Communications Director

Location: Hybrid in Michigan

Type: Full-time

Salary: $80,000

ABOUT MICHIGAN UNITED

Michigan United is building a vibrant, inclusive democracy in Michigan where community members are organizing to build power to affect change at local, state, and national levels. We are working to dismantle systemic barriers perpetuating inequality by building power. Michigan United defines power as the ability to act, and it comes in the form of organized people and organized money. We focus on issues from a racial, economic, gender, immigrant, and environmental justice lens. We are a hub of people-centered leadership development, issue organizing, and civic power building. We are guided by our Theory of Change. 

Michigan United is dedicated to dismantling oppressive systems and transforming lives through tangible victories and leadership development. We believe in the power of a united community driven by a shared vision and strategic action, capable of making significant impacts at local, state, and national levels. Our focus on organizing communities, training leaders, and tackling systemic barriers is crucial in shaping Michigan's future.

Our commitment to a democracy that reflects our base is at the core of our work, guiding us as we organize and mobilize communities, build collective power, and seek just outcomes. We are steadfast in these principles, aiming to create a Michigan where government and our economy are inclusive, accountable, and equitable.

Michigan United's approach is grounded in practicality, driven by our values, and focused on building a state where dignity, equity, and justice are realities, not just aspirations. Through strong relationship-building, continuous leadership development, and strategic collective action, we are paving the way for the radical, systemic changes our communities need and deserve.

Michigan United is a statewide organization of community members and institutions fighting for the dignity and potential of every person.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Michigan United is seeking a strategic and visionary Communications Director to lead our narrative and messaging work across campaigns, programs, and organizational priorities. This is a senior-level role responsible for growing Michigan United’s visibility, sharpening our public voice, and equipping our leaders, members, and staff with the tools to win high-stakes campaigns.

The Communications Director will design and implement cross-platform strategies that advance our values, energize supporters, and shift public discourse. The role requires deep alignment with Michigan United’s mission, sharp political instincts, and a track record of using communications as a vehicle for grassroots power-building and policy victories. This role also plays a key function in supporting fundraising through storytelling and public engagement.

The Director will manage communications staff and contractors, collaborate with campaign and organizing teams, and report directly to the Executive Director.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Strategic Communications Leadership

• Develop and execute comprehensive communications strategies that advance Michigan United’s campaigns and narrative goals.
• Lead the creation of messaging frameworks and story arcs to support legislative, electoral, ballot, and direct action campaigns.
• Partner with senior leadership to ensure the organizational voice reflects Michigan United’s Theory of Change and values.
• Monitor media, cultural, and political trends to position the organization strategically and respond with agility.

Supervision & Capacity Building

• Manage communications staff and contractors, setting goals, providing coaching, and fostering a collaborative team culture.
• Train and prepare members, leaders, and staff to serve as effective spokespeople in the media and at public events.
• Facilitate internal messaging alignment and discipline across departments and campaigns.

Media Strategy & Earned Media

• Oversee earned media strategy including press releases, op-eds, media advisories, interviews, and rapid response communications.
• Build and maintain relationships with local, state, and national journalists.
• Lead the development of talking points and massage training materials for organizational representatives.
• Oversee crisis communications and coordinate responses to emerging issues in real-time.

Digital Strategy & Content Oversight

• Guide and review content across digital platforms (social media, web, email, live streams) to ensure alignment with message strategy.
• Provide editorial oversight for digital campaigns, event promotion, and community engagement content.
• Support growth strategies that move audiences from digital engagement to in-person action and membership.

Fundraising & Organizational Storytelling

• Partner with development staff to create compelling narratives for donor outreach, annual reports, and digital fundraising campaigns.
• Highlight stories of impact, community leadership, and organizational wins to deepen public and donor engagement.

Communications Infrastructure

• Establish systems, style guides, and message banks to ensure consistent voice and branding across all communications.
• Track analytics and media metrics to evaluate performance and adapt strategies as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will bring many of the following qualifications:

• Deep commitment to racial, economic, and social justice and alignment with Michigan United’s Theory of Change.
• 5–8+ years of experience in strategic communications, journalism, public affairs, or campaign media work—preferably in an organizing or advocacy context.
• Experience developing and winning message campaigns tied to campaign goals.
• Demonstrated success in managing media relations, crafting compelling narratives, and coaching others as spokespeople.
• Strong management and leadership skills, with experience supervising staff.
• Proficiency in communications tools and platforms such as WordPress, Canva, EveryAction, social media channels, and Google Workspace.
• Ability to juggle multiple projects, pivot quickly, and thrive in fast-paced environments that require political judgment and creativity.
• Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to adapt tone and format for different audiences and platforms.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS 

The salary for this position is $80,000, commensurate with experience. Michigan United also provides the following benefits: 

• Health Insurance and a $1,200/year Health Savings Account or monthly health insurance stipend are available after 90 days of employment
• Individual Retirement Account (IRA) after earning at least $5,000 within the preceding two-year period
• An internet stipend of $34.62 per pay period, and phone stipend of $23.08 per pay period.
• Generous paid time off policy (subject to blackout dates around primary and general elections)
• Paid sick time policy beginning at 16 hours and accruing up to 80 hours
• Floating Holiday Policy 
• Mileage reimbursement policy

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Employees can be hybrid but must be based in the State of Michigan. Team members are located throughout the state. There will be in-person events, meetings, and activities. Our work schedule is standard business hours with flexibility. Evenings and weekends are occasionally required. There will be periodic travel around the state, with intermittent out-of-state travel. 

TO APPLY

If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply via the Paylocity link, or if you are unable to apply via the link, please send your application to [email protected]. Applications should include a resume, letter of interest, three professional references and work samples showcasing your relevant experience. Please ensure your cover letter highlights your experience related to the responsibilities outlined in the job description and your commitment to Michigan United's mission. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged.

Michigan United is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As a racial, gender, and economic justice organization, we actively encourage underrepresented individuals based on race, ethnicity, income, gender identity, and sexual orientation, as well as those who share the life experiences of the members we serve, to apply.

ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION

Michigan United Action, our affiliated 501(c)(4), is building long-term political power and transforming our political and economic system into one that puts people and the planet first. Our main office is in Southwest Detroit, with additional offices in Grand Rapids, and Flint.

Michigan United is represented by SOUL of MU & MUA, Statewide Organized United Labor of Michigan United, and Michigan United Action in collaboration with the Newspaper Guild of Detroit, Local 34022. The person hired for this management position will not become a bargaining unit member.