Director of Marketing and Communications

The Director of Marketing & Communications is responsible for developing and executing a marketing and communications strategy that elevates the visibility, reputation, and impact of the nonprofit. This role drives storytelling, media coverage, and brand recognition across local, regional, and national markets, positioning the organization as a leader in its field.

The Director will also play a critical role in supporting fundraising initiatives and events, creating campaigns and communication strategies that strengthen donor and board engagement, corporate partnerships, and philanthropic investment.

In addition to developing a brand's image and maintaining the desired public perception of that brand as part of the organization’s marketing strategy, the Director of Marketing and Communications is responsible for expanding the brand to new audiences.

This includes ensuring other business activities and executive initiatives align with the brand image as well as modifying the brand to reposition the organization within its respective industry space.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy to expand awareness and strengthen brand reputation locally, regionally, and nationally.
• Position the organization as a thought leader by securing opportunities for high-level visibility through media, conferences, and partnerships.
• Advise the CEO and leadership team on communications strategies that enhance credibility and reach.

Media & Brand Visibility

• Build relationships with media outlets, journalists, and influencers to secure consistent, high-profile coverage in print, digital, and broadcast platforms.
• Proactively pitch stories to major periodicals, newspapers, and magazines that highlight the organization’s mission, leadership, and impact.
• Oversee crisis communications and ensure the organization’s reputation is protected and enhanced.

Marketing & Storytelling

• Create and manage campaigns that communicate the organization’s story in compelling ways to donors, partners, and the public.
• Oversee content development for press releases, newsletters, donor reports, annual reports, speeches, podcasts, and social media.
• Maintain brand integrity while scaling creative materials for wider reach.

Fundraising & Event Support

• Partner with the Development team to design communication strategies and collateral for fundraising campaigns and events.
• Support special events, galas, and donor initiatives with marketing materials, promotional campaigns, and media outreach.
• Produce donor-facing content that inspires giving and highlights organizational impact.

Management & Collaboration

• Lead and mentor marketing and communications staff, interns, and consultants/vendors.
• Work closely with development, program, and leadership teams to align messaging and ensure consistent storytelling.
• Manage budgets and vendor relationships to maximize the impact of marketing and communications investments.
• Manage volunteer-based and in-kind creative partnerships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 7–10 years of experience in marketing, communications, or media relations, with a strong record of securing high-profile media coverage.
• Demonstrated success in placing stories across print, online, and broadcast media outlets.
• Proven ability to craft and pitch compelling narratives that resonate with journalists, donors, and the public.
• Experience supporting nonprofit fundraising campaigns and events with creative communications strategies.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Leadership and team management experience.
• Passion for the mission of the organization and a commitment to equity, inclusion, and community impact