Director, Strategic Communications

About Fountain House

At Fountain House, we believe in the power of community to transform the lives of individuals with serious mental illness. Every day, thousands of members choose to come to Fountain House to contribute their talents, learn new skills, access opportunities, and form friendships. Members and staff operate successful employment, education, wellness programs and work as partners to perform all the functions that keep our community going. The Fountain House model has been replicated in more than 300 locations in 30 countries and 32 states and currently serves more than 100,000 people with mental illness worldwide. As originators of this approach, we provide leadership by constantly advancing the practice and by leading the conversation around mental health recovery. As a result, Fountain House has created a comprehensive Community System of Care. This includes Clubhouses in Manhattan, the Bronx, Hollywood, California and Care Management, Home and Community-Based Services and a large housing program ranging from 24 hour supervised residences to scattered site supported apartments. We are committed to reducing social isolation, advocating for mental health policy change, and driving solutions that empower our members.

The Director of Strategic Communications should have a core understanding of the role strategic communications plays in influencing policy and culture in the direction of social change - and be excited by the opportunity to advance the priorities and interests of our members and all people living with serious mental illness. This position will report to the Senior Director of Policy and Communications and collaborate closely with the Director of Communications and Marketing.

$140k-$150k

Hybrid: NYC-area employees are expected to be on-site in Harlem, the Bronx, or Midtown at least 2 days per week.

DC area employees are expected to be on-site in Harlem, the Bronx, or Midtown as needed.

Your Impact

As Director of Strategic Communications, you will lead efforts to amplify the voices and priorities of people living with serious mental illness-our members. Your work will elevate Fountain House's mission and impact locally and nationally through media strategy, public affairs, campaigns, and thought leadership. You will shape how the public and policymakers understand mental health, community care, and social inclusion. This is more than a communications role-it's a chance to infuse systems change through storytelling, advocacy, and cultural engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Advance Narrative Power: Lead strategic communication planning that positions our members, programs, narrative change, and advocacy work at the forefront of national dialogue on serious mental illness.
• Media Strategy & Execution: Build and execute proactive media campaigns across print, broadcast, radio, and digital platforms to amplify organizational and member voices.
• Rapid Response & Crisis Communication: Manage urgent communication needs and maintain public trust through coordinated messaging during high-impact moments.
• Thought Leadership & Visibility: Promote Fountain House's leadership and policy agenda through op-eds, conference submissions, panels, and convenings.
• Member-Centered Storytelling: Work members, the Advocacy Committee, Advocacy Academy graduates, and internal teams to center member stories in communications efforts.
• Partnership Development: Cultivate media and communications partnerships to expand awareness and influence.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Align communications with advocacy, research, development, and programming teams to ensure consistent and values-based messaging.

Who You Are

• A strategic communicator with a strong equity lens, rooted in social justice values and a belief in the power of community.
• An experienced media relations professional who understands how to drive narrative change.
• A collaborative partner who builds trust with diverse stakeholders, from grassroots advocates to national reporters.
• A respectful listener who uplifts lived experience and ensures member voices remain central to all communications.

What You Bring

• 6-10 years in communications, public relations, journalism, or advocacy campaigns.
• Experience crafting and executing integrated media and messaging strategies.
• Comfort working in mission-driven, fast-paced environments with sensitivity to mental health and systemic injustice.
• Ability to respond quickly and thoughtfully in high-stakes or crisis situations.
• Familiarity with media tracking tools like Meltwater, preferred.
• Background in nonprofit, healthcare, or advocacy environments, preferred.

Why Join Fountain House?

Fountain House is redefining community mental health through our member-led clubhouses, policy advocacy, and national movement-building. Here, communication is not just about visibility, it's about changing systems and creating belonging. If you're ready to use your voice to make a real difference, we want to hear from you.

Join Us & Make an Impact!

Be part of a movement that is transforming mental health care through social practice, research, advocacy, and Community.

Fountain House, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourages applications from people with lived experience, BIPOC, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with disabilities.

At this time Fountain House, Inc. is not able to sponsor visas.

Note: This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. This job description is not to be construed as a contract for employment.