Dan Seligson
Strategic Communications Leader, Experienced Storyteller
Strategic Communication Leader | Media Relations Expert | Crisis Communications Specialist
(617) 682-2627 | seligson2@gmail.com | danseligson.org
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Award-winning communications executive with 20+ years leading communications strategy, and media relations, and crisis communications for Fortune 500 corporations, major nonprofits, and research institutions. Proven track record building brand reputation through strategic media campaigns, securing national coverage and positioning executives as thought leaders. Expert in both proactive storytelling and reactive crisis management, with deep experience in internal communications for 70,000+ employees and external reputation management across multiple stakeholder groups.
CORE COMPETENCIES
PR Strategy & Media Relations • Crisis Communications & Issue Management • Internal Communications at Scale
Executive Positioning & Thought Leadership • National Media Placement
Multi-Platform Campaigns • Content Strategy & Storytelling
Measurement & Analytics • Stakeholder Engagement • Research-Based Communications
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Combined Jewish Philanthropies, Boston, MA
Senior Director, Strategy and Impact/Crisis Communications | October 2024 - Present
Leading comprehensive PR and communications strategy for one of Massachusetts' largest nonprofits ($300M+ annual revenue, $2B+ in assets), managing media relations, executive positioning, and crisis response across multiple high-stakes initiatives
Leading strategic rollout of 2025 Greater Boston Jewish Community Study (once-in-a-decade research impacting 300,000 constituents), including media strategy, persona research and development, spokesperson preparation, segmented, multi-platform communications,, and targeted messaging for board, donors, and community partners
Managing ongoing crisis communications and complex narrative development during high-sensitivity situations, including incidents of antisemitism and geopolitical conflicts
Positioning CEO and subject matter experts as thought leaders through strategic speechwriting, talking points, and media preparation
Developing comprehensive crisis response plans, including scenario planning, stakeholder communications matrices, and rapid-response protocols for a variety of incidents
Fresenius Kidney Care/Fresenius Medical Care, Waltham, MA
Director of Communications | November 2021 - October 2024
Provided strategic communications leadership for Fortune Global 500 corporation, managing internal communications for 70,000+ U.S. employees across multi-platform channels including intranet, mobile app, email, and live events
Planned and executed complex monthly CEO forums for 5,000+ live attendees, including show flow development, executive briefings, scripting, promotion strategy, and post-event amplification to advance key business objectives
Drove measurable employee engagement through accessible, innovative content attracting thousands of monthly views and fostering connection across geographically dispersed workforce
Led integrated fundraising campaign for employee CARES Fund generating $250K-$300K annually through multi-channel storytelling (video testimonials, written content, social amplification)
Managed crisis communications during natural disasters, geopolitical conflicts, and operational emergencies, ensuring timely, accurate information delivery to protect employee safety and maintain business continuity
Combined Jewish Philanthropies, Boston, MA
Senior Director, Strategic Communications | March 2011 - November 2021
Built and led comprehensive PR and communications function for major nonprofit, establishing media relationships that generated dozens of positive regional and national stories positioning organization as community thought leader
Created and executed rapid-response fundraising appeals raising hundreds of thousands of dollars during national crises through integrated campaigns spanning social media, email, and targeted PR outreach
Pioneered organization's first crisis response plans following Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, developing scenario-based playbooks, stakeholder communication protocols, and cross-functional coordination systems
Produced high-impact video content with NFL Super Bowl MVP Julian Edelman securing 1M+ views and significant media coverage, demonstrating ability to create press-worthy narratives from organizational initiatives
Launched israel360, an innovative digital engagement platform combining website, podcasts, social media, and live events to facilitate productive conversations on complex topics, attracting thousands of participants
Guided executives on proactive and reactive media strategies, including interview preparation, speech development, and media appearance coaching for regional and national outlets
National Environmental Education Foundation, Washington, D.C.
Director of Communications (Founding Role) | November 2009 - March 2011
Built communications function from ground up for national nonprofit, developing and implementing proactive PR strategies for signature events including Environment Education Week and National Public Lands Day
Secured regional and national press coverage through strategic media relations; established and managed relationships with environmental and mainstream media outlets
Launched and grew social media presence, attracting thousands of new followers through strategic content and engagement tactics
Prepared speeches and talking points for high-profile speakers including EPA Administrator and Fortune 500 executives; produced PSAs and informational videos
Pew Center on the States, Washington, D.C.
Communications Director (electionline.org) | Project Manager | March 2001 - October 2009
Established nationally recognized research and insights brand from concept to industry authority, creating original content combining data analysis with narrative storytelling to position organization as go-to source for election administration expertise
Served as primary spokesperson on election administration, securing appearances on national media including NPR's Fresh Air, CNN, Fox News, NBC Nightly News, Bloomberg, and coverage in major newspapers nationwide
Designed and executed media training 'roadshow' for national reporters ahead of 2008 election, briefing journalists including Jake Tapper, Wolf Blitzer, Washington Post editors, and dozens of news organizations on complex voting procedures
Testified before U.S. Election Assistance Commission and Pennsylvania State Legislature as subject matter expert; authored book chapter for 'Voting in America' and contributed regular articles to Campaigns & Elections Magazine
Built influential relationships with national political press corps, establishing organization's reputation for providing timely, accurate, research-backed information to shape public discourse
CORE SKILLS
Strategic PR Planning & Execution • Media Relations & Press Coverage Generation • Crisis & Issue Management
Executive Communications & Thought Leadership • Internal Communications
Content Creation (Press Releases, Bylines, Op-Eds, Blogs) • Multi-Platform Campaign Development • Event Management
Social Media Strategy • Podcast Hosting, Scripting, and Production • Video/Audio Content • Measurement & Analytics
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Two-time CJP Quarterly Employee Award
Pew Charitable Trusts Quarterly Employee Award
First web-based reporter granted U.S. Senate Press Gallery credentials (pioneering digital journalism recognition)
EDUCATION
Columbia University, New York, N.Y. Master of Science, Journalism
Connecticut College, New London, Conn. Bachelor of Arts, International Relations, Magna Cum Laude
ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Government Affairs Reporter | PlanetGov.com, Virginia | 2000-2001
Lead Political Reporter | Fairfax Journal Newspaper, Virginia | 1998-2000
Director of Communications | Center for Jewish and Christian Values, Washington, D.C. | 1995-1996
Researcher/Writer | Washington Institute for Near East Policy, Washington, D.C. | 1993-1995