Job Details

Job purpose

The Communications Manager leads Homeport's strategic communications efforts to elevate the organization's mission, program outcomes, and role in advancing affordable housing in Central Ohio. This position develops and implements an integrated communications strategy that highlights Homeport's impact through program storytelling, resident voices, and data-driven outcomes.

Working closely with program leadership, resource development, and executive leadership, the Communications Manager ensures communications strengthen community awareness, support philanthropic growth, advance housing advocacy, and position Homeport as a leading voice in affordable housing solutions.

The Communications Manager oversees brand management, media relations, digital communications, and public messaging to ensure Homeport's communications consistently reflect the lived experiences of residents and the measurable impact of its programs.

Duties and responsibilities

Strategic Communications Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications and marketing strategy aligned with Homeport's mission, strategic priorities, and program outcomes.
• Position Homeport as a trusted voice in affordable housing, community development, and housing stability.
• Ensure consistent messaging across departments, platforms, and public communications.
• Oversee brand integrity and ensure communications reflect Homeport's mission, values, and impact.

Program Storytelling & Impact Communications

• Lead efforts to capture and communicate resident stories, program outcomes, and community impact.
• Translate complex program work into clear, compelling messaging that demonstrates Homeport's role in strengthening communities.
• Collaborate with teams across Resident Services, Housing Advisory Services, Real Estate Development, and Resource Development to highlight:
• housing stability outcomes
• homeownership success stories
• resident empowerment
• community partnerships
• Support development of impact reports, program updates, and outcome-focused storytelling for funders and partners.

Housing Advocacy Messaging

• Support leadership in communicating affordable housing challenges and solutions across Central Ohio.
• Develop messaging that elevates Homeport's work within broader housing policy and advocacy conversations.
• Assist leadership in preparing public statements, opinion pieces, media commentary, and public remarks related to housing policy.
• Translate housing data and policy developments into accessible communications for public audiences.

Media Relations & Public Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets.
• Develop proactive media strategies to generate coverage of Homeport's work and impact.
• Draft press releases, statements, and media responses.
• Coordinate media opportunities, including interviews, press events, and announcements.
• Prepare staff, residents, and leadership for media engagement when appropriate.

Marketing & Digital Communications

• Oversee Homeport's website, social media platforms, and digital communications strategy.
• Manage organizational content and editorial calendar aligned with program priorities.
• Oversee production of marketing materials, including newsletters, brochures, videos, and digital storytelling assets.
• Track engagement metrics and recommend improvements to strengthen reach and impact.

Fundraising & Partnership Communications

• Collaborate with Resource Development to support donor communications, fundraising campaigns, and sponsorship opportunities.
• Develop communications materials that support philanthropic storytelling and donor engagement.
• Support communications for major organizational events, including groundbreakings, housing announcements, community celebrations, and fundraising events.

Organizational Communications & Leadership Support

• Draft speeches, talking points, presentations, and key messages for executive leadership.
• Support internal communications and organizational announcements.
• Train staff on identifying impactful stories and communicating program successes.

Crisis Communications

• Work with executive leadership to develop and implement crisis communications strategies.
• Coordinate messaging and media responses during sensitive or urgent situations.

Performance Measurement & Reporting

• Monitor communications performance, including media coverage, digital engagement, and campaign effectiveness.
• Provide regular communications reports and insights to inform organizational strategy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• At least three years of experience in communications, public relations and/or related marketing fields. Experience in nonprofit a plus. In-depth knowledge and understanding of both traditional and emerging media platforms, and how they can be deployed in diverse outreach efforts.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated strong written and verbal communications, project management and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of Public Relations placement, including local and regional level
• Excellent time management skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and within a team environment.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills
• Fearless approach to tackling challenges, projects and generating creative solutions.

Licensing and/or Certification Requirements:

None Required

Homeport Behaviors and Values:

• Supports Homeport's mission of creating strong communities by developing quality, affordable homes on a cornerstone of dignity, security and opportunity.

Homeport's Core Values Are:

• Trust
• Accountability
• Collaboration
• Unity
• Quality

Tools and Equipment

Personal computer and office equipment will be used on a daily basis.

Physical requirements

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Occasionally accessibility via cell phone, ability to work a nonstandard work week and/or work evening hours, may be required.There may be occasional travel on company and/or personal time as well as work at various locations. This position requires a reliable, personal means of transportation. This individual in this position must hold and maintain Ohio driver's license with an acceptable driving record. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.