Description

Trust for America’s Health

Job Posting

September 2025

Job Title: Director of Strategic Communications and Policy Research

Location: Washington, D.C.

Organization: Trust for America’s Health

About Trust for America’s Health

Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that promotes optimal health for every person and community and makes the prevention of illness and injury a national priority.  TFAH is committed to making prevention and health equity foundational to policymaking at all levels of society.  More information can be found at www.tfah.org.

To Apply

Applicants should submit a cover letter and résumé to [email protected] with “Director of Strategic Communications and Policy Research” in the subject line. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

Position Summary

The Director of Strategic Communications and Policy Research leads TFAH’s policy research and communications efforts with expertise and vision. An experienced communicator in public health policy and advocacy, this creative, nimble, and innovative leader excels at translating complex research for diverse audiences and platforms. The Director also spearheads the development of effective strategies and tools that drive meaningful communications activities designed to influence public health policy. 

Core Responsibilities

Core responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Create an innovative policy research agenda that produces products to support the development of effective public health policies.

        Partner with the President and CEO to develop a policy research agenda that advances TFAH’s mission.

        Synthesize and translate public health issues into cohesive and clear products for policymakers, stakeholder organizations, the media, and the general public through reports, briefs, analyses, and other tools.

        Serve as lead editor and collaborator with staff, partner organization and external consultants on the research, writing, clearance, production, and dissemination of TFAH reports and policy briefs.

        Track emerging public health issues and bring an insightful, timely, and critical lens to developing new research-based products and related communications materials for dissemination. 

Develop and execute an organization-wide communications strategy.

        Lead an integrated communications program that elevates TFAH’s reputation as a credible, nonpartisan, and science-based voice in health policy. Anticipate how news and political events could present opportunities or challenges to TFAH.  

        Develop and adapt strategies for disseminating TFAH’s reports, briefs, op-eds/commentaries, events, and other products to maximize reach and impact.

        Elevate TFAH’s thought leadership in the field by positioning the organization’s work on the leading edge of critical public health issues and its President and CEO and other senior leaders as issue experts.

        Build and maintain strong relationships with media, stakeholders, coalitions, and subject matter experts to advance communications and policy goals.

        Manage media relations, including proactively seeking media opportunities; triaging inquiries; shaping response strategies; and preparing the President and CEO and key staff for interviews. Ideal candidate should be well-versed in both the traditional and new landscape and stay current on evolving media relations trends.

        Oversee digital communications and marketing, ensuring the website, social media (TFAH and President and CEO channels), and other platforms serve as trusted, accessible resources.

        Represent TFAH at conferences, meetings, and public events, serving as spokesperson when needed.

Effectively lead the Communications and Policy Research Department and serve as an integral part of TFAH’s senior team.

        Manage the Communications and Policy Research Department.

        Oversee the direction and activities of external communications firm and other vendors.

        Serve as a member of the TFAH senior team. Partner closely with other TFAH Department Directors to ensure that the Communications and Policy Research Department operates in synergy and alignment with other TFAH departments.

        Work closely with TFAH’s Leadership Team to leverage cross-organizational efforts and strategies to promote the organization’s goals.

        Nurture a culture of collaboration, teamwork, and shared accomplishment.

Requirements

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess many of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes, and experiences:

        A minimum of 10 years of demonstrated experience and leadership in managing strategic communications and policy research efforts that advance an organization’s mission.

        Master’s degree in communications, public policy, public health, or the equivalent is preferred.

        Demonstrated track record advancing evidence-based policy through research and analysis to improve public health; expert knowledge of public health systems, healthcare delivery, health financing systems, health equity, and/or understanding of the impact of the social determinants of health.

        Strong research, policy, and analytic skills; ability to anticipate emerging trends and policy opportunities in the field and conduct qualitative and quantitative research, including environmental scans across relevant policy and academic sources; ability to produce “translational” summaries of public health issues for policymakers, stakeholder organizations, the media, and the general public.

        Experience crafting and executing a results-driven communications strategy, expert media relations skills, and knowledge of best practices and evolving trends in digital and social media communications.

        Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communications skills and the ability to translate complex issues into compelling and effective messaging; proven ability to frame complicated issues in ways that draw the attention of the media, policymakers, stakeholder organizations, and the general public to drive innovative and effective policy change; a balance of proactive and rapid response approaches that integrate traditional media, digital, and social media activities.

        Exceptional project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects with staff and consultants while meeting deadlines and maintaining high quality; excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to anticipate and mitigate unexpected challenges.

        Seasoned organizational leadership abilities with a strong team orientation and the interpersonal and managerial skills that foster a positive work culture; commitment to nurturing staff, building team capacity, and shared achievement.

        Unwavering commitment to a non-partisan approach and the gravitas and maturity to engage with diverse audiences and perspectives; a proven ability to build strong professional relationships and connect diverse audiences to TFAH’s work.

Compensation

Salary range is $170,000-$185,000 annually. Individual salary is based on various factors unique to each candidate, including skill set, experience, education, and other qualifications.

Comprehensive benefits package includes 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage (spouse and/or dependent coverage available at a subsidized rate), retirement plan, paid parental leave, fitness benefit, and more.

We have a hybrid work environment, providing staff with flexibility that supports productivity while meeting the needs of our diverse team. This position is based in Washington, DC, with the ability to telework up to three days per week.

Trust for America’s Health is an equal opportunity employer. TFAH does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances.