Associate Director / Director - Communications

This role is for one of the Weekday's clients

Salary range: Rs 2000000 - Rs 2500000 (ie INR 20 - 25 LPA)

Min Experience: 10 years

Location: Mumbai

JobType: full-time

We are seeking a strategic and mission-driven communications leader to design and execute a comprehensive communications roadmap during a critical phase of organizational scale-up. This role will be instrumental in shaping brand narrative, strengthening stakeholder engagement, and driving large-scale awareness initiatives focused on prevention, education, and systemic change. The position requires a strong blend of strategy, storytelling, digital leadership, and ethical communication practices.

Key Objectives:

• Lead communications strategy to support a shift from direct program delivery to a multi-state, government-led multiplier model
• Amplify awareness initiatives aimed at reaching millions of children and families through Personal Safety Education (PSE)
• Build compelling narratives for government stakeholders, institutional donors, and global partners
• Establish scalable systems, processes, and teams to support long-term communication goals

Key Responsibilities:

Communications Strategy & Brand Leadership

• Develop and execute a clear, mission-aligned communications strategy
• Create tailored messaging for government bodies, education departments, and implementation partners
• Establish a consistent brand voice that balances empathy, credibility, and advocacy across all channels

Digital & Creative Leadership

• Design and oversee a robust digital ecosystem across web, social media, and emerging platforms
• Ensure strong audience engagement while safeguarding institutional reputation

Media, Visibility & Thought Leadership

• Drive media relations, build journalist networks, and enhance organizational visibility
• Identify and secure speaking opportunities, conferences, and sector platforms
• Lead development of high-impact communication assets such as reports, campaigns, and announcements

Campaigns & Events

• Conceptualize and execute large-scale awareness campaigns aligned with organizational goals
• Lead communication strategies for fundraising initiatives, events, and public engagement drives

Ethical & Sensitive Communications Leadership

• Manage communications around sensitive topics with a trauma-informed and ethical approach
• Ensure confidentiality, informed consent, and dignity in all storytelling and public messaging
• Handle crisis communications with maturity and responsibility

Donor & Stakeholder Communications

• Build strong, consistent communication journeys for donors and institutional partners
• Translate complex program data into compelling impact narratives
• Strengthen long-term engagement with funders through strategic storytelling

Leadership & Team Management

• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing communications team across PR, digital, and creative functions
• Manage external agencies and partnerships effectively
• Oversee communications budgets and allocate resources for maximum impact

Key Challenges:

• Navigating the ethical and reputational complexities of communicating on sensitive social issues
• Balancing large-scale visibility with responsible, survivor-centric storytelling

Required Skills & Competencies:

• Strong strategic planning and execution capabilities in communications
• Excellent writing and storytelling skills with the ability to simplify complex narratives
• Proven expertise in media relations, brand building, and digital communication
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills
• Data-driven mindset with experience in tracking communication KPIs and impact
• Proficiency in digital tools, social media platforms, and content management systems
• Strong communication skills in English; proficiency in Hindi or other regional languages is an advantage

Qualifications & Experience:

• Master’s degree in Mass Communication, Media Studies, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field
• 10–12 years of progressive experience in communications, including at least 5 years in a leadership role
• Experience in the development sector preferred; candidates from public health, gender, mental health, or journalism backgrounds are also encouraged to apply
• Demonstrated expertise in content strategy, crisis communication, donor engagement, and media outreach

Why This Role:

• Opportunity to lead communications at scale and create meaningful social impact
• High-visibility leadership role with direct influence on strategy and growth
• Chance to build systems, narratives, and campaigns that reach millions and drive lasting change