Director of Marketing and Communications

About the Role

Our client, a prominent mission-driven nonprofit organization based in Houston, TX, is seeking a Director of Marketing and Communications. This leadership position is responsible for crafting and implementing comprehensive marketing and communication strategies that enhance organizational awareness and support resource development. The role involves leading cross-functional teams, serving as a liaison across departments, managing the department's annual budget, and tracking key performance metrics.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, manage, and execute ongoing public relations and marketing strategies to protect and promote the organization's reputation.
• Develop an in-depth understanding of the organization’s mission, culture, history, stakeholders, programs, goals, and financial status.
• Provide expertise in written and verbal communications including media relations, program communications, community engagement, advertising, marketing, and social media.
• Support executive leadership with messaging, presentations, and spokesperson duties.
• Create proactive media relations strategies and maintain strong media outlet relationships.
• Prepare a comprehensive communications work plan covering media relations, web media, graphic design, print, and video content throughout the year.
• Monitor local to national media coverage of issues related to the Houston community.
• Serve as a thought leader in external communications and stay updated on relevant trends and best practices.
• Author and distribute press materials such as backgrounders, press releases, tip sheets, and advisories to foster positive media coverage.
• Lead strategies and execution for organizational website and social media platforms.
• Ensure all public relations and marketing outputs meet organizational standards in writing, editing, design, and production quality.
• Oversee photography and videography efforts for the organization.
• Deliver excellent customer service in responding to requests and through high-quality communication products.
• Identify opportunities for the organization to share its messages with the broader community.
• Develop and maintain crisis communication plans to ensure effective messaging during emergencies.
• Lead cross-departmental teams in implementing communication strategies.
• Maintain complete compliance with policies related to marketing and communications, especially concerning privacy and information release.
• Respond promptly to media inquiries and information requests.
• Track and report departmental metrics accurately and in a timely manner.

Supervisory Duties

• Manage a team of two or more staff members by providing guidance, oversight, and development opportunities.
• Define and maintain clear roles, responsibilities, and expectations within the team.
• Conduct performance management activities to support staff growth and handle related administrative tasks.
• Manage hiring processes, work assignment, problem resolution, and support cross-functional project teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related discipline.
• Between 7 to 10 years of experience in marketing, branding, or communications.
• Proven track record in a Director of Communications role, preferably within a complex organizational environment.