Director of Communications

About CDI

The Constructive Dialogue Institute (CDI) is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that works to heal the deep divisions tearing our country apart. We build educational tools to transform college campuses into inclusive learning environments that support dialogue across differences. CDI translates cutting-edge behavioral science research into practical, evidence-based tools that are scalable for campus leaders, administrators, faculty, staff, and students. While our tools are primarily designed for higher education, they are also used in workplaces and high schools. CDI was co-founded by psychologist Jonathan Haidt, the bestselling author of The Righteous Mind and The Coddling of the American Mind.

CDI is at a pivotal moment of growth, having more than doubled the number of partners we work with in 2024, and with plans to double our reach again in 2025. As an emerging thought leader in bridge-building and dialogue, we’re excited to carry this momentum forward, broadening our reach to empower even more learners to engage constructively across differences.

About the Role

CDI is hiring a Director of Communications to lead our media strategy, messaging, and thought leadership efforts. This role will ensure CDI is positioned as a national leader in higher education while navigating a complex and sensitive political landscape.

Reporting to the Chief Growth Officer, the Director of Communications will be responsible for shaping CDI’s public presence, securing high-profile media placements, and elevating our voice in critical national conversations. This person will also manage a Demand Generation Marketing Manager who will focus on lead generation and campaign execution.

This role requires a proactive, dynamic leader who can craft compelling narratives, build relationships with journalists and influencers, develop strategies to manage and mitigate reputational risks, and has enough marketing knowledge to provide high-level oversight of lead-generation efforts.

Responsibilities

Media Strategy & Thought Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive media strategy to position CDI as a leading voice in higher education and bridge-building efforts.
• Proactively secure earned media coverage, including op-eds, feature stories, and interviews in major national outlets.
• Serve as CDI’s primary media liaison, cultivating strong relationships with journalists, editorial boards, key influencers, and allied organizations.
• Develop executive messaging and prepare CDI leadership for interviews and public engagements.
• Monitor political and media landscapes to identify opportunities and risks, ensuring CDI’s messaging remains relevant and impactful.

Messaging & Reputation Management

• Craft and refine CDI’s strategic positioning and messaging to communicate our mission, impact, and value proposition with clarity and strategic nuance.
• Guide crisis communications and issue management, ensuring a rapid and effective response to external challenges.
• Ensure consistency of voice, tone, and messaging across all external-facing content and platforms.

Marketing Oversight & Lead Generation Support

• Oversee the work of a Demand Generation Marketing Manager, including campaign strategy, lead generation, and conversion rate optimization.
• Align communications and marketing efforts to support CDI’s growth and revenue goals.
• Ensure marketing materials (email campaigns, social media, paid ads, etc.) align with CDI’s brand and messaging.
• Support the Partnerships (Sales) team with high-quality collateral, including one-pagers and event materials.
• Oversee conference and event marketing strategy, ensuring CDI maximizes visibility and engagement.

Analytics & Performance Tracking

• Track and analyze the impact of communications efforts, refining strategies based on data and feedback.
• Use media monitoring tools to measure PR performance and audience engagement.
• Ensure HubSpot and other CRM tools are effectively leveraged for marketing and communications.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in communications or PR with a strong background in political communication and messaging.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to craft compelling, high-impact content.
• Strong strategic thinker with experience shaping thought leadership initiatives and executive positioning.
• High-level marketing knowledge with experience collaborating with lead generation teams.
• Experience managing external agencies (PR, media, design, etc.) to achieve strategic goals.
• Ability to translate complex research and concepts into accessible, engaging narratives.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities.
• Experience in higher education or the nonprofit sector highly preferred.
• Proficiency in marketing and communication tools (e.g., HubSpot, Google Analytics, social media management platforms) is a plus.