Communications and Narrative Director

Job Overview
We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Communications and Narrative Director to lead the development and execution of compelling storytelling that elevates our organization’s mission, values, and initiatives. In this pivotal role, you will craft clear, engaging messages across multiple channels, ensuring consistency and resonance with diverse audiences. Your expertise will shape how our organization communicates internally and externally, fostering a strong brand presence and positive public perception. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate communicator to influence narratives at a high level, inspiring stakeholders and amplifying our impact through powerful storytelling.

Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Executive Director, is responsible for the planning, development, and execution of strategic communications, public relations, and narrative development initiatives for the San Antonio Housing Trust Entities. This position oversees the creation and dissemination of messaging that advances organizational priorities, strengthens community trust, and communicates the impact of housing and community development initiatives.

This role integrates communications strategy with programmatic work, including storytelling, grantee engagement, and narrative development to elevate the impact of funded initiatives and influence public understanding of housing and community development.

Working conditions are primarily in an office environment with travel required for community engagement, events, and meetings. May exercise functional supervision over assigned staff, consultants, or vendors.

Essential Job Functions:

• Develops and implements comprehensive communications and narrative strategies aligned with organizational priorities, housing initiatives, and grantmaking activities.
• Leads development of messaging, storytelling, and narrative frameworks that communicate organizational impact, community outcomes, and development activities.
• Collaborates with internal departments, grantees, and partners to gather information and translate complex programmatic, financial, and development data into clear, public-facing communications.
• Manages and oversees media relations, including press inquiries, interviews, press releases, and proactive media outreach; coordinates press conferences and public announcements.
• Prepares and reviews board-level materials, including memos, presentations, executive summaries, and reports; develops speeches, talking points, and briefing materials for the Executive Director and Board members.
• Oversees all communications platforms, including website, social media, reports, and public-facing materials; ensures consistency in messaging, tone, and brand identity.
• Coordinates communications for major initiatives, including project announcements, grand openings, community engagement efforts, policy initiatives, and public events.
• Works directly with grantees, community members, and program participants to develop and elevate stories, testimonials, and case studies that demonstrate impact; supports communications related to grant programs, including announcements and impact reporting.
• Develops and manages communications systems and tools, including editorial calendars, media lists, CRM or contact databases, and tracking dashboards; monitors performance metrics.
• Conducts research and environmental scanning to identify emerging issues, opportunities, and risks; supports narrative development and positioning of the organization as a thought leader in housing and community development.
• Develops and implements communications campaigns that support policy, funding, and community engagement priorities.
• Supervises communications consultants, and external partners, including public relations firms; manages scopes of work and ensures alignment of deliverables.
• Represents the organization at public meetings, community events, and stakeholder engagements; builds and maintains relationships with media, partners, and community organizations.
• Supports crisis communications and ensures timely, accurate dissemination of information during high-profile or sensitive situations.
• Performs related duties and fulfills responsibilities as required.

Job Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Public Administration, or a related field.

Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, or media relations.

Preferred: Experience in public sector, nonprofit, housing, or community development organizations. Experience supporting executive leadership and board-level communications.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

· Knowledge of communications, public relations, branding, and marketing principles, methods, and techniques.

· Knowledge of media relations practices and public information strategies.

· Skill in developing and executing strategic communications plans.

· Skill in writing, editing, and storytelling for a variety of audiences and platforms.

· Skill in operating personal computers, content management systems, and social media platforms.

· Ability to translate complex information into clear, compelling narratives.

· Ability to coordinate across departments and with external partners.

· Ability to research, gather, analyze, and present information for publication.

· Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.

· Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.

· Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, leadership, media, and community stakeholders.

· Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain professionalism in high-visibility situations.

· Ability to perform all the physical, intellectual, and analytical requirements of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Physical Requirements

Physical requirements include visual acuity, speech and hearing; hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate basic office equipment. Subject

to sitting, walking, or standing to perform the essential functions. Working conditions are in an office environment.

Other Requirements

Texas Class “C” Drivers License at the time of placement and insurable by a liability insurance carrier

Salary

The San Antonio Housing Trust is offering a competitive salary commensurate with education and experience. SAHT offers a health and benefit stipend; generous retirement plan; annual, personal, and wellness leave; phone and car allowance; and relocation/moving expenses, if necessary.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please send a cover letter, resume, references, and salary requirements.

Please note:

Under the Texas Public Information Act, information from your resume may be subject to public disclosure. The San Antonio Housing Trust Foundation is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement

Work Location: In person