Director of Marketing & Communications (Full-Time)

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

REPORTS TO: Chief Development & Communications Officer

SCHEDULE: MondayFriday (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: $100000 $130000 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:

• Bachelors degree in Marketing Communications Journalism or a related field required (Masters 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 To request a reasonable accommodation or exemption please get in touch with HR at the same email address. Its 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 drivers 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 individuals employment application and resume. See instructions on obtaining your driving record below:

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 employees introductory period. In no way does the expiration of this introductory period change the fact that all employees are at-will. It is the supervisors 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 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