Director of Marketing & Communications

ABOUT US The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative Foundation, Inc. (Aurora) is a globally recognized organization advancing a more human-centered model of humanitarian action. Over the past decade, Aurora has championed individual humanitarianism and has impacted over 3.7 million lives through 500+ projects across 63 countries. Aurora’s flagship program, the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity, awards $1 million to individuals who risk their lives to save others. The Laureate reallocates those funds in a participatory grant, amplifying their impact in their community and beyond. Through this work, Aurora has built a global network of more than 100 extraordinary local humanitarians, the Aurora Luminaries. In its next phase, Aurora is evolving from a Prize-centric model into a network-driven platform that elevates frontline humanitarians through long-term partnership, locally led programming, and narrative change. We’re bringing more resources and greater narrative attention to the frontline actors who, too often, are overlooked by the traditional humanitarian system. THE ROLE Reporting to the CEO and serving as a core member of Aurora’s senior leadership team, the Director of Marketing & Communications will lead Aurora’s global marketing and communications strategy during a period of strategic transformation and organizational growth. You will build and execute a modern, integrated marketing function that strengthens Aurora’s brand, grows global audiences, deepens engagement with philanthropic and institutional partners, and amplifies the impact of frontline humanitarians. You will oversee brand strategy, marketing campaigns, digital growth, content and creative production, and media engagement, ensuring Aurora’s work reaches and resonates with key audiences. You will also build Aurora’s internal communications function, ensuring the international team is consistently informed, aligned, and connected to organizational strategy. You will lead a team that spans creative, content and communications, and external agency partnerships to deliver high impact initiatives. You bring both strategic vision and leadership to a high-performing team, with a roll-up-the sleeves mentality in a lean, mission-driven environment. This is an onsite role based our DC office, with hybrid working opportunities. Up to 20% travel, domestic and international. WHAT YOU’LL DO Brand Strategy & Marketing Leadership Develop and execute Aurora’s global marketing strategy, aligning brand, audience development, and engagement efforts with organizational and fundraising priorities. Strengthen Aurora’s brand platform and positioning as a leading voice for individual humanitarianism and locally led humanitarian action. Translate Aurora’s mission and programs into compelling marketing campaigns, narratives, and audience experiences that inspire awareness, influence, and support. Define and track KPIs, including audience growth, engagement, brand reach, and contribution to fundraising and partnership goals. Report regularly on progress, impact, and strategic recommendations to leadership and the board. Content, Creative & Digital Marketing Lead Aurora’s content and creative function, overseeing the production of high-quality multimedia, written content, and visual assets that translate Aurora’s work into accessible, emotionally resonant storytelling. Oversee owned channels (website, social media, email, and new platforms) to drive brand consistency, and measurable engagement and audience growth. Ensure content is produced for reuse across marketing, fundraising, and advocacy—and that it is organized, accessible, and strategically deployed across the organization. Drive creative partnerships and cultural collaborations that extend Aurora’s reach to new and broader audiences. Media & External Relations Cultivate and steward high-impact relationships with Tier-1 journalists, editors, broadcasters, emerging media platforms, and media influencers to elevate Aurora’s visibility and thought leadership. Secure high-quality national and international earned media coverage that advances mission awareness, policy influence, and philanthropic engagement. Serve as an organizational spokesperson directly and prepare media materials, talking points, and briefings for others. Manage PR agency relationship for maximum impact and efficiency. Internal & Team Leadership Build and own Aurora’s internal communications function, ensuring the team is consistently informed and connected to organizational strategy, priorities, and milestones. Ensure alignment between internal and external messaging so that staff are effective ambassadors of Aurora’s mission and narrative. Lead and develop a high-performing marketing and communications team, including senior creative and content professionals. Set clear goals, foster professional growth, and build a collaborative team culture that balances creative ambition with operational discipline. Establish efficient workflows and production processes that enable the team to operate as a cohesive internal agency serving the full organization. WHAT YOU BRING 15+ years of progressive experience in marketing and strategic communications, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role managing teams of 5+. Proven track record in building and leading integrated marketing functions that combine brand, content, digital, media, and campaigns. Demonstrated success growing audiences, elevating brand visibility, and supporting fundraising or partnership development. Established relationships and proven track record securing Tier-1 earned media coverage, both domestic and international. Expertise in distilling complex concepts into clear, engaging narratives at a global level. Exceptional writing and editing skills across formats—from op-eds and press materials to digital content and internal communications. Strong expertise in brand strategy, visual identity systems, campaign development, content management platforms, digital marketing, social media, and analytics. Experience managing external agency relationships and vendor partnerships for results. Entrepreneurial, creative, and adaptable, with a strong drive for results and comfort operating in a start-up environment. Detail-oriented, organized, and able to balance big-picture strategy with hands-on execution. Preferred Experience in international development, humanitarian, human rights, or global health sectors. Commitment to equity and locally led approaches. Experience working in multicultural, globally distributed teams. Experience supporting senior executives or high-profile spokespeople as a communications advisor. WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary commensurate with experience Comprehensive health and dental coverage 401(k) with employer contribution Generous paid time off Professional development support Aurora Humanitarian Initiative is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We especially encourage applications from individuals with lived experience in humanitarian crises, displacement, or trauma-to-impact journeys.