Fractional Chief Communications Officer

About Action4Equity Action4Equity is building North Carolina's infrastructure for community-led systems change. Our theory of change is simple: Community Organizing builds trust. Community Governance builds power. Community Development builds wealth. Everything we do advances the 7 Vital Conditions for Health and Well-Being through resident leadership, policy change, and strategic investment. We are seeking a Communications Director to build and lead the communications infrastructure that supports this work statewide. Position Summary The Communications Director is responsible for building Action4Equity's communications strategy, systems, brand, storytelling, media presence, digital infrastructure, and executive communications. This leader will translate complex systems-change work into compelling stories that inspire communities, policymakers, funders, and partners to act. The Communications Director reports to the Executive Office and collaborates closely with Community Engagement, Policy, Development, Legal, Research, and Programs. This is a builder role. We are looking for someone who can create systems—not simply manage social media. Primary Responsibilities Communications Strategy Develop Action4Equity's statewide communications strategy. Build annual communications plan aligned with organizational priorities. Create integrated messaging across all initiatives. Develop communication policies and standards. Build internal communication systems. Brand Leadership Strengthen and protect the Action4Equity brand. Ensure consistent messaging across every platform. Develop organizational voice and messaging framework. Maintain brand standards. Build storytelling guidelines. Executive Communications Support the Co-CEOs with: Speeches Presentations Thought leadership Articles Public statements Talking points Board communications Partner communications Crisis communications Storytelling & Narrative Change Develop systems that capture and communicate: Community stories Resident leadership Policy victories Systems change Organizational impact Community wealth creation Population well-being outcomes Build a narrative strategy that shifts public understanding from charity to community power. Digital Communications Lead strategy for: Website Social media Email marketing Video Podcasts Newsletters Digital campaigns Content management Media Relations Build statewide media relationships. Develop media strategy. Coordinate interviews. Prepare spokespersons. Write press releases. Increase earned media coverage. Development Communications Partner with the Development Office to create: Grant support materials Annual reports Donor communications Campaign messaging Sponsorship materials Impact reports Investment presentations Policy Communications Partner with the Policy Office to communicate: Policy agendas Legislative priorities Community recommendations Policy briefs Advocacy campaigns Public education efforts Community Communications Support organizing by creating communication systems that increase: Community participation Trust Civic engagement Resident leadership Coalition engagement Event participation Internal Communications Develop systems that improve communication among: Staff Consultants Board Partners Community leaders Volunteers 90-Day Deliverables By the end of the engagement, the Communications Director will deliver: Communications assessment. Annual communications strategy. Brand messaging framework. Editorial calendar. Social media strategy. Executive communications system. Media relations strategy. Website improvement plan. Email marketing strategy. Storytelling framework. Communications dashboard with KPIs. Crisis communications plan. Internal communications plan. Communications policies and procedures. Standard templates for presentations, reports, press releases, newsletters, and impact stories. Required Qualifications 7+ years of communications leadership experience. Experience leading strategic communications for nonprofits, public sector, philanthropy, advocacy organizations, or mission-driven organizations. Exceptional writing and editing skills. Experience with media relations. Digital marketing and content strategy expertise. Experience building communications systems from the ground up. Strong project management and organizational skills. Preferred Qualifications Experience with community organizing or advocacy. Experience supporting executive leadership. Knowledge of public policy communications. Graphic design and multimedia production experience. Experience with CRM, email marketing, and analytics platforms. North Carolina relationships preferred. Success Measures Success will be measured by: Communications infrastructure established. Brand consistency across the organization. Executive communications system operational. Increased media coverage. Strong digital engagement. Consistent storytelling across initiatives. Increased community participation through communications. Communications supporting fundraising success. Communications supporting policy victories. Organizational dashboard tracking communications performance. Engagement Fractional contract. Initial 90-day engagement. Opportunity for long-term leadership. Flexible schedule based on deliverables. Remote with periodic travel across North Carolina. To Apply Please submit: Resume or CV. Portfolio of communications campaigns, publications, or media work. Three examples of executive communications you have developed. A communications strategy or brand system you have built. Experience supporting systems change, policy, advocacy, or community engagement. Your availability over the next 90 days. Your hourly or monthly rate.