REPORTS TO: Executive Director

TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT: Full time, Non-Exempt

The Position

I Love A Clean San Diego (ILACSD) is seeking a dynamic and creative Director of Communications to lead our marketing and philanthropic efforts in support of our vision for a zero waste, litter-free, and environmentally engaged San Diego. This hybrid role is ideal for a strategic thinker and skilled communicator with a passion for sustainability and community engagement. The Director will oversee ILACSD’s marketing, communications, and development strategies while working cross-functionally to increase visibility, deepen community partnerships, and secure philanthropic support. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in public relations, brand management, and fundraising, particularly in building and sustaining corporate sponsorships and donor relationships. Strong written and verbal communication skills, excellent organizational abilities, and experience managing multiple priorities in a collaborative environment are essential. Experience in a nonprofit setting and comfort with hybrid work models are strongly preferred. This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while helping to shape the voice and future of a well-respected environmental nonprofit.

Areas of Responsibility:

Public Relations and Marketing: 45%

• Develop, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of an annual communications plan in collaboration with the Executive team
• Foster and facilitate public relations opportunities (TV, radio, print media, etc.) including drafting press releases, corresponding with media contacts, securing coverage at ILACSD’s events, media purchases, client meetings, and manage the organization’s media lists
• Direct all marketing production related efforts such as promotional items, printed collateral, multimedia collateral, and direct mail pieces with the Marketing Coordinator
• Analyze marketing data (campaign results, conversion rates, traffic etc.) to develop future marketing strategies
• Cultivate compelling impact stories to share with volunteers, sponsors, media and other stakeholders
• Oversee content development and distribution on all digital platforms, including monthly report generation for tracking and analysis of engagement rates
• Maintain and enhance the organization’s website(s), including future redevelopment projects

Philanthropy/Sponsorships: 30%

• Manage donor services and administrative infrastructure (Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge) including data management systems, research, processes and policies to ensure high standards of donor cultivation, recognition and stewardship
• Develop individual giving campaigns alongside Executive Director, writing and issuing appeals and thank you letters. Monitor and adhere to established policies and industry standards.
• Collaborate with staff and board to grow corporate sponsorship activities including identifying prospects and developing highly competitive proposals for funding
• Oversee timely delivery of corporate sponsorship benefits and recognition
• Cultivate relationships with private, community, and corporate foundations ensuring a strong pipeline of grant proposals

Administrative & Management – 15%

• Staff supervision of two Coordinators (Marketing & Development), including coaching, performance assessment, professional development, workload management, administrative tasks, and hiring
• Outline procedures for various departmental tasks including production and management of the organization’s overall marketing strategy, social media content creation, day-to-day operations, and prep for annual events
• Create and monitor the annual marketing and development budgets
• Report to the Executive Director and serve on the Executive team; contribute to strategic conversations and decisions that advance the organization as a whole

Special Events: 10%

• Lead the event planning committees for ILACSD fundraisers, overseeing all event details from conception to completion, including venue, ticketing and registration, food and drinks, silent auction, staffing, etc.
• Solicit and coordinate additional events including volunteer recognition and donor stewardship events

What Success Looks Like:

• Leads a data-driven communications program grounded in clear metrics, streamlined processes, and a strategic growth plan.
• Elevates ILACSD’s brand through effective messaging and expanded visibility to amplify the organization’s mission and impact
• Enhances donor engagement through improved systems that accurately track giving history, communication touchpoints, and stewardship efforts
• Proactively identifies and cultivates new donors, corporate sponsors, media partners, and subscribers to broaden ILACSD’s reach and support base
• Serves as a strategic partner across all departments, consistently contributing fresh ideas and identifying new opportunities to advance ILACSD’s goals

Core Competencies:

• Outstanding organization and attention to detail
• Effective written and spoken communication for diverse audiences; comfort public speaking to audiences of various sizes both in-person and virtually
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Eager to troubleshoot and work independently to anticipate challenges
• Passion for the environment

Position Requirements:

• Be able and willing to work flexible hours as needed, which may include weekends or evenings
• Reliable transportation; ability and willingness to travel
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook), Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, InDesign,)
• Minimum 3 years of experience in communications, development, or marketing role
• Preferred experience in website and donor management software (Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge or equivalent)
• Ability to pass a background check prior to employment and annually as needed

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• $80,000-$100,000 commensurate with experience
• Mileage reimbursement (current CA reimbursement rate)
• Paid time off (PTO starts at 15 days accrued annually) and generous paid holiday schedule (12 holidays)
• Employer-sponsored health and dental plans (PPO)
• Hybrid in-office/remote work schedule dependent on position
• 403b program with match opportunity after 60 days

I Love A Clean San Diego is a values-driven organization so it’s essential all team members exhibit ILACSD’s following core values and office culture:

Core Values

• Live the mission
• Inspire environmental change
• Value partnerships
• Exhibit positive attitude

Office Culture:

• Communicate openly to ensure collaboration
• Understanding and supportive of each other and the team
• Respect others and value their opinions
• Encourage learning and growth