Chief Communications Officer

What You'll Do

As the Legal Aid Society continues to confront widening inequality, an evolving media landscape, and shifting public narratives around justice, our need for a strong, unifying communications voice has never been more urgent. This is why we seek a strategic, collaborative, and politically savvy Chief Communications Officer (CCO) to lead our communications efforts at a critical time for the organization and the people we serve.

The CCO will be charged with shaping and executing a forward-thinking communications strategy that elevates our public presence, deepens the understanding of our impact, and supports our mission across our practice areas. The CCO will oversee all facets of communications, including media relations, digital content, and brand management, ensuring alignment with our organizational values and goals. They will work closely with coalition partners to amplify collective efforts and partner with key organizational leaders to craft compelling messaging for supporters. Lastly, in partnership with HR, the CCO will collaborate on Legal Aid's internal communications strategies to best support and engage staff.

As a key senior leadership team member, the CCO will contribute to organizational strategy and culture, including planning The Legal Aid Society's 150th anniversary in 2026, a significant milestone and an opportunity to deepen public engagement with our legacy and future vision.

This is an ideal opportunity for a bold storyteller who sees communications as a tool for both cultural and systemic transformation and who can build organizational bridges across silos and thrives on complexity.

Key Responsibilities

Communications Strategy

• Drive cultural and operational change in how communications are perceived and used internally—as a mission-critical, shared function
• Shape a communications strategy that reflects the full spectrum of Legal Aid's work—from direct services to systemic advocacy— and the variety of audiences it serves ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment with core values
• Develop and implement an integrated, multi-channel communications strategy that advances Legal Aid's mission, elevates brand awareness, and amplifies the voices of the clients and communities we serve
• Lead the development of a robust digital presence and public engagement strategy that drives reach, engagement, and impact across platforms
• Act as Legal Aid's senior-most media strategist
• Build and maintain relationships with key journalists, media outlets, influencers, and public figures to elevate Legal Aid's visibility and oversee proactive and reactive press strategies that shape narratives, shift public perception, and support policy advocacy

Organizational Leadership

• Model inclusive, mission-driven leadership, contributing to a culture of racial equity, transparency, and collaboration
• Actively contribute to Legal Aid's senior leadership team, supporting organization-wide planning, decision-making, and internal alignment and serving as the organization's foremost communications expert and advisor
• Lead the integration of communications efforts across the organization, breaking down silos and encouraging shared ownership of storytelling and messaging
• In partnership with Human Resources and the Internal Communications Team, champion internal communications ensuring staff are informed, connected, and engaged in the mission
• Support cross-organizational initiatives as assigned, participating in broader efforts to strengthen Legal Aid's infrastructure and strategic capacity

Team Management and Development

• Lead, inspire, and support a diverse communications team across functions including media, digital, and content strategy
• Foster a high-performing, inclusive, and collaborative team culture that values creativity, trust, and accountability
• Define clear goals, workflows, and priorities, balancing strategic vision with day-to-day execution
• Oversee hiring, staffing changes, and team structure to ensure appropriate capacity and alignment with organizational needs
• Provide regular feedback, professional development opportunities, and mentorship to staff at all levels

Who You'll Work With

• You will report to the Attorney-in-Chief and Chief Executive Officer, Twyla Carter.

• You will manage a team of 7, including Director of Digital Engagement, Content Production Manager, Director of Media Relations, Communications Manager, Social Media Manager, Web Manager, and Communications Coordinator.

• You will frequently collaborate with the broader leadership team and department heads.

Required Skills and Experience

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• 10+ years of senior-level communications leadership in a complex nonprofit, advocacy, government, or mission-driven agency setting; experience navigating legal or policy-adjacent environments preferred (e.g., civil rights, social justice, public interest law)
• Proven success leading strategic communications, media relations, and marketing efforts that elevate an organization's mission and expand its reach across diverse stakeholders and audiences
• Expertise in digital communications, including website oversight, social media strategy, audience segmentation, and multimedia content creation
• Demonstrated political savvy—both in external relations (e.g., media, government, public campaigns) and internal dynamics (e.g., managing up, across departments)
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with a demonstrated ability to work play well with others and influence cross-functional teams, leadership, and partners
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex or sensitive topics into compelling, accessible messages
• A calm, flexible, and decisive leader who is comfortable making fast, sound decisions in high-pressure or crisis situations while maintaining a steady focus on long-term strategy

Compensation

The compensation range for the CCO role is $200K-$220K, with the final salary determined based on years of experience and alignment with the required skills and competencies for the CCO role.

Location

The CCO role is based in New York City and because the Legal Aid Society has offices across the city, this role may require occasional travel within NYC, across the five borough region.

The CCO position is mostly sedentary and will require significant time using a computer and monitor as well as communicating and meeting using video. Occasional or frequent physical movement will be required to perform essential job functions which may include, bending, reaching, pulling, pushing, standing or walking for long periods of time, and accessing small spaces.

Equity at The Legal Aid Society

The Legal Aid Society is committed to a work culture of zealous advocacy, respect, diversity and inclusion, client-oriented defense, access to justice and excellent representation. We are dedicated to building a strong professional relationship with each of our clients, to understanding their diverse circumstances, and to meeting their needs. Our ability to achieve these goals depends on the efforts of all of us and our ability to build strong relationships with our colleagues. Every member of our community is expected to continuously learn about the dynamic, evolving, and emerging field of knowledge of identity, bias, and systemic forms of oppression and participate in productive efforts to dismantle bias in all forms.