Marketing & Communications Manager

Full-Time · Exempt$80,000 – $100,000 / year DOESan Diego, CA – Hybrid Schedule

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Position Summary

The Brand & Creative Communications Manager leads the development and execution of Lifeline Community Services public relations, marketing, communications, and community engagement strategies to ensure the organization maintains a positive and prominent presence throughout the community. This position is responsible for advancing brand awareness, strengthening stakeholder engagement, supporting fundraising initiatives, and increasing visibility of Lifeline Community Services mission and impact. The Brand & Creative Communications Manager oversees all internal and external communications, manages marketing campaigns and social media strategy, cultivates media relationships, and collaborates across departments to support organizational goals.

Responsibilities

Strategic Communications & Brand Management

Develop and implement comprehensive public relations, marketing, and communications strategies that align with organizational goals and priorities.
Ensure consistent messaging, branding, and visual identity across all communications channels.
Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries and maintain strong relationships with local and regional media outlets.
Identify and secure media opportunities that elevate awareness of Lifeline and its programs.
Develop and manage annual marketing and communications plans, including campaign calendars, key messaging, and performance metrics.
Monitor industry trends, nonprofit marketing best practices, and emerging communication platforms to enhance organizational outreach.

Content Development & Storytelling

Lead the development of compelling content that highlights the impact of Lifeline, including success stories, donor impact stories, newsletters, annual reports, website content, and fundraising materials.
Research and incorporate relevant statistics, trends, and community data into marketing and communications materials.
Oversee content creation for print, digital, video, and social media platforms.
Ensure all communications accurately reflect the mission, values, and voice of Lifeline.

Digital Marketing & Social Media

Develop and manage Lifeline's digital marketing and social media strategy.
Oversee content planning, creation, scheduling, and engagement across Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, Threads, BlueSky and emerging platforms.
Analyze social media and digital marketing performance and provide recommendations to improve engagement and reach.
Manage website content and oversee updates to ensure accuracy, relevance, and user engagement.
Utilize digital marketing tools, email marketing platforms, and analytics to support awareness and fundraising objectives.

Campaigns, Events & Community Engagement

Lead marketing and promotional efforts for organizational campaigns.
Collaborate with the philanthropy department to develop integrated marketing strategies supporting donor engagement, direct mail appeals, stewardship, and fundraising campaigns.
Build and maintain relationships with community partners, sponsors, and stakeholders to support marketing initiatives and organizational visibility.
Plan, coordinate, and attend events to promote Lifeline and strengthen community engagement.
Oversee event marketing materials, media outreach, photography, videography, and post-event reporting.

Department Leadership & Administration

Manage departmental workflows, project timelines, budgets, vendor relationships, and marketing resources.
Oversee inventory and procurement of branded materials, promotional items, and marketing supplies.
Ensure timely processing and management of departmental invoices, contracts, and vendor agreements.
Track and report on campaign performance, media coverage, community engagement, and marketing outcomes.
Maintain a comprehensive archive of media coverage, advertisements, digital assets, and organizational stories.
Provide guidance and oversight to interns, volunteers, consultants, or support staff as assigned.
Collaborate across departments to ensure alignment of organizational priorities and communications efforts.

Organizational Responsibilities

Represent Lifeline in a professional, positive, and mission-driven manner at all times.
Develop and maintain a thorough understanding of Lifeline's programs, services, and role within the community.
Maintain flexibility in scheduling, including occasional evenings and weekends, to support events, media opportunities, and organizational needs.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Business, or related field required; equivalent experience may be considered.
Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in public relations, marketing, communications, or related field, preferably within a nonprofit organization.
Demonstrated experience developing and implementing strategic marketing and communications plans.
Strong experience managing social media platforms, digital marketing campaigns, and website content.
Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
Proven ability to cultivate media relationships and secure earned media coverage.
Experience with content creation, graphic design platforms, email marketing systems, and analytics tools.
Strong project management, organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with donors, partners, volunteers, staff, youth, and community stakeholders.
Ability to handle sensitive information with professionalism, discretion, diplomacy, and confidentiality.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant marketing and communications software.
Must successfully pass child abuse clearance, fingerprinting, and background checks.
Must possess reliable transportation, a valid driver's license, current vehicle registration, and auto insurance for work-related travel.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision, and life insurance
403b retirement plan
PTO: 0–2 years: 15 paid days off; Sick: 6 paid days off
12 paid holidays plus 2 floating holidays
Employee Assistance Program
Training and education assistance
Flexible spending account
Menu of optional benefits including short-term disability, critical illness, accident, hospitalization, and cancer policy

Interested in This Role?

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