Job Description

JOB TITLE: Director of Marketing & Communications (Full-Time)

REPORTS TO: Chief Development & Communications Officer

SCHEDULE: Monday–Friday (9:00am-4:30pm) (Business hours with flexibility; evenings/weekends as needed for key events or time-sensitive communications)

LOCATION: Pasadena, CA (Hybrid / On-site as applicable)

STATUS: Full-Time, 40 hrs/wk, Exempt

DRIVER POSITION: No

SALARY RANGE : $100,000 – $130,000 Annually 

NOTE: To be considered for this position, all applicants must submit a cover letter and portfolio in addition to a resume. The portfolio should demonstrate experience in  marketing, communications, branding, storytelling, or public relations and may include examples such as: Magazines, brochures, or publications, Campaign or brand materials, Writing samples (e.g., articles, press releases, speeches, creative writing pieces), Digital content (web, email, social media, or multimedia assets), or link to an online portfolio or website is acceptable . Portfolios may be submitted as a PDF, presentation, document, or URL and should clearly reflect your role and level of responsibility in the work presented. 

ABOUT US:

At AbilityFirst, we are dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities achieve their personal best. Our mission is to look beyond disabilities, focus on capabilities, and expand possibilities. We believe that strong, clear, and authentic communication is essential to advancing our mission, strengthening community trust, and expanding our impact.

ABOUT THE ROLE :

The  Director of Marketing & Communications provides strategic leadership and execution across organizational marketing, branding, public relations, and communications. This role is responsible for setting direction, developing and implementing integrated communications strategies, and ensuring consistent, compelling messaging across internal and external audiences.

The Director serves as a strategic advisor to senior leadership, partners closely with cross-functional teams, and leads the adoption of AI and emerging technologies to enhance efficiency, quality, and organizational impact.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategy & Planning

• Build and lead an integrated marketing and communications strategy aligned with organizational goals and growth priorities.
• Develop and execute annual communications plans with defined goals, audiences, channels, timelines, and success metrics.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on brand positioning, messaging, reputation management, and public visibility.

Brand Management & Messaging

• Own, protect, and evolve organizational brand standards including voice, visuals, and messaging.
• Translate complex programs, services, and outcomes into clear, audience-specific messaging.
• Ensure consistency across all communications channels including web, print, media, presentations, internal communications, and campaigns.

Content, Digital & Channel Management

• Oversee content strategy and editorial calendars for web, email, social media, press, and publications.
• Guide website content strategy and optimization, including SEO best practices, UX collaboration, and accessibility-conscious design.
• Lead social media strategy, audience growth, engagement planning, and performance tracking.

Public Relations & Media

• Lead public relations strategy including media outreach, pitching, press releases, statements, and relationship management.
• Support crisis and issue communications planning, including drafting talking points and rapid response materials.
• Prepare executive leadership for media opportunities, interviews, and public-facing events.

Campaigns & Storytelling

• Lead major organizational campaigns including awareness, fundraising support, program marketing, and recruitment branding as needed.
• Partner with development and program teams to package impact stories, outcomes, and donor-facing narratives.
• Oversee creative development including copywriting, design direction, and coordination of photo/video assets.

Internal & Executive Communications

• Partner with the Executive Leadership Team to support internal communications that drive alignment, engagement, and organizational culture.
• Develop executive communications including speeches, talking points, presentations, and staff updates.
• Support board-ready messaging, materials, and presentations as appropriate.

Leadership, Project Management & Vendors

• Supervise, mentor, and develop marketing and communications staff.
• Manage contractors, agencies, and vendors including creative, PR, web, brand, and video partners.
• Own departmental workflows, project prioritization, and on-time delivery of initiatives.

Measurement & Optimization

• Define key performance indicators (KPIs) and reporting dashboards across web, email, social, media, and campaign performance.
• Use data and insights to improve messaging, audience targeting, and return on investment.
• Monitor brand sentiment and overall communication effectiveness.

AI & Marketing Technology

• Evaluate and implement marketing and communications tools that improve content creation, workflow efficiency, analytics, and segmentation.
• Establish responsible AI usage standards including quality control, confidentiality, intellectual property protection, and brand voice consistency.

Other Responsibilities

• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the mission and strategic priorities of AbilityFirst.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or a related field required (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in marketing and communications, including leadership ownership of strategy and execution.
• Demonstrated experience in brand management, public relations, digital content, and integrated campaigns (nonprofit experience preferred).
• Exceptional writing and editing skills with the ability to adapt tone for multiple audiences.
• Proven experience managing staff, contractors, and competing priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• Comfort using analytics and marketing tools including CMS platforms, email marketing systems, basic Google Analytics or equivalent metrics, and social media scheduling tools.
• Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills.

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