Director of Marketing & Communications

Position Overview

The Director of Marketing & Communications role is an exciting opportunity to serve as a leader of communication and public relations for one of the oldest animal welfare organizations in the country. In this role, you will be the primary brand ambassador and marketing leader for East Bay SPCA—developing and implementing a comprehensive marketing and communications plan that supports brand awareness, fundraising, and operational revenue goals.

East Bay SPCA is a 501(c)3 non-profit committed to the welfare of dogs and cats in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Our mission is to transform the lives of cats and dogs by enriching the human-animal bond through respected and accessible expertise. For more information, please visit our website at www.eastbayspca.org.

Location: Oakland and Dublin, as needed

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage East Bay SPCA’s internal and external marketing and communication programs to ensure strategic and consistent messaging of the organization’s mission, identity, and value to the community.
• Ideate actionable strategies to target marketing efforts that increase operational revenue and philanthropic support.
• Serve as lead for publicity of East Bay SPCA events, programs and services, media partnerships, sponsorships, and strategic ad and content placements.
• Lead and collaborate with the marketing team on the development of brand-driven, engaging, and meaningful content for multi-channel communications.
• Support fundraising efforts through corporate campaigns and sponsorships, including developing press releases to support grant funding requests and update reports.
• Manage the marketing program’s annual budget, including RFPs, project bids, vendor contracts, invoices, budget reports, cost analyses, and projections.
• Coordinate all internal and external communications and crisis management in collaboration with Executive Leadership, including media interviews, press releases, and pitching relevant stories.
• Lead the marketing team in promoting the annual gala and other events at both Oakland and Dublin facilities.
• Partner with philanthropy to solicit corporate sponsorship with a goal of $500k annually.
• Directly manage staff within the Marketing Department.

Required Qualifications

• 5 to 8 years of professional, supervisory experience in marketing, advertising, and/or public relations.
• Experience managing and mentoring a marketing team of 3-5 individuals while fostering collaboration and professional growth.
• Exceptional communication skills, both verbally and in writing, with a strong grasp of current communications trends, methods, and technology.
• Proven experience in developing, executing, managing, and evaluating strategic marketing and communications plans that drive revenue and fundraising results.
• Demonstrated ability to elevate brand presence through strategic storytelling, consistent messaging, and innovative marketing campaigns.
• Expertise in website content management and utilization of digital media, social media platforms, and other online communication tools—including creative design software and social media management tools.
• Strong analytical skills to evaluate campaign performance, market trends, and customer insights.
• Adept at building and nurturing partnerships to amplify brand visibility and drive collaborative marketing opportunities.
• High proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience managing and developing paid advertising campaigns and social media ads.
• Work experience in the nonprofit sector is preferred.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a high degree of professionalism.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the initiative to creatively improve efficiencies and outcomes.
• Availability to work evenings, early mornings, weekends, and respond to press inquiries as needed.
• Completion of pre-employment background and drug screening; reliable transportation with a valid CA driver’s license and proof of insurability.

Preferred Qualifications

• A strong commitment to the mission of East Bay SPCA.
• Direct employment experience in a nonprofit Marketing/Development department.
• Demonstrated diplomacy, tact, and discretion.
• Resourcefulness in setting priorities, proposing efficiencies, and guiding staff and systems.
• Proven results in collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to thrive in a culturally and ethnically diverse environment with a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Capacity to work under pressure and adapt to changing priorities with good judgment and flexibility.
• A self-starter mentality with the aptitude to quickly create a positive network of relationships.
• Excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail while achieving overall goals.
• Strong listening and strategic thinking abilities.
• A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with high energy and a hands-on approach.
• High ethical standards for self and team.
• Inspirational, creative, visionary, and compassionate tendencies.
• A consistently positive daily work attitude.

Benefits & Perks

• Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being and future of our employees.
• Fully covered medical and dental benefits with optional vision coverage.
• A 401(K) Retirement Plan with a 3% company contribution, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Generous paid time off starting at 120 hours per year, increasing over time, plus 80 paid holiday hours annually and an additional personal holiday after one year.
• Extra perks such as the Pets at Work Program, waived pet adoption fees, discounted veterinary care, and behavior/training classes.
• Up to $75/month public transit/vanpool commuter reimbursement and various industry discounts, including Pet Food Express.