Director, Marketing & Communications

DIRECTOR, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

• Department: External Relations
• Classification: Full-Time
• FLSA: Exempt
• Reports to: VP, External Relations
• Travel: 20% Commitment
• Salary: $110,000 - $120,000
• Location: Remote

About Us

The mission of LeadersUp is to empower the next generation of inclusive leaders to build an antiracist economy.  We aim to position the organization as a market-leading intermediary that amplifies the experiences, expectations, and needs of BIPOC young adults to facilitate cross-sector collaboration that drives practice/systems change across industry, educational systems, and the talent development community.  

Position Summary

As the Director of Marketing & Communications at LeadersUp, you will play a pivotal role within the External Relations team, spearheading the organization’s marketing, communications, and creative endeavors and crafting strategies that elevate awareness of our mission and services, all while maintaining a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. You will be responsible for guiding branding efforts, content production, and media relations to magnify our impact and engage stakeholders in fostering an antiracist economy.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate expert competencies in strategic planning and alignment, data-driven decision-making, market research and analysis, and communication influence. This role reports directly to the VP, External Relations and includes a travel commitment of up to 20%, locally, statewide, or nationally.

We prefer candidates who are local to California. However, we encourage candidates from all across the U.S. to apply.

Essential Duties

Marketing & Communications

• Develop and execute comprehensive marketing and communications strategies to effectively broadcast LeadersUp’s mission, portfolios, and initiatives to our target audiences.
• Oversee media relations efforts, building and maintaining connections with journalists and influencers, orchestrating story pitches, and arranging interviews to secure positive media exposure and enhance organizational visibility.
• Monitor and evaluate key performance indicators and feedback, leveraging data market research, and insights to refine marketing and communications strategies and enhance their effectiveness.
• Collaborate closely with internal departments to ensure that marketing and communications efforts are seamlessly integrated with organizational objectives, aiding stakeholder engagement and advocacy campaigns.
• Lead the Creative Services team, ensuring branding and visual identity align with the overarching organizational aesthetic, direct the development of designs, and collaborate with Designers to establish and implement standard operating procedures for streamlined use and seamless asset creation. 
• Remain abreast of the latest industry trends, best practices, and technological advancements in marketing and communications, applying this knowledge to drive innovation and amplify strategy impact.
• ​​Performs other related duties as assigned.

Design & Delivery

Each role within our organization contributes its unique expertise and skill sets to the successful deployment of LeadersUp’s service architecture. By leveraging our diverse talents and perspectives, we ensure that our strategies and initiatives are innovative, impactful, and inclusive. The following key responsibilities outline how every team member participates in the Design & Delivery of our products and services:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and refine initiatives within each portfolio, bringing role-specific insights to enhance service effectiveness and reach.
• Participate in the implementation and contribute to the continuous improvement of portfolio projects and strategies, applying specialized skills and knowledge and offering feedback and suggestions based on role-specific observations and expertise.
• Support the measurement and evaluation of portfolio outcomes, assisting in the collection and analysis of data to inform strategy and decision-making.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervises employees within the department(s).
• Indirectly supervises employees within the department(s).
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.  

Competencies

• Strategic Marketing & Communications Leadership
• Effective Media & Public Relations 
• Project Management
• Brand Development & Management
• Data-Driven Analysis & Decision-Making
• Digital & Print Media Design & Implementation
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Teamwork
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
• Ethics

Qualifications, Capabilities & Experience

• 8-10 years of experience developing and implementing cross-sectoral marketing, communications, and creative strategies, preferably in the non-profit sector. Years of experience can be applied through a combination of education and full-time, part-time, internship, and/or freelance positions.
• Demonstrated leadership and project management prowess, with a history of leading diverse teams and managing multiple projects concurrently.
• Exceptional writing and verbal communication abilities, adept at creating persuasive content tailored to a variety of audiences.
• Strategic insight and creativity in developing and implementing engaging marketing campaigns that boost awareness, engagement, and support for the organization’s mission.
• Proficiency in creative software, UX design, and digital marketing tools and platforms, including expertise in social media management, email marketing, and web content management systems.
• A deep-rooted commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, paired with dedication to advancing antiracist practices and supporting economic empowerment for marginalized communities.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Occasionally required to stand.
• Continually required to sit.
• Continually required to talk or hear.
• Continually required to utilize hand and finger dexterity.
• Occasional exposure to outside weather conditions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but may vary from time to time.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 25 pounds.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job.  It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements.  Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Due to a high volume of applications received, only successful candidates will be contacted.

LeadersUp offers a competitive salary alongside a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, including: 

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage, and 80% coverage for spouses.
• Basic life insurance with $25,000 coverage.
• Optional employee-paid voluntary benefits through Aflac and Metlife.
• Generous time-off policy that includes 48 hours of sick time annually, 10 days of paid vacation each year in the first two years, and 17 paid holidays, including a holiday break from December 24th to January 1st. 
• Paid parental leave up to 75% of the employee's salary for up to 12 weeks.
• Additional perks include a work-from-home setup, a 9/80 work schedule, access to FSA, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), annual team retreats, opportunities for professional development, a 401(k) plan, and the chance to work with a dedicated team committed to making a difference in underserved communities.