Responsibilities

• Serve as steward of the First Descents brand, voice, and messaging across all channels and units.
• Develop and execute an annual integrated communications strategy aligned with organizational and Advancement priorities.
• Establish messaging frameworks for donors, participants, alumni, partners, media and other key audiences.
• Maintain brand standards and support staff in applying them consistently.
• Lead an organization-wide storytelling and editorial strategy; build a consistent pipeline of participant, alumni, donor, staff and partner stories.
• Produce and oversee written, visual and multimedia content; translate program outcomes, research, and organizational learning into clear, credible and emotionally resonant communications; ensure stories are gathered and shared ethically.
• Partner with the Advancement team to develop communications for major gifts, annual/year-end/planned giving, capital initiatives, stewardship and donor impact reporting; create materials that support fundraising and cultivation events; provide messaging for foundation proposals; develop materials for corporate prospecting and partnerships; support online fundraising campaigns; serve as primary contact for marquee fundraising events.
• Lead digital strategy: website, email, social media; oversee editorial calendar; use analytics to improve engagement and conversion; maintain digital platforms.
• Executive communications: support board meetings, develop talking points, presentations, speeches, opinion pieces and social content; internal communications with leaders; crisis communications protocols.
• Team leadership: supervise Marketing and Events Coordinator; manage relationships with designers, writers, photographers, videographers, and PR agencies.

Requirements

• Six or more years of progressive experience in strategic communications, public relations, journalism, marketing or a related field.
• Exceptional writing, editing and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience developing integrated communications strategies.
• Experience producing donor-centered or mission-centered communications.
• Experience managing staff, agencies, freelancers and creative vendors.
• Strong understanding of digital communications, audience engagement and performance analytics.
• Understands donor audiences and the role communications plays in building trust, engagement and long-term philanthropic relationships.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate across departments.

Preferred

• Experience in a nonprofit, oncology healthcare, outdoor recreation or mission-driven organization.
• Familiarity with Salesforce, Account Engagement/Pardot, GA4 and WordPress.
• Experience with crisis and executive communications.
• Competence with Adobe Creative Suite and Canva.
• Demonstrated success securing earned media coverage.
• Understanding of AI impacts and activating appropriate usage.
• Experience communicating research, health information or program impact.

Benefits

• Competitive health benefits
• 4% employer retirement matching
• 25 days of PTO annually
• Paid parental leave
• an annual professional development stipend
• monthly health and wellness stipend
• staff retreats and outings