Director, Internal Communications - Military veterans preferred

***Hybrid with occasional meetings in NYC.***

WHO WE ARE 

Fueled by passion and urgency, the National Kidney Foundation is a lifeline for all people affected by kidney disease. As pioneers of scientific research and innovation, NKF focuses on the whole patient through the lens of kidney health. Relentless in our work, we enhance lives through action, education, and accelerating change. 

 WHAT WE BELIEVE IN 

 NKF’s Mission is what we do, our Values are how we do it. 

·? ? ? ?Accountability- Earn and Keep Trust 

·? ? ? ?Collaboration-Work as a team 

·? ? ? ?Communication- Empower with information 

·? ? ? ?Community-Build stronger community 

·? ? ? ?Compassion- Lead with care and respect 

·? ? ? ?Impact-Focus on the mission 

 Your Voice Matters:?https://www.kidney.org/about/diversity-equity-inclusion 

WHAT YOU’LL DO 

Reporting to the Vice President of Marketing & Communications, the Director of Internal Communications will lead the development and execution of enterprise-wide internal communications strategies to strengthen employee engagement, executive messaging, and organizational literacy. This position will serve as the primary liaison between national and field staff, ensuring improved organizational literacy in developing a more formalized and consistent communication pathway to better align on key NKF messaging and promote awareness of NKF initiatives across the enterprise. The Director will also play a key role in executive communications, crafting messaging for leadership and supporting internal rollout strategies for major initiatives.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on strategist who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and has a passion for storytelling, organizational culture, and clear, engaging communication.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Internal Communications Strategy & Execution

• Align staff and other key stakeholders with the organization’s messaging on wins, advancements, and progress in delivering the NKF mission to promote kidney health and improve the lives of patients and their families.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive internal communications plan to improve employee engagement and knowledge of NKF priorities.
• Serve as the primary liaison between national and field communications teams, ensuring alignment and distribution of messaging and resources.
• Work collaboratively with the Field Communications team to support NKF’s staff newsletter (Kidney Beat) and organize Town Halls.
• Function as a strategic partner for national priority projects and campaigns, developing internal rollout strategies.

Executive & Leadership Communications

• Develop talking points, speeches, and presentations for CEO and senior leadership as needed.
• Support Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) and other leadership communication initiatives.
• Create templates, toolkits, and messaging frameworks to ensure consistent communication across the organization.

Collaboration Areas

• Collaborate closely with the Director of Professional & Scientific Communications to maintain consistent organization-wide messaging.
• Support media relations and crisis communications as needed.
• Assist in developing strategies to improve employee engagement and feedback mechanisms.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in internal communications, preferably in a nonprofit or healthcare organization.
• Experience with executive messaging, speechwriting, and organizational communications strategy.
• Strong understanding of digital communication tools (e.g., intranet, Slack, internal newsletters, video messaging, etc.).
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build relationships across departments and collaborate with diverse teams.
• High level of creativity and problem-solving skills to develop engaging content.

 WHAT YOU’LL POSSESS 

Competencies: 

 Accountability: Establishes organizational accountability, driving performance across all levels. 

Change Leadership: Delivers or leads large-scale organizational change, setting the direction and guiding teams within the organization through transformations. 

Collaboration: Leads collaborative efforts across the organization, bi-directionally, ensuring that departments work together to achieve strategic objectives. Actively builds partnerships with external stakeholders to advance mission. 

Cultural Humility: Promotes cultural humility across departments, ensuring that programs, policies, and services reflect a deep understanding of and respect for cultural diversity. 

Data-Driven Decision Making & Results Orientation: Leverages accurate, comprehensive data analytics to guide strategic planning and decision-making. Sets high impact targets and ensures the organization delivers on strategic commitments. 

Financial Acumen: Leads strategic financial planning, driving revenue diversification and long-term sustainability. 

Operational Excellence: Leads or delivers on large-scale operational changes to elevate organizational performance. 

Patient and Community-Centered Focus: Drives efforts to enhance the impact of programs for patients, living donors, and care partners. Champions initiatives that promote equitable access to care and ensure that the community is well-supported through education, services, and outreach.  

 WHAT WE OFFER 

• Work/life Integration: Enjoy plenty of vacation time, sick leave, and holidays so you can recharge, regroup or reflect—and come back ready to tackle anything.
• Support for Your Health:?We've got your back with top-notch medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your loved ones.
• Peace of Mind:?Rest easy knowing you're covered with life insurance and a 403(b) plan with matching company contributions to secure your future.
• Creative savings:?Take advantage of flexible spending accounts to save on eligible healthcare and dependent care expenses.
• Easy Commuting: Reduce your stress with our commuter benefits program for transit and parking expenses.
• Support When You Need It:?Access confidential counseling, support services, and resources through our Employee Assistance Program.
• A Chance to Spread the Word:?Share the love and earn rewards by referring awesome folks to join our team.
• A Big Tent:?We're all about creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and heard.
• Mission-Fueled Culture:?Join a team that's passionate about making a difference and guided by values like integrity, compassion, and innovation.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY 

 Equal opportunity employer-vets/disabled. NKF is a merit-based employer. 

 WORKING CONDITIONS, EQUIPMENT USED AND SPECIAL INFORMATION 

 Must have unimpeachable integrity and trustworthiness while possessing a high degree of tact, discretion, and professionalism. Verbal and written communication skills will be used daily. Maintain effectiveness under pressure. Competency in use of a multiple-line telephone, computer, photocopier, and other standard office equipment.? Ability to lift and transport equipment weighing up to 25 lbs. Flexible to work evenings and weekends as needed. Available for overnight business travel.?Must have a valid driver’s license. 

 DISCLAIMER 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be considered an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.