational initiatives and transformational change.
Essential FunctionsStrategic Communications & Organizational Messaging
- Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy that advances Walker’s mission, vision, strategic priorities, and organizational goals.
- Partner with the CEO and Strategic Leadership Team (SLT) to develop communication plans supporting key initiatives, organizational change, advocacy efforts, and strategic growth.
- Ensure consistent, mission-driven messaging across all internal and external communication channels.
- Monitor emerging trends and audience needs to proactively shape communication strategies and organizational positioning.