Senior Communications Manager

San Francisco, CA (On-site)

$110K/yr – $130K/yrSenior LevelFull time

Posted 2 months ago

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Job Summary

Own the strategic, equity-forward leadership of key accounts, turning high-level objectives into integrated campaigns, stewarding budgets and client relationships, and mentoring the team to move from tactical work to strategic outcomes.

  • Drive long-range, integrated communication plans and executive-level client partnerships across diverse communities.
  • Translate strategic objectives into high-impact deliverables, overseeing budgets, risk, and growth opportunities.
  • Mentor and empower the Communications Manager and senior staff to operate as strategic leaders rather than task doers.

Job Description

Responsibilities
  • Strategic Architect: Lead the creation of long-term integrated communication plans, defining the "Why" and "What" of the account strategy rather than the day-to-day scheduling.
  • Organic Account Growth: Proactively identify unstated client needs and potential areas for expanded scope, directly upselling new project work that aligns with the client’s evolving goals.
  • High-Level Practitioner: Maintain high billable utilization by directly authoring complex, high-stakes deliverables (e.g., crisis messaging, strategic proposals, and key campaign frameworks) that require an expert touch.
  • Fiscal Stewardship: Oversee the financial health of assigned accounts. Ensure profitability, approve budget forecasts, and perform the final strategic review of invoices to ensure they reflect the value and scope of work delivered.
  • Trusted Advisor: Act as the primary high-level point of contact for clients, navigating sensitive interactions, proactively anticipating roadblocks, and providing the executive presence needed to resolve complex bottlenecks.
  • Equity-First Oversight: Serve as the final quality gatekeeper to ensure all account deliverables adhere to the agency’s equity standards and resonate authentically with diverse communities.
  • Outcome-Based Delegation: Transition from assigning tasks to assigning outcomes. Provide the Communications Manager with the strategic objective, then empower them to own the execution and project delivery.
  • Capability Building: Actively mentor the Communications Manager and Sr./Communications Associate, coaching them on how to transition from a tactical master to a strategic leader. This includes training them on high-level relationship management and account health forecasting.
  • Strategic Syncs: Lead strategy syncs" with the Communications Manager (focused on account goals, risk mitigation, and growth opportunities) rather than tactical task check-ins.
  • Capacity Forecasting: Monitor the team’s bandwidth from a high level, ensuring the Communications Manager is utilizing resources correctly, while you focus on long-term team health and growth rather than daily scheduling.
Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, English, or related field (advanced degree a plus).
  • 10+ years in PR, Communications, Marketing, Advertising, or Public Affairs — agency experience strongly preferred.
  • 3+ years independently managing client relationships, projects, and cross-functional teams.
  • 3-5 years of coaching and mentoring junior staff.
  • Proven success in developing and executing integrated, equity-centered communication strategies.
  • Deep experience engaging diverse and underrepresented communities and crafting culturally resonant messaging.
  • Strong understanding of DEI principles and how to apply them in communications, marketing, and public engagement.
  • Skilled in stakeholder engagement and community outreach.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Mac), Google Drive, Slack, and project management tools.
  • Experience directing digital communications strategy, including content ecosystems, social media, analytics interpretation, and multimedia storytelling across varied client or campaign contexts is a plus.
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D&A Communications

D&A Communications (D&A) is an equity-first, full-service integrated communications and public relations agency with over 30 years of expertise. Headquartered in San Francisco, D&A serves clients throughout the Bay Area and beyond. Our deep understanding and knowledge about stakeholders and consumers motivations informs strategies that resonate with local communities while our experience with diverse markets enables us to deliver impactful results nationwide.We partner with clients across both the public and private sectors to develop inclusive, culturally relevant communication and engagement strategies. Our work includes designing effective education campaigns, facilitating meaningful community engagement, and building trust with historically underserved communities. In a world where diverse communities make up a significant percentage of the global population and where audiences and consumers come from a wide array of backgrounds, embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion is not just an ethical imperative but a business necessity. At D&A, we understand that equity is the foundation of meaningful connections, and we help our clients move in a direction that reflects and respects the realities of the communities they serve.Guided by research, metrics, and audience feedback, we craft solutions that foster authentic connections and encourage two-way dialogue on issues that matter most. Whether addressing community concerns, launching innovative campaigns, or amplifying organizational impact, D&A empowers clients to build relationships that drive measurable and lasting change.Visit us online at www.davisimpact.com.

Founded in 1996
San Francisco, California, USA
29 employees (16 in marketing)

Traffic Signals

Monthly Visitors
1.8K
Traffic Source Mix
Search
30.3%
Direct
45.6%
Referral
6.5%
Social
16%
Paid
1.4%

Headcount Trend

Current headcount: ~28

Marketing Team

Marketing Team Size
14 (48% of company)
Marketing Roles Posted (Last 30 Days)
1