Deputy Director, Communications and Speechwriter

Job Title: Deputy Director, Communications and Speechwriter

Location: Bethesda, Maryland (Hybrid)

Reports To: Vice President, Communications and External Affairs

FLSA Status: Exempt

About NACHC:

Founded in 1971, the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) serves as the leading voice for America’s Health Centers and the people and communities they serve. NACHC works to promote the provision of high-quality, affordable, community-based health care to everyone, particularly to underserved populations.

Position Summary:

This position supports the Vice President, Communications and External Affairs and the Director, External Affairs and Engagements. The role will provide support to the Chief Executive Officer and NACHC leadership team in crafting compelling speeches, presentations and remarks that advance NACHC priorities and partnership engagements. This strategic communications professional translates complex healthcare data points into accessible, persuasive narratives and dynamic presentations that resonate with diverse audiences across the healthcare ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Communications

• Develop editorial content for newsletters, campaigns, annual reports, thought-leadership materials, fact sheets, website content, digital resources, and public education materials.
• Ensure all communications reflect NACHC strategic priorities and community health centers (CHCs)’ mission and highlight their impact on medically underserved communities, health for all, and primary care transformation.
• Collaborate enterprise wide with applicable subject matter experts and teams to align communications and speech content with broader organizational messaging and partnership priorities.
• Support development of op-eds, blog posts, and thought leadership articles under the CEO's and leadership team’s byline.
• Contribute to crisis communications and rapid response messaging when needed.
• Maintain a consistent tone and style that reflects the CEO’s voice and the company's brand and values and maintain a deep understanding of the organization’s core audiences to ensure that audience insights are incorporated into all communications.
• Stay updated on executive communication and public speaking best practices and trends to continuously improve and evolve the ways in which the CEO and leadership team shows up publicly.
• Write, edit, re-purpose and deliver a wide variety of content for NACHC digital media and channels.
• Liaison with internal stakeholders and gain sign-off for publishing as necessary.
• Use tools and software to create graphics, podcasts, images, and videos for purposes of telling the health center story.
• Assist in project management, tracking and development of analytics and metrics reports.

2. Executive Communications and Speechwriting

• Research, write, and craft speeches, remarks and talking points for the CEO and leadership team for various platforms including NACHC major conferences, industry events and engagements, congressional hearings, press encounters, stakeholder meetings and conferences, and other events.
• Collaborate closely with the NACHC CEO/Office of the President, and leadership team to understand messaging priorities for external affairs, speaking events, press encounters, and appearances.
• Effectively capture and express the senior leader’s voice and vision through various executive communication products.
• Create multimedia presentations and other supporting collateral for engagements.
• Coordinate with external engagement and communications teams to schedule prep planning calls and meetings to inform presentations.
• Adapt/tailor messaging for targeted audiences and stakeholders including Members of Congress, federal agencies, CHCs, state and regional primary care associations (PCAs), health center-controlled network (HCCNs), patients/general public, and partner organizations.
• Maintain executive communications project management tracking and lead preparatory calls.

3. Research and Policy Analysis

• Stay current on healthcare policy developments, community health center issues, and related federal/state legislative activities.
• Conduct background research on audiences, venues, and speaking contexts
• Collaborate with cross functional teams including policy, research, community health, and health center operations and governance to ensure accuracy of healthcare data, statistics, and regulatory information
• Monitor industry trends and emerging issues affecting CHCs, PCAs, HCCNs, and supporting partner organizations.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• At least 5 years of experience in speechwriting, executive communications and executive voice editorial content development.
• Some experience/knowledge of the healthcare or health policy setting required.
• Experience developing brand and executive voice, writing and curating short and longform content for senior leaders and copy-editing proficiency required.
• Excellent project management skills.

Key Skills & Competencies:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite
• Proficiency with digital communications design software and platforms

Why Join NACHC?

At NACHC, you’ll be part of a dedicated and collaborative team working to improve the health and well-being of communities nationwide. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for growth in a purpose-driven organization.

Salary: $101,000 - $130,000