Turning strategy
into action
for mission-driven teams
Headway Communications gives nonprofits and mission-driven companies the visibility, funding, and supporter engagement they need — steady, meaningful results without a full-time hire.
Founder
Nancy Levesque
The communicator behind the mission
I bring clarity to ambiguity. Whether rebuilding a communications department from scratch, launching a national PSA, or translating complex tech policy into accessible messaging, I connect the dots and keep teams aligned.
As Senior Director of Communications at the Future of Privacy Forum, I rebuilt the entire communications program — growing media placements by 90% and social engagement by 47% in under three years. At Fight Colorectal Cancer, I led a full rebrand, website overhaul, and national PSA that reached 10 million people and earned two national design awards.
Earlier in my career, I scripted a PSA for the First Lady of the United States on the importance of summer reading.
Today I consult with mission-driven clients on communications strategy, PR, executive visibility, and storytelling that moves people to act.
Three ways to gain headway
Strategic Communications
Strategy that drives organizational priorities, messaging development, advocacy and fundraising campaigns, communications audits, and giving your story shape and life.
Content & Digital
Content strategy, email marketing, organic social media strategy and implementation, editorial calendars, and compelling donor and stakeholder communications.
AI Workflows
AI workflow set-ups for communications teams for media monitoring, shared prompt libraries, and brand messaging resources to keep everyone on the same page.
Get Unstuck.
Bring me your biggest communications hurdle and leave with a clear next step. No sales pitch. No pressure. Just 30 minutes to help you move forward.
Pick the partnership that fits
The Catalyst
Project-based
Strategic communications projects with clear outcomes and timelines. Fundraising and advocacy campaigns, messaging frameworks, crisis communications, or defined projects that need senior-level attention. Includes discovery, strategy development, hands-on execution, and actionable next steps.
Best for: Organizations with specific campaigns or communications challenges that need expert attention.
The Comms Counsel
Monthly Retainer
A senior communications partner — not a vendor to manage. 15+ years of nonprofit communications leadership, available for the biggest decisions and everyday strategic guidance. Senior judgment without the senior salary.
Best for: Organizations with communications teams that need a leader and strategist, or are growing past a one-person operation.
The Embedded Director
Monthly Retainer
Communications director-level leadership without the overhead costs. Owns strategy, executes it, and iterates like a full-time director — with cross-organizational experience, media relationships, and no benefits costs.
Best for: Organizations without a communications leader or in between hires.
Sliding scale pricing available for organizations with annual operating budgets under $500,000.
Contact us to discuss options that work for your budget.
Case studies in mission-driven impact
In their own words
"Nancy is one of those rare communicators who can move seamlessly between big-picture strategy and the day-to-day work it takes to execute it. She keeps every project on message, on time, and moving forward — even when the path isn't clear."
— VP of AI, Tech Advocacy Nonprofit
"Nancy has been a trusted advisor to me on navigating the comms landscape in the US especially, and her hunches around messaging and communications strategies — the true mark of her experience — are on point."
— International Communications Partner
"Nancy brought our organization's mission to life in ways we hadn't imagined. Her instinct for storytelling and her mastery of earned media made a real difference in our visibility and our impact on patients and advocates."
— Cancer Advocacy Organization