Communications Director

US-MN-Center City

Job ID: 2026-12839
Type: Full Time
# of Openings: 1
Category: Corporate Services
Hazelden Betty Ford FoundationShift Day
Responsibilities

** Must be within commutable distance to one of Hazelden Betty Ford Foundations locations - Center City, MN, St. Paul, MN, Newberg, OR, Rancho Mirage, CA** This is a hybrid position on-site three days per week.

The Director, Communications[RM1] leads strategic communications that advance Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation’s mission, strengthen its reputation, and deepen engagement with key internal and external audiences. Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer with matrixed accountability to the Chief External Affairs Officer and Chief Marketing Officer, this role serves as a centralized communications leader for internal communications and external thought leadership while enabling strong partnership across donor and trustee relations, alumni, outreach, graduate school, BCR, publishing, and marketing communications. The Director shapes and develops messaging that reflects the Foundation’s leadership in addiction treatment, recovery, mental health, education, advocacy, and public service.

• Strategic Communications & Mission-Centered Messaging
• Thought Leadership, Advocacy & Public Influence
• Media, Content & Audience Engagement
• Leadership, Collaboration & Operations

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, public affairs, or a related field
  • Plus six years of relevant experience; or a non-communications degree plus eight years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated success developing and implementing strategic communications and thought leadership plans in a mission-driven, healthcare, nonprofit, or complex organizational setting.
• Experience leading media relations, executive communications, public engagement, and cross-channel content strategy.
• Exceptional writing, editing, storytelling, and message development skills, with the ability to communicate sensitive and complex issues with clarity and compassion.
• Strong leadership, project management, stakeholder engagement, and team development capabilities.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, accessible communications, and language that respects the dignity of patients, families, colleagues, and communities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in communications, public affairs, healthcare administration, nonprofit leadership, or a related field.
• Experience in healthcare, behavioral health, higher education, philanthropy, advocacy, or other mission-driven organizational communications.
• Experience supporting senior executives and shaping executive presence through speeches, public forums, media opportunities, and leadership communications.
• Knowledge of digital analytics, content performance measurement, and communications technology platforms.
• Experience operating in a matrixed environment with centralized strategy and decentralized execution.

Overview:

The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is the largest nonprofit addiction recovery organization in the United States. It is also one of the most mission-driven places you will find. The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation team is passionate about providing hope and ultimately healing. As a living, growing and evolving institution, the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is – at our core- a people-powered organization. Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is comprised of 1600+ employees, seventeen treatment sites and produces $190 million dollars in annual revenue. This exemplary organization serves nearly 25,000 people annually and is committed to provide hope and healing for those experiencing addiction to alcohol and other drugs.

What makes this organization unique is its total ecosystem approach to prevention, education, research, advocacy and treatment. All of the parts of the organization work together to inform, develop and deliver evidence- based practices that help people reclaim their futures and restore their hope.

Being “a best place to work” is a strategic goal of Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation and it’s a goal that every employee plays an active role in helping to achieve. Our culture is a reflection of how encouraged and energized we each feel about contributing our ideas and performing to our greatest ability. Join us and do meaningful work.

We deeply value our employees. Working at Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation includes a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Competitive Health, Dental and Vision Plans
• Retirement savings plan with employer match
• Paid time-off
• Tuition reimbursement

The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our colleagues is critical to our success as a force of healing and hope for individuals, families and communities affected by addiction to alcohol and other drugs; and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.