Director of Communications & Public Affairs

The Director of Communications & Public Affairs is a leadership position responsible for building and leading Aviva's communications and public affairs function. Reporting to the President/CEO, this role develops and executes a comprehensive, organization-wide communications strategy; establishes Aviva's public voice across media, policy, and community audiences; and launches a coordinated public affairs program.

Essential Functions:

Communications Strategy & Planning

• Design and execute Aviva's first comprehensive, multi-year communications strategy — aligned with the Strategic Plan and built on a cross-departmental planning rhythm — including a detailed annual plan and editorial calendar that reflects the priorities of Programs, Development, Human Resources, and Finance.

• Conduct a comprehensive communications audit across all channels, assets, and messaging to identify gaps, opportunities, and strengths.

• Establish and manage the communications budget, making strategic investment recommendations for tools, platforms, and production support.

Messaging, Brand & Storytelling

• Establish a messaging framework that articulates Aviva's value proposition at the organizational and program level, with distinct, audience-specific voices for funders, policymakers, partners, media, and staff.

• Lead the rollout of Aviva's mission, vision, and values — designing an internal launch that builds genuine staff understanding and connection, followed by a sequenced external reintroduction to key audiences.

• Lead the development of a cohesive narrative across Aviva's program areas — including mental health services, Wallis House, the Lifting Youth Up Drop-In Center, and the emerging perinatal substance use program.

• Build the infrastructure to systematically capture and deploy client stories, staff perspectives, and program milestones.

• Establish and enforce brand standards across all departments and satellite locations.

• Integrate mission, brand, and program messaging into new employee orientation and ongoing staff development.

• Equip board members with a communications toolkit.

• Lead the strategy for environmental branding and visitor experience at Aviva's Franklin headquarters.

External Communications & Media Relations

• Build a proactive media relations program that positions Aviva as a credible, go-to voice on issues including behavioral health, homelessness, foster care, and child welfare in Los Angeles.

• Develop an executive visibility plan for the CEO, identifying priority thought leadership topics and securing op-ed placements, speaking engagements, and panel participation.

• Produce at least two to four external-facing thought leadership pieces per year—op-eds, policy briefs, or contributed articles.

• Set the strategic direction for Aviva's digital communications — including audience segmentation, content strategy, and cadence across social media, email, and web.

• Lead Aviva's public relations strategy, shaping and protecting the organization's reputation.

• Lead the strategy and production of Aviva's annual impact report in partnership with Development.

• Partner with Development on communications strategy and collateral for fundraising campaigns and signature events.

Website Redesign & Maintenance

• Lead a full website redesign organized around the needs of distinct audiences—donors, referral partners, clients, policymakers.

• Integrate the refreshed mission, vision, values, and messaging throughout the site; ensure ADA accessibility, search optimization, and a content management platform staff can maintain independently.

• Manage vendor relationships for web development, photography, videography, and design production.

• Establish a sustainable website maintenance plan.

Internal Communications

• Develop and implement an internal communications strategy for a dispersed, primarily field-based workforce of approximately 160+ employees.

• Establish a consistent staff newsletter cadence and a protocol for cascading major announcements from leadership to frontline staff.

• Partner with Human Resources to align internal communications with staff engagement, onboarding, and retention goals.

Public Affairs & Government Relations

• Build and maintain a systematic program for cultivating relationships with elected officials and government agency leaders at the local, county, and state levels.

• Monitor relevant legislation and policy developments; prepare organizational responses, briefings, and position materials as needed.

• Represent Aviva at community meetings, government hearings, and coalition convenings.

• Build and maintain relationships with local community stakeholders — including neighborhood groups, residents, and business associations — particularly in Hollywood.

• Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO and executive team on public affairs positioning.

Team Leadership & Vendor Management

• Directly supervise the Communications & Outreach Coordinator, providing mentorship, professional development, and clear direction on priorities, deadlines, and deliverables.

• Manage external vendors and consultants — including designers, web developers, photographers, and videographers.