Isaac J. Montes

About Isaac J. Montes

I am a purpose-driven leader with 25 years of experience shaping narrative, partnerships, and growth strategies across Fortune 100 companies, global nonprofits, government, and the UN.I help organizations translate complex systems into influence, capital, and measurable impact by aligning narrative, stakeholders, and strategy.Across my career, I have built and led cross-functional teams, advised executive leadership, and driven initiatives generating more than $250M in revenue, funding, and operational savings. My work spans corporate, nonprofit, and multilateral institutions–including Nike and the UN–with experience across 30+ industries and 25+ countries.I bring a systems-thinking approach to leadership–helping organizations navigate complexity while strengthening storytelling, stakeholder alignment, and long-term growth.I am a proud first-generation Cuban-American and college graduate. MBA, MA. LGBTQ+.

Experience

1. Director, Communications

   Hacienda Community Development Corp. Cdc

   May 2025 — Present · Portland, OR, US

   I lead enterprise-wide communications strategy for a Latino-led social enterprise with a $14M operating budget and $70M in assets. I serve on the Leadership Team, reporting to the COO and advising the CEO on brand, narrative, media relations, and external affairs strategy to drive growth, influence perception, and strengthen organizational positioning.• Orchestrated the multi-channel launch of the FY25–28 Strategic Plan, reaching stakeholders and aligning internal and external audiences around a unified vision• Directed high-stakes communications for organizational restructuring, ensuring message discipline and successfully mitigating reputational risk• Increased earned media coverage by 50% YoY, including securing top-tier placements in the Portland Business Journal and recognition among the region’s most transformational projects• Led end-to-end strategy and execution for Hacienda’s flagship Gala—spanning communications, marketing, event production, and stakeholder engagement—selling out (457 attendees) and generating $421K gross (+12% YoY) and $221K net (+29% YoY), featuring Dolores Huerta• Led integrated communications for major initiatives and events (e.g, El Nido groundbreaking), exceeding attendance targets by 55% and generating multi-outlet media coverage• Secured selection into Capital One’s national pro bono branding initiative (estimated $50K value) by authoring the winning proposal; advancing enterprise brand positioning, refining value proposition, and strengthening market differentiation• Expanded digital and owned channels, achieving +19% website growth (QoQ), 565+ new subscribers, and 11.5% LinkedIn engagement (4x industry benchmark)• Built and institutionalized communications infrastructure, including editorial strategy, storytelling systems, and executive media training to increase organizational capacity and message consistency

Education

• New York University

  Certificate, Digital Marketing

• Brandeis University

  Master of Arts, Sustainable International Development

• Brandeis University

  Master of Business Administration, Marketing Specialization

• University of Miami

  Bachelor of Arts, International Relations and Affairs; Minor in Spanish

• Project Management Institute

  Certificate, Project Management Professional (PMP)