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Director of Communications

PHFA Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency
Full-time
On-site
Harrisburg, PA United States of America
It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing! We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business. Job Description Manages a large team typically consisting of both experienced professionals and subordinate Managers. Focuses on tactical and operational plans with short to mid-term focus; significant responsibility to achieve broadly stated goals through subordinate Managers. Determines objectives, directs programs, develops strategies and policies, manages human, financial, and physical resources, and functions with a high degree of autonomy. Requires broad management and leadership knowledge to lead project or program teams in one division/job family. Proactively assesses risk to establish systems and procedures to protect organizational assets. Determines strategies for divisional programs. The Director of Communications and Public Relations serves as a senior strategic leader, shaping the public narrative around affordable housing and advancing the agency’s mission to expand opportunity and equity. As a trusted advisor to the Executive Director and the executive team, this leader will position the agency as a national model for financing affordable housing solutions, driving visibility, trust, and engagement across policymakers, partners, and communities. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned communications leader to shape public understanding of affordable housing, advise senior policymakers, and strengthen the voice of a mission-driven agency at a time of urgent need. The Director will oversee all aspects of internal and external communications, including media relations, content development, digital strategy, crisis communication, and marketing initiatives to promote financing for both single-family and multi-family affordable housing and community development goals. Key Responsibilities: Strategy & Leadership Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with the agency’s mission and goals. Serve as the agency’s chief spokesperson and lead on media engagement, public statements, and brand positioning. Advise senior leadership on communication trends, public sentiment, and messaging opportunities or risks. Counsel the Executive Director/Senior leadership, setting vision for the Agency brand and aligning communications with long-term policy priorities Develop and Implement Communication Strategies for Affordable Housing Financing Options Translate Complex Housing Finance into Accessible Narratives that advance understanding, participation, and trust among diverse audiences. Effectively convey information about financing options, programs, and structures available for affordable housing to various stakeholders, including potential homeowners, community organizations, and financial institutions. Collaborate with community organizations, financial institutions, and government agencies to gather and disseminate accurate information. Design and implement outreach programs to educate the community about available financing options and how to access them. Establish channels for receiving feedback from stakeholders to continuously improve communication strategies and materials. Track the effectiveness of communication efforts and report on key metrics to senior management. Public Relations & Media Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with local, state, and national media outlets. Shape the state and national conversation on affordable housing to include press releases, media advisories, talking points, and op-eds. Manage press conferences, interviews, and public appearances for agency leadership. Digital & Content Strategy Oversee the agency’s website, social media channels, newsletters, and digital campaigns. Ensure content is timely, accurate, accessible, and tailored for key audiences including tenants, developers, policymakers, and advocacy groups. Measure performance and engagement across platforms using analytics and reporting tools. Internal Communications Develop internal messaging, that is culture-shaping and trust-building inside the agency and that fosters transparency, unity, and engagement among staff. Community & Stakeholder Engagement Support outreach efforts to community partners, affordable housing developers, nonprofit organizations, and residents. Coordinate public hearings, town halls, and informational sessions related to agency programs and initiatives. Develop and implement communication strategies to support single-family home loan servicing operations, including customer outreach and regulatory updates. Crisis & Issues Management Maintain reputation stewardship at the highest levels, managing issues with statewide/national implications. Lead communication planning and response during crises, emergencies, or reputational risks. Ensure consistent and appropriate messaging across all channels and audiences. Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Public Policy, or a related field. Seasoned leader with a proven record of shaping high-impact narratives in complex, high-stakes environments. Proven track record of managing strategic communications in a government, nonprofit, or mission-driven organization. Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills. Strong understanding of housing policy, affordable housing programs and servicing, or related public sector issues (preferred). Demonstrated success advising executive teams, boards, or elected officials. Proven ability to lead through complexity and ambiguity, influencing public perception at scale. Expertise in navigating political, social, and community dynamics. Experience as a spokesperson in high-visibility and/or crisis situations. Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree in a related field. Experience shaping public understanding of complex policy issues (housing, healthcare, finance, etc.). Recognized thought leader or media presence on social impact, equity, or public policy. Demonstrated commitment to inclusive, equity-centered communication strategies. Ability to elevate the agency’s national profile through thought leadership and strategic partnerships. Qualifications Bachelor of Arts - Communications Studies/Speech Communication and Rhetoric, Bachelor of Arts - Marketing, Bachelor of Arts - Public Relations, Experience (7-10 years) Experience Experience (7-10 years) EEO Statement As an employer, PHFA is committed to having a workforce that is diverse and reflects the residents that it serves. We strive to maintain a workplace where all employees and applicants for employment receive equal opportunities in all aspects of employment. There are numerous policies in place at PHFA to help us honor this commitment. The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, disability, family status, gender, national origin, political affiliation, race or religion. Diversity Statement PHFA values, honors and commits to the equitable treatment and elimination of discrimination in all forms. We are committed to the diversity of all staff, and in all programs and services offered. Invitation to Join Our Team! We are always excited to meet and collaborate with new talent in our industry. Join us now and let's work together to achieve success. We look forward to meeting you and building something great together. The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency offers affordable homeownership and rental apartment choices to support people with special housing needs, low- and moderate-income families, and older adults.