Director, Marketing & Communications

At San Diego Foundation, we value our diverse and experienced staff who are committed to our mission of improving the quality of life within all of San Diego’s communities. We strive to be an employer of choice, offering a competitive compensation package and a professional and vibrant work environment for those who have a passion for our mission that is carried out every day by providing leadership for effective philanthropy and promoting community solutions.

San Diego Foundation seeks a mission-driven and experienced Director of Marketing & Communications to develop and lead public relations and media relations strategies that generate awareness for SDF’s services, partnerships and community impact and support SDF’s organizational goals. As the lead storyteller for the organization, this role is responsible for building strong media relationships, securing and increasing positive media coverage, developing and coordinating content, and crafting compelling narratives that elevate SDF’s visibility as a philanthropic leader in the region. This individual will collaborate cross-functionally with all departments and lead content development for a wide range of platforms and deliverables to increase SDF visibility, attract donors and fundholders, and enhance partnerships and impact. 

This is a hybrid role with weekly onsite requirements at our San Diego Headquarter Office in Liberty Station.

Essential Responsibilities:

Marketing & Public Relations

• Develop and execute annual marketing & communications plans centered on media relations and outreach, and content strategy and development to support organizational priorities.
• Serve as primary liaison to media outlets - maintaining strong relationships with Tier 1 San Diego print, broadcast and digital contacts.
• Draft and distribute weekly press releases and media advisories and secure positive coverage. Manage SDF’s brand in the media.
• Identify and pitch compelling story angles to elevate awareness of SDF’s services, donors, impact and partnerships.
• Conduct media training for executives, volunteers, and partners, as needed.
• Track and report on earned media value, impressions, and other KPIs to evaluate performance.
• Lead teams of external PR firms.
• Advise executive leadership on media interactions and manage crisis communications.
• Identify and collaborate with internal and external spokespersons, including preparation of media briefs, talking points and Q&A.
• Keep abreast of industry and emerging trends to leverage promotional opportunities.

Content Development & Strategy

• Develop and implement strategic marketing and communications plans to promote SDF, its services and impact.
• Act as lead content strategist and editor for SDF, producing high-impact written materials including blog posts, newsletters, speeches, press releases, direct mail, brochures, letters, reports, PowerPoint decks, and more.
• Ensure consistent messaging and voice across all channels in alignment with SDF’s brand promise and values.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to gather story ideas and identify content opportunities that advance SDF’s fundraising and community impact goals.
• Provide strategic counsel to the VP, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer on marketing and communications initiatives and emerging opportunities.
• Represent SDF at key community events and with strategic partners.
• Manage and develop nominations of awards and nonprofit rating agency profiles to recognize excellence and enhance reputation management.

Management & Administration

• Collaborate cross-functionally with all departments and external partners to identify and support strategic initiatives and organizational goals.
• Supervise and mentor the Video Product Specialist to strategize and develop video content.
• Assist the Digital Communications Specialist with opportunities for social media content.
• Develop and manage project and operations budgets for marketing and communications initiatives.

• Minimum 10 years of experience in communications, marketing, or public relations, including at least 3 years in a leadership role managing strategy and staff.
• Strategic thinker with a track record of developing and executing integrated marketing and communications plans that elevate brand visibility, drive impact, and foster engagement.
• Proven success in securing positive media coverage and cultivating strong relationships with local and national media.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills across platforms and channels.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with high emotional intelligence; proven ability to inspire, motivate, and manage diverse internal and cross-functional teams.
• Crisis communications experience a plus.
• Deep understanding of and connection to the San Diego community preferred.
• Professional demeanor and ability to communicate effectively across all levels of an organization.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with contact management and media monitoring platforms a plus.
• Experience working with volunteers and representing an organization publicly.
• Highly organized, flexible, and thrives in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment.
• Sound judgment in critical decision-making.

Language Skills:

• Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

• Professional, hybrid work environment in San Diego
• Fast-paced work with multi-level distractions
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time at meetings, desk, computer, driving
• Ability to sit at a desk and view a computer screen for up to two hours
• Ability to type using a computer keyboard
• Ability to speak into and use a telephone

• Salaried Exempt: $120,000.00-$140,000.00 (San Diego Foundation is committed to practices that promote pay equity and transparency. Actual offers will be reflective of qualifications, skills and experience, internal equity, alignment with market data, among other relevant factors.)
• Supportive, inclusive company culture; awarded Top Workplace by the San Diego Union Tribune 5 years in a row 
• Flexible 9/80 Alternative workweek schedule, with every other Friday off 
• Hybrid work environment with support for at home office setup 
• 100% Employer paid medical, vision, dental, life, AD&D and long-term disability premiums: 75% Employer-paid premiums for all dependents on your benefits 
• 403B Retirement plan match up to 4% + Annual discretionary contribution 
• Earned Incentive Program 
• 3 weeks of paid time off + 1 additional week off with pay in July for all staff 
• 4-week sabbatical for every 5 years of service 
• 13 paid holidays + 2 paid volunteer days off each year 
• Extended Health Care Time accruing at 2.77 hours per pay period to a cap of 480 hours: use for sick time, family care, and parental leave baby bonding 
• $100 monthly cell and internet reimbursement 
• $75 quarterly gym reimbursement 
• Donor Advised Fund contribution with no minimum and $600 annual match from the Foundation to a nonprofit of your choice 
• Annual service award $100 donation to nonprofit of your choice 

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.