M2 Director / Sr Director, Comms & OCM

About AWL

AWL is a Washington, DC-based 100% women-owned small business (WOSB) that provides change management, communications, branding, and marketing strategies to innovative, future-focused leaders. Our clients span government, non-profit, and commercial sectors.

Our mission is to provide great business outcomes through purpose-driven communications. We believe shared leadership creates strength, and that every team member is essential to success. We provide professional development and growth opportunities, competitive salaries, and a supportive, family-friendly work environment.

Role Snapshot

As our next Director / Sr Director, Comms & OCM. you’ll be client-facing, delivering senior-level communication expertise, supported by a transparent, inclusive, solution-focused culture and a team that has your back and is invested in your success. This is a people-manager role, with responsibility of managing one or more direct reports.

You'll report to our Founder & COO, Holly Sydnor. This is not just a job; it's an adventure in high-growth potential for a detail-oriented and versatile communications expert.

This role has an on-site presence requirement in Washington, DC, based client needs. Remote work must have client concurrence. This role is contingent upon contract award, with a target start date of XXXX.

Your impact

• Lead Communications and OCM: You'll manage day-to-day operations for our esteemed government clients, ensuring exceptional client relationships and managing your team’s performance.

• Provide Expert Consultation & Support: You'll provide senior client leaders with top-notch support in speechwriting, presentations, video scripting and production, and event planning.

• Develop Communications Strategies and Tools: You'll craft innovative OCM and communication strategies, plans, and tools tailored for various stakeholders in a dynamic setting.

• Create Diverse Communication Materials: You'll produce a wide range of materials, from presentations to social media posts, ensuring they resonate with diverse audiences.

• Know & Grow your team: You'll nurture growth and development of your direct reports, and impart your subject matter expertise to lead an effective team.

• Uphold AWL Values: Reflect our core values of honesty, humor, inclusion, service, goodness, and tenacity in every interaction.

Who you are

• 15+ yrs experience in communications, consulting, organizational change, program management or related field. Advanced certifications may substitute for work experience (IE: CMP, ProSci, etc)

• Proven experience in strategic communication planning and execution, with outstanding writing skills supported by a required writing sample submission.

• Demonstrated excellence in interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with team members, partners, and clients across various levels, including direct engagement with C-Suite executives.

• A robust work ethic coupled with the ability to juggle multiple priorities without sacrificing quality. This includes meticulous attention to detail and exceptional organizational and time management skills.

• Technical savvy in day-to-day delivery, Microsoft Office tools, Social Media, Program Management platforms, or AI tools, and an understanding of the “why” behind technology enablement

• Eligible to apply for & receive a Public Trust Clearance - this involves fingerprinting and a Federal Government background check).

Bonus points if you also have:

• Domain experience in federal sector

• Preference given to those with an in-process, current, or recently active Public Trust Clearance or Federal Agency background clearance.

• Startup mindset — ability to easily switch from strategic to tactical, adapt to change, wear several hats, work independently, come curious with initiative and focus on company milestones

Benefits @ AWL

• Progressive Compensation Approach - Our transparent pay bands -- see the left side of screen -- are tied to experience and expectations of the role, not how great of a negotiator you are (or aren't)

• Financial Well-being- A retirement plan with choice of 401K or Roth IRA participation, with up to 5% company-matching

• Time To Recharge - Unlimited PTO, plus 15 paid company holidays, and an annual company break we call Wellness Week

• Health & Wellness - 100% company-paid employee group Health, Dental, Vision, Life and Long-Term Disability insurance plans, 25% company-paid coverage for dependents for Medical, Dental & Vision.  Plus up to 8 weeks paid medical leave.

• Parental Support - Up to 8 weeks of paid parental leave, regardless of path to parenthood (birth, surrogacy, or adoption)

• WFH Tech Setup Stipend - $1000 up-front $$$ to use on the tech you need to be successful in your role!

• Professional Development Stipend – $1500/year Stipend to use for courses, conferences, and more PLUS $500/yr Dues Stipend to use for professional dues & memberships. All to promote your professional development and growth in your role.

• ProSci Certification - we'll also pay for your ProSci Change Management certification (approx $5000) after 90 days onboard.

• Pick Your Perk - $600/ year to use on the perks you care about most!

• A Great Culture - A hard working culture that prioritizes balance, flexibility for working parents, and truly disconnecting after work hours. Strong team connections with weekly Standups & Wins of the Week (WoWs), Quarterly offsites and more!

• A modern approach to feedback rooted in psychological safety and consistency. Ask us about this!

• Guaranteed performance & pay reviews aimed at fostering equitable pay practices, real growth, and rewarding your contributions. Ask us about this!

Our Transparent Hiring Process

Through our transparent hiring process, we will get to know one another better, answer your questions about AWL, and find out if working together is a fit.

• Resume Review - human beings review every resume. We are small and wearing many hats, so it might take us a little longer, but we aim to respond to every candidate within 10 business days.

• Intro Interview (45 min, video call) - Meet with one of our cofounders to share your background and experience, talk about the responsibilities of the role, the team, compensation, logistics, and answer any initial questions you have with one of our cofounders.

• Skills Interview (45 min, video call) - An AWL team member close to the work will dive into specifics about your experience, answers to technical questions, and learn more about how you think.

• Skills Assignment (on your own) -  Our work is specialized, so we ask every applicant to complete a short assignment that is tailored to the role they have applied for. AWL will not use your work for any other purpose than to better understand your skills and expertise.

• Final Chat (30, video call) - You'll meet with our other cofounder to answer any of your remaining questions.

• Post Offer Checks - AWL conducts background checks after offers are accepted, consisting of identity verification and basic criminal check, supported by Checkr. The company also participates in E-verify (click here to learn more about your rights).

Join our team

Join us at AWL, and be a part of a vibrant team that values your unique skills and perspective. Benefit from our commitment to your professional growth, competitive compensation, and family-friendly work environment. Elevate your career and make an impact. Apply today.