Director of Communications

The Horizon Foundation envisions a Howard County free from systemic inequities, where all people can live abundant and healthy lives. The Foundation fights for equitable and compassionate physical and mental health care; access to affordable and safe homes; communities where healthy food is accessible and affordable; and where all residents are able to generate and pass down wealth.

As the largest independent health foundation in Maryland, Horizon works side‑by‑side with communities to build power, advocate for policy change, and dismantle structural racism to achieve better health for everyone in Howard County and greater Maryland. The Foundation does this through innovative initiatives, collaborative partnerships, strategic grantmaking, and thoughtful advocacy. Horizon’s values guide the ways it aspires to operate, and provide ways for the community to hold the Foundation accountable.

The Foundation promises to be:

• IMPACTFUL – to act with intentionality and draw upon lived experience, research, and data to drive positive health outcomes in the community.
• TRUSTWORTHY – to earn trust by building relationships through sincerity and vulnerability.
• COURAGEOUS – to acknowledge and use the Foundation’s privilege to influence others, dispel harmful narratives and demand change.
• ANTI‑RACIST – to challenge and transform policies, behaviors and beliefs that perpetuate systemic racism and other intersecting forms of oppression.
• CATALYTIC – to build and share power to foster coalitions that advance health equity.

Howard County is known for its forward‑thinking approach to creating high quality of life for its residents, serving as a national example of how people of diverse backgrounds can create a thriving community. Howard County is also one of the nation’s wealthiest, most educated, and healthiest counties thanks, in part, to the work of the Foundation and its impact over the past 27 years.

However, Howard County still faces very serious physical and mental health challenges and disparities, particularly for people of color. The work of the Horizon Foundation is more important than ever because it focuses on people who have been most marginalized and oppressed, in the aim to, ultimately, advance better health for all.

Learn more about the Horizon Foundation at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

The Horizon Foundation seeks a dynamic and courageous Director of Communications who is capable of focusing Marylanders on public health for everyone and catalyzing systemic change in the face of ongoing health disparities. The Director of Communications will develop and implement communications strategies to amplify the Foundation’s new strategic plan and to inspire others to join the Foundation's work. The Director will be a key member of the Foundation’s executive team, managing a direct report as well as external consultants.

The Foundation seeks an innovative Director who has deep experience in strategic communications, a proven ability to elevate the profile of an organization and communicate thoughtfully on sensitive topics to different audiences, and a deep commitment to the work of the Foundation.

Reporting to the President and CEO, the Director of Communications will be a thought partner to the Executive Team and contribute creative, dynamic, and forward‑thinking communications strategy to promote the fulfillment of the Horizon Foundation's vision and mission. The Director will enhance and develop a robust, multi‑channel communications program, directly managing activities that strengthen the Foundation’s position as a leader in accelerating equity‑centered community health solutions.

• Develop and manage communications strategy for the organization; serve as the steward of the Horizon Foundation’s brand and voice
• Leverage the Foundation’s positioning and amplify its brand through the development and execution of communications strategy and messaging that promotes the Foundation as a consistent leader in racial justice and public health innovation in Howard County, Maryland, and the nation
• Develop a social marketing…