Overview

Job Description Job Description Affordable Homes & Communities (AHC) is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization committed to developing affordable, workforce, and mixed-income rental housing in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC. With a resident-centric approach, we manage over 8,000 apartments in 54 communities, providing educational programs and social services through our Resident Services team.About the TeamThe Community Relations department provides strategic fundraising, public relations, and crisis communications services for AHC and its subsidiaries.About the JobThe Director of Communications leads AHC's internal and external communications strategy and serves as a trusted communications advisor to the CEO, Vice President of Community Relations, and senior leadership. The Director strengthens AHC's visibility and reputation, supports organizational priorities, and ensures clear, consistent, and effective communications across the organization.The Director leads communications for significant organizational initiatives, including strategic priorities, organizational change, major announcements, and high-profile events. The position also serves as AHC's communications lead during significant incidents and crises, coordinating with leadership, relevant departments, and third parties to protect AHC's reputation and ensure communications are accurate, timely, coordinated, and appropriate.The ideal candidate is a strategic communications professional and exceptional writer with strong judgment, organizational skills, and the ability to manage sensitive issues, competing priorities, and complex communications with discretion and professionalism.ResponsibilitiesInclude but are not limited to the following:Communications Strategy Lead AHC's internal and external communications strategy in alignment with its mission, priorities, and goals. Serve as a communications advisor to the President & CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and department leaders. Maintain AHC's organizational voice, messaging, and brand standards across departments and communications channels. Develop communications plans for major initiatives, announcements, campaigns, and events. Identify opportunities to increase awareness of AHC's work, impact, leadership, and role in affordable housing and community development.Crisis Communications & Media Relations Lead communications during significant organizational, property, resident, employee, safety, operational, technology, or reputational incidents. Maintain crisis communications protocols, templates, escalation procedures, and spokesperson guidance. Coordinate with leadership, Human Resources, Property Management, Asset Management, Real Estate, Resident Services, Legal, Information Technology, and external partners during significant incidents. Develop and coordinate crisis communications, including employee and resident messages, media statements, talking points, FAQs, and stakeholder updates. Lead media relations, respond to media inquiries, develop press materials, and prepare executives for interviews and public appearances. Monitor media and emerging issues and advise leadership on reputational risks and appropriate responses.Internal Communications & Organizational Change Lead communications for significant organizational changes, including technology implementations, operational changes, restructuring, policy changes, and strategic initiatives. Partner with leaders to clearly communicate what is changing, why it matters, the impact on employees and stakeholders, and any actions required. Translate complex organizational, technical, and operational information into clear, accessible communications. Develop employee announcements, leadership messages, FAQs, presentations, newsletters, and other internal communications.Content & Executive Communications Develop and edit executive remarks, speeches, talking points, presentations, statements, articles, marketing and other leadership communications. Oversee