A renowned entrepreneur and co-founder of The Home Depot, Arthur M. Blank is now recognized for his values-based Blank Family of Businesses (BFOB) and as one of America’s leading philanthropists through the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. All his industry-leading businesses, including the foundation, operate on six core values: Put People First, Listen and Respond, Include Everyone, Innovate Continuously, Lead by Example and Give Back to Others.
After 30 years and more than $1.5 billion in giving, the foundation has committed to significantly escalating the impact of its philanthropy over the next 10+ years. This milestone coincides with deeper participation among the next generation of Blank family members on the board and in advisory capacities, partnering around their shared core beliefs, including the Jewish value of tikkun olam (“heal and repair the world”) and seeking a fuller realization of American ideals.
The foundation works across various programmatic areas, including Youth Development, Environment, Atlanta’s Westside, Mental Health and Well-Being and Democracy. The foundation also manages a large portfolio of founder-led initiatives, supporting the causes, institutions and relationships our founder holds dear. Geographically, much of the foundation’s work prioritizes Georgia (with a focus on Atlanta) and Montana, while also considering the potential for greater national impact and influence.
The Director of Communications provides strategic leadership for people and processes across the Foundation’s communications function. This role will oversee the development and implementation of communications strategies for dedicated giving areas within our portfolio, and set the overarching direction, standards, and tone for all AMBFF external communications. The Director is responsible for press and media engagement, provides editorial and content oversight, and ensures excellence in writing, editing, stakeholder engagement, and content production across their areas. This role will manage a team of two, serve as a thought partner to leadership, and ensure communications are aligned, strategic, and reflective of the Foundation’s values and voice. Design experience is a plus, specifically around Executive-level PowerPoint presentations, as this role will be active in enhancing executive visibility. Flexibility is key!
Director, Strategic Communications, Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Communications:
- Contribute to the development and implementation of an integrated communications strategy and plan that aligns with AMBFF’s strategic plans and priorities.
- Oversee the strategic direction and tone of all AMBFF external communications, messaging and branding, ensuring they remain clear, consistent, compelling and current.
- Lead the development and execution of a crisis communications response plan including horizon scanning, identifying, monitoring and preparing for any reputational risks.
Press and Media Engagement:
- Build a strong AMBFF press office and engagement by leading the development and execution of effective media strategies for campaigns, projects and events to reach and engage specific audiences.
- Oversee the production, placement and tracking of media content, including op-eds, interviews, podcasts, video and commentary.
- Prepare press briefings for AMBFF’s senior leaders and board and stay abreast/raise issues that could impact AMBFF’s work.
Content and Materials:
- Work with Effective Philanthropy and Learning team to develop results-based/impact-based content
- Oversee work of AMBFF team members who develop compelling content in support of campaigns and projects including op-eds, speeches and blog posts.
- Draft, review, and edit AMBFF publications and reports and serve as AMBFF main copy editor and oversee work of external copy editor.
Executive Visibility:
- Proactively identify opportunities and direct AMBFF’s event strategy to map and secure high-level speaking opportunities for AMBFF staff and other key stakeholders (when appropriate).
- Support AMBFF staff with speaking engagements through development of talking points and slides.
- Support executive visibility through thought leadership content (op-eds, blog posts, LinkedIn, etc.)
Board Materials:
- Collaborate with the Chief of Staff on the production of board materials.
- Copy edit materials going to the board/oversee the work of the external copy editor.
- Oversee design support of board materials.
Management:
- Play an active role as a leader on the AMBFF communications team.
- Manage and supervise Sr. Communications Officer and Digital Communications Officer, and relationships with external communications-related agencies, and communications-related consultants.
- Assist in developing, managing, and monitoring the communications budget.
- Contribute to outcome and output tracking and all AMBFF monitoring and evaluation processes.
Qualifications:
- Minimum of fifteen (15) years of professional experience in communications or public relations, preferably in philanthropy, nonprofit or mission-driven sectors.
- Proven success in developing and executing strategic communications plans and recommendations to senior leadership with demonstrated ability to work in a complex matrixed organization.
- Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision while thriving in a collaborative, team-oriented environment—balancing self-direction with a commitment to shared goals.
- Experience managing people and processes in a matrixed and flexible environment with emotional intelligence and a proactive and collaborative spirit.
- Strong writer and editor.
- Demonstrated ability to oversee multiple projects and meet tight deadlines.
- Strong sense of judgment and experience handling confidential information
- Proficiency with digital platforms, analytics tools and project management tools (Monday.com).
- Experience managing contracts and budgets.
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations or a related field required.
