Director of Marketing & Communications

Position: Director of Marketing and Communications

Reports to: Chief Development Officer

Location: Office Location in Santa Clara County, serving Northern CA  

Type: Exempt, Hybrid (Primarily in-person)

Compensation: $115,000 - $140,000 Annually

ABOUT HOMEFIRST

Established in 1980, HomeFirst™ is a nonprofit organization passionately working to end homelessness. We serve the Bay Area community through low-barrier programming and systems leadership – meeting each person where they are by offering support and resources that address immediate and long-term housing needs. With 45 years of experience, we view housing as a fundamental human right and understand that solving homelessness requires a collaborative effort.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Director of Marketing & Communications (DMC) will create and oversee a wholistic, tactical strategic communications plan that positions HomeFirst as the premier homelessness services organization in the Bay Area and drives engagement with key stakeholders: those we serve, partners, funders, donors, staff, and the public; that establishes members of executive and senior management as thought leaders in the field; and that fulfills organizational and departmental marketing and communications needs. The Director will manage a small team and work cross-functionally to align messaging with HomeFirst’s development goals, ensuring consistent storytelling and branding across all platforms.

MarCom is part of the Fund Development Office, which is forward-facing with an external focus. As organization representatives, team members must have exceptional communications skills. A successful candidate in this role has strong written and verbal communication skills. They must be a brand ambassador for the organization and motivate others to align with strategic initiatives and serve at their highest capacity.  HomeFirst is a diverse company in a diverse field and seeks a Director of Marketing & Communications who wants to work with people from diverse backgrounds.

For more information, please visit https://www.homefirstscc.org/.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

The position reports to the Chief Development Officer and works in concert with the Associate Director of Development, the Director of Community Engagement, the Grants Manager, Events Manager, and Stewardship Manager. The Fund Development Office also includes six Community Engagement Coordinators as well as three staff members who report to the DMC: Program Communications Officer, Marketing Strategy Officer, and Digital Content Manager.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Marketing Strategy and Execution
   • • • Develop and implement a strategic, integrated marketing and communications plan that is tied to overall organizational growth priorities, including key outcome metrics.
       • Develop and implement campaigns that increase awareness of HomeFirst’s programs and services and that ensure HomeFirst is acknowledged as a key player in the field of homelessness and that the CEO, other executives, and members of senior leadership are considered thought leaders in the field.
       • Monitor and analyze marketing initiative performance and adjust strategies accordingly.
2. Content Creation and Brand Management
   • • • Oversee the creation of high-quality content, including newsletters, press releases, social media posts, videos, a website overhaul, and website updates.
       • Protect and enhance the organization’s brand identity, ensuring all communications adhere to established guidelines and reflect organizational values.
       • Create a content library of impactful participant stories while maintaining their dignity and privacy and when applicable, involve participants in the sharing of their own stories.
3. Community Engagement and Public Relations
   • • • When applicable, act as a spokesperson for the agency.
       • Build and maintain relationships with media outlets, partners, and stakeholders to ensure consistent, positive coverage of HomeFirst, our services, staff, and participants.
       • Organize and promote community events to foster support for the agency’s mission.
4. Fundraising and Donor Communication
   • • • Support the creation of Donor-Centric marketing and communications materials.
       • Support the implementation of campaigns to grow, retain, and reactivate donor base.
       • Develop creative, compelling case statements and impact reports.
       • Ensure storytelling effectively highlights participant impact, community partnerships, and donor contributions.
5. Leadership and Team Collaboration
   • • • Supervise and mentor marketing and communications staff, fostering professional growth and ensuring high-quality work.
       • Work closely with appropriate internal partners to align marketing efforts with organizational and departmental goals.
       • Stay informed about industry trends and best practices in nonprofit marketing.
       • Develop metrics to measure and report out on marketing and communication efficacy.
       • Model HomeFirst values within the agency and the broader community.

COMPETENCIES

• Excellence: Commits to high achievement by setting personal standards of excellence, driving results, and continuously improving performance while fostering team success and organizational goals.
• Collaboration: Works effectively to build strong relationships, foster open communication, and create a cohesive and high-performing team.
• Diversity & Inclusion: Cultivates an inclusive environment that values and respects the social identities of all individuals, creating space for authenticity and equity.
• Managing Performance: Ensures team goals are met by proactively addressing concerns, providing guidance, and fostering accountability to achieve desired outcomes.
• Empowering & Developing Others: Delegates authority confidently, provides the freedom for individual styles, and offers recognition and constructive feedback to develop team members effectively.
• Managing Change: Leads teams through organizational shifts by positively guiding others, encouraging adaptability, and aligning priorities with the agency’s mission.
• Risk Management: Evaluates and mitigates risks in operational and strategic areas, prioritizes safety, and raises concerns to address potential issues proactively.
• Technical Expertise: Maintains a high level of skill and knowledge relevant to the role, staying adaptable and current in their field.
• Customer Service: Understands the needs and goals of both internal and external stakeholders, working collaboratively to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Planning and Organizing: Develops and adheres to efficient workflows, ensuring deadlines and processes are streamlined for maximum effectiveness.
• Critical Thinking: Approaches challenges with a logical, systematic, and thoughtful methodology to effectively navigate complex situations and make informed decisions.

BENEFITS

HomeFirst provides comprehensive benefits, including 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage and additional wellness options like chiropractic care, mental health support, pet insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program. We offer a 401(k)-retirement plan with generous matching, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, and workers’ compensation. Employees enjoy 12 holidays, sick leave, and PTO starting at 15 days annually, increasing with tenure, plus 4 hours of civic engagement leave annually to volunteer.

ORGANIZATIONAL EQUITY STATEMENT

At HomeFirst, diversity, equity, and inclusion guide our services, workplace, and decisions. Recognizing housing as a social justice issue, we prioritize equitable practices, honor lived experiences, and uphold dignity for all. By fostering belonging, accountability, and continuous improvement, we embed DEI values in our processes, recruitment, and leadership, striving for excellence at every level.

HomeFirst is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. Additionally, HomeFirst participates in the E-Verify program, as required by law.

HomeFirst is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please let your recruiter know.

HomeFirst takes pride in its safety values, the wellness of our team, and respect for everyone we serve. Due to this commitment, HomeFirst is mandating that all employees be vaccinated or render a religious or medical exemption effective September 13, 2021.

YOU HAVE (QUALIFICATIONS)

• 5-7 years of progressively responsible marketing, communications, and/or public relations experience, preferably in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization.
• A proven ability to deliver a multi-dimensional communications and marketing program aimed at delivering unified and consistent messages across all key constituencies, to manage multiple projects, and to meet deadlines.
• Strong storytelling.
• A service leadership style with a collaborative approach.
  • • • Aptitude with digital marketing tools, social media platforms, and content management systems as well as Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite
      • Ability to travel throughout San Francisco Bay Area, including overnight.
      • Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.
• Lived Experience with homelessness or a deep understanding of homelessness.
• Experience working with remote locations.
• Proficiency in performance management practices and coaching techniques.