Sr Director of Marketing and Communications

About the position

The Senior Director of Communications and Marketing leads United Way of King County's strategy to inform, inspire, and mobilize. Responsible for overseeing the organization's brand, public presence, and marketing efforts, this role ensures that every communication reflects our mission and values, centers equity, and moves people to act. As a key member of the Engagement Leadership Team and a close advisor to the Chief Philanthropy Officer, the Senior Director plays a critical role in shaping how the organization is perceived by the public, donors, media, partners, and internal stakeholders. This role drives cross-functional alignment, develops cohesive and forward-thinking communications strategies, and ensures the team delivers best-in-class content, campaigns, and engagement experiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of a long-term communications and marketing strategy that builds brand awareness, drives donor engagement, supports program success, and enhances organizational credibility.
• Articulate a clear, compelling narrative that conveys what United Way of King County does, why it matters, and how people can contribute to meaningful change.
• Translate complex issues and data into accessible, human-centered stories and campaigns.
• Serve as a strategic partner and trusted advisor to the Chief Philanthropy Officer, CEO, and other senior leaders on matters of reputation, positioning, and crisis communications.
• Supervise and support a team of content creators, marketers, and communications professionals and annual team fundraisers across digital, design, multi-channel giving appeals including online giving and brand functions.
• Set clear goals, develop team capacity, and promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, creativity, and racial equity.
• Champion a shared vision and integrated approach to engagement across the full Engagement Team-working in sync with Annual Fund, Major Gifts, Institutional Giving, Workplace Giving, Storytelling and Events.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of multi-channel marketing and communications campaigns-including fundraising appeals, advocacy initiatives, community events, and public awareness efforts.
• Lead brand governance and evolution, ensuring consistency in messaging, visual identity, and tone across all platforms and materials.
• Provide creative direction for video, social, web, print, and email content that drives both emotion and action.
• Manage relationships with external vendors, agencies, and media outlets to support campaign amplification and strategic partnerships.
• Define success metrics and use analytics to evaluate campaign performance, audience engagement, and overall communications effectiveness.
• Continuously optimize messaging and strategy based on data, trends, and community feedback.
• Develop and manage the communications and marketing budget, allocating resources to maximize ROI and impact.

Requirements

• Demonstrated understanding of social and racial justice and equity, with a proven commitment to apply racial and economic justice lenses in both personal and workplace contexts.
• Lived experience and/or demonstrated professional skills working within a diverse work environment.
• Proven thorough knowledge of marketing communications development, delivery systems, design and communications theory; and print and video production.
• Demonstrated leadership, coaching, customer service, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven excellent presentation, written, and verbal communication and skills.
• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize, balance production schedules, and meet deadlines.
• Proven competence with Information Systems, the Internet and databases, and solid skills with MS Office.
• Proven strong organizational and analytical skills, editing, design, and art direction skills.
• Demonstrated creativity and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated supervisory skills including training, conflict resolution, and negotiation skills.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• 32 days of PTO (including holidays)
• 403(b) retirement savings plan
• Subsidized Transit Pass (Orca Card)