Free checklist, 20 checks
Executive director communications checklist
Last updated: November 2026
What should a nonprofit executive director check about communications?
A nonprofit executive director should check four things: whether the organization has one clear narrative, whether someone owns communications decisions, whether the right audiences are reached through the right channels, and whether the team is ready for a crisis. This free Beltway Media checklist turns those four areas into 20 yes or no checks.
The checklist
20 checks to work through
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Next
What your score means
If most boxes in the first two sections are unticked, the gap is strategy and ownership, not tactics. That is the work a fractional chief communications officer is designed to do: set the narrative, own the decisions, and advise you and the board.
If the gaps sit mostly in readiness, start with the crisis preparedness checklist and the guide to nonprofit crisis communications preparedness.
See all free nonprofit communications checklists, or read the main guide to nonprofit communications consulting.
FAQ
Common questions
Short answers to the questions nonprofit leaders ask most. See all 47 answers on the nonprofit communications FAQ.
- What should an executive director own in communications?
- An executive director should own the narrative: the core message about why the organization exists, the positions it takes publicly, and who speaks for it. Day-to-day execution can sit with staff or a consultant. A fractional CCO from Beltway Media supports executive directors by turning that narrative into a plan and acting as a senior sounding board.
- Why would a nonprofit hire an outside communications consultant?
- Most nonprofits hire outside help when communications needs outgrow what staff can handle, but a full-time senior hire is not realistic. Nonprofit Marketing Guide's 2026 trends report found only 5% of respondents say their communications role is understood very well by colleagues. A senior outside advisor can set strategy, earn leadership buy-in, and give existing staff a clear plan to execute.
- What is a fractional chief communications officer?
- A fractional chief communications officer is a senior communications executive who leads your communications part time, on a schedule that fits your needs. From Beltway Media, you get C-suite communications leadership, strategic messaging, media relations, and brand positioning without the cost and commitment of a full-time executive hire.
- Will a fractional CCO work with our board and executive director?
- Yes, that is central to the role. A fractional CCO advises your executive director directly and helps shape board communications. An Executive Director at a national policy nonprofit who worked with Beltway Media said having a fractional CCO changed how they communicate with every audience, "from our board to the press."
- What is the best next step if we want help?
- Book a free strategy session with Beltway Media at beltway.media/free-consultation. Before the call, run the executive director checklist on this site so you arrive with a clear picture of your gaps. The discovery call covers your challenges, goals, and current capabilities, and there is no obligation to continue.
Talk to a senior communications leader about your nonprofit.
The first step with Beltway Media is a free discovery call about your communications challenges, goals, and current capabilities. There is no obligation to continue.