Director of Marketing & Communications (Full-Time) at AbilityFirst

Pasadena, California, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

01 May, 26

Salary

130000.0

Posted On

31 Jan, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Marketing, Communications, Brand Management, Public Relations, Digital Content, Campaign Management, Storytelling, Writing, Editing, Analytics, SEO, Social Media, Project Management, Leadership, Stakeholder Management, AI

Industry

Non-profit Organizations

Description

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. Requirements 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. SPECIAL CONDITIONS: Mandated Reporting Requirements: The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment. COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements: Effective August 9, 2021, the State Health Officer has mandated that all workers, paid or unpaid, in homeless services organizations must provide proof of vaccination. If eligible for a booster shot, proof of booster is also required. If not fully vaccinated, weekly COVID-19 testing is necessary depending on the program. Please submit proof of vaccination to HRsupport@abilityfirst.org. To request a reasonable accommodation or exemption, please get in touch with HR at the same email address. It's important to note that these accommodations are limited. Driver Positions: Applicants are required to provide a copy of their driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles, along with a copy of their valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. Job offers are contingent upon a satisfactory driving record. Examples of an unsatisfactory driving record include: Suspended or revoked license Three or more moving violations in the past 36 months Any violations, including drugs, alcohol, controlled substances, within the past 24 months Reckless driving, including hit and runs, within the past 24 months At fault accidents, resulting in fatality or serious injury, within the past 5 years The motor vehicle record will need to include a review of all states listed on the individual's employment application and resume. See instructions on obtaining your driving record below: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/customer-service/request-vehicle-or-driver-records/online-driver-record-request/ For driver positions, driving is an essential job function and cannot be reasonably accommodated, employment may be discontinued. NOTE: All staff members will be considered introductory employees for the first three months of employment and will not be considered regular employees until the conclusion of this period. Ability First reserves the right to extend an employee’s introductory period. In no way does the expiration of this introductory period change the fact that all employees are at-will. It is the supervisor’s responsibility to orient the employee and to communicate the expectations of the supervisor and Ability First, as well as to evaluate whether the employee has the necessary level of skill, job knowledge, motivation, and attitude to become a regular member of the Ability First staff. New employees are also encouraged to seek guidance and assistance during this period. Employees who fail to demonstrate the expected commitment, performance and attitude may be terminated at any time during the introductory period. However, completion of the introductory period does not change or alter the “at-will” employment status. Employees continue to have the right to terminate their employment/business relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, and Ability First has the same right. The organization, in its sole discretion, may change the job duties, responsibilities and assignments of any position, at any time. BENEFITS & PERKS: Ability First offers a competitive benefit package including comprehensive health coverage, 403b with agency contribution, and vacation/sick time. We also offer unique perks including weekly meditation/mindfulness and professional development opportunities that are tailored to your individual career growth. EEO STATEMENT: All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Ability First does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law. Ability First is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. In addition, the organization will consider employment-qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring. Please include references in your application

Responsibilities

The Director of Marketing & Communications provides strategic leadership and execution across organizational marketing, branding, public relations, and communications. This role involves developing and implementing integrated communications strategies and ensuring consistent messaging across audiences.