Director of Communications

The Center for Heirs’ Property® (CHP) helps under-resourced and small-acreage landowners protect what matters most — the roof over their heads and the land under their feet. Since 2005, CHP has empowered families through legal education, direct legal services, and sustainable land-use programs that strengthen ownership, clarity, and generational prosperity.

Rooted in South Carolina and recognized nationally for its leadership, CHP envisions a nation where every family can enjoy the legacy of home—securing ownership, protection, and prosperity for generations to come.

Position Description

CHP is seeking a strategic, mission-driven Director of Communications to shape and elevate the story of heirs’ property and the families we serve. This leader will guide CHP’s communications vision—strengthening our brand, expanding our reach, and amplifying the voices of the families and communities who trust CHP to help them protect their land and legacy.

The Director will oversee a comprehensive communications program, including brand strategy, media relations, digital engagement, storytelling, and public messaging. This role serves as a trusted advisor to leadership and a champion of consistent, compelling, bipartisan-friendly communication across the organization.

The Director of Communications is a key member of the Leadership Team and reports to the Chief Engagement & Advancement Officer

This role also plays a central role in communications planning for the East Texas Heirs’ Property Initiative (ETX) as it transitions from the CHP program to an independent 501(c)(3).

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Communications, Branding & Public Relations

· Lead the development of an integrated communications strategy that advances CHP’s mission,

elevates the issue of heirs’ property, and increases visibility across local, state, and national audiences.

· Strengthen CHP’s brand identity by ensuring messaging is clarity-focused, family-centered, and aligned with organizational values.

· Anticipate emerging issues, helping shape timely, responsive communications grounded in accuracy, clarity, and nonpartisan language.

· Partner with leadership to develop core messaging, speeches, talking points, briefings, and organizational statements.

· Ensure alignment across South Carolina, East Texas (ETX), and replication partners.

Media Relations & Public Image Leadership

· Serve as CHP’s primary media contact when appropriate, representing the organization with clarity and confidence.

· Build and steward strong relationships with journalists, news outlets, and media partners to advance public understanding of heirs’ property and CHP’s work.

· Lead all media-facing efforts, including press events, public campaigns, crisis communication, and leadership preparation, ensuring all language remains nonpartisan and aligned with CHP’s brand pillars.

Content Development, Digital Engagement & Storytelling

· Guide the development of compelling, clear and accessible content for social media, newsletters, website, and digital campaigns.

· Amplify the experiences of families and communities impacted by heirs’ property through strengths-forward storytelling that avoids deficit framing.

· Monitor analytics and performance data to inform strategy and strengthen audience engagement.

· Ensure digital communications reflect CHP’s mission, values, and commitment to accuracy, accessibility, and bipartisan friendliness.

· Oversee digital content for ETX during fiscal sponsorship and during ETX’s transition to independent brand identity.

Partnerships, Vendor Oversight & Budget Management

· Manage relationships with communications consultants, designers, and creative partners who support major publications, campaigns, and ETX brand development.

· Oversee communications budgets and ensure strategic use of resources to maximize impact and reach.

Team Leadership & Organizational Support

· Recruit, mentor, and supervise communications and public relations staff.

· Collaborate across departments to ensure aligned messaging, program visibility, and strong internal communication.

· Work closely with ETX staff to gather stories, local context, and field-level content.

· Uphold CHP’s mission, values, and voice across all communications activities.

Qualifications

· Degree in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, or related field.

· 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, or public relations, including strategic leadership experience.

· Proven success in media relations, brand management, digital communications, and content strategy.

· Exceptional writing and editing abilities, with a talent for translating complex topics into clear, accessible messaging.

· Strong project management skills with the ability to navigate multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

· Experience supervising staff and managing creative vendors or agencies.

· Proficiency with communications tools and platforms (Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, CRM systems, digital analytics tools).

· Commitment to serving under-resourced and small-acreage landowners, and comfort engaging with diverse audiences and stakeholders.

· Experience with nonpartisan communications, rural communities, land-focused work, or legal/forestry concepts preferred.

Compensation

Hiring Range: $75,000 – $85,000, commensurate with experience

How to Apply

· Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to CHPPHR@Heirsproperty.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting in the first week of January 2026 and continuing until the position is filled. No phone calls, please. To learn more about CHP, visit www.heirsproperty.org.

CHPP's 37.50-hour workweek offers flexibility so employees can maintain a work-life balance while serving the Center's clients and mission. The excellent benefits package includes employer-paid health and dental coverage, up to 16 paid holidays, 20 days of accrued vacation and sick time, disability, and life insurance options. The employer also pays Annual Bar Dues and annual professional development ($1,200 per year), provides a cellphone stipend, provides a company laptop, and reimburses employees for mileage.

Equal Employment Opportunity

CHPP is an equal opportunity employer. By Federal Law, this organization is prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply.)