Job Opening: Marketing Communications Manager

REPORTS TO: Director of Development & Community Engagement

POSITION SUMMARY: The Marketing Communications Manager is a key member of the Development department, responsible for driving both fundraising campaign communications and broader organizational marketing efforts across all programs and services. This role will engage in the research, planning, implementation, and evaluation of all activities necessary to build awareness of the Animal Welfare Society’s mission, vision, programs, services, and achievements. Responsible for creation and execution of tactics related to AWS’ fundraising, advertising, marketing, public relations, and community outreach programs across all available platforms.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plays an active role in the AWS management team, modeling and reinforcing the organization’s mission, vision, and core values in all decisions and actions
• Responsible for the development, implementation, and success of a marketing and communications plan ensuring increased visibility and consistent branding for AWS with the public, donors, clients, volunteers, and other key constituencies
• Provides direct supervision to the Marketing & Communications Coordinator; guides and supports in setting objectives, action plans, and achieving goals
• Establishes realistic project plans, timelines, milestones, and success indicators for marketing and communications activities for AWS programs, services, and events
• Conducts trend analysis and provides monthly, annual, and periodic reporting on marketing and communications activities
• Develops content and creative assets for all print and digital channels, including newsletters, fliers, brochures, email campaigns, and social media (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.), with a particular focus on animal-specific content to drive foster, volunteer, and adoption recruitment
• Grows the community and online reach of AWS by monitoring, expanding, and optimizing social media and web engagement across all platforms
• Oversees AWS’ website including content management, SEO (keyword assessment, headline creation, and audience development), technical support, PCI compliance, and supervision of support staff
• Establishes and maintains media and advertising relationships; regularly submits press releases and pitches media stories, including radio, television, print, and online publications
• Represents AWS at public and professional meetings and events as needed, and seeks opportunities for AWS leadership to engage with the community
• Works as part of the Development team to plan and execute fundraising campaigns and promotions, including key initiatives such as Giving Tuesday and annual events to meet annual fundraising goals
• Supports the Development team with grants and donor acknowledgement communications
• Remains knowledgeable and in compliance with AWS Personnel Guidelines, applicable State and Federal laws, and AWS policies and procedures; maintains familiarity with AWS mission, vision and values, programs, and services

EXPERIENCE/ATTRIBUTES DESIRED:     

• Undergraduate marketing/communications degree required
• Minimum five to eight years’ experience in marketing, communications, and PR; fundraising experience preferred
• Strong project management, event management, and organizational skills, as well as personnel management
• Proven website and social media content creation and management skills
• Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Confident public speaker
• Proficient with Adobe Creative Suite, website management software, social media platforms, email marketing platforms (Constant Contact), CRM software (Black Baud/Raiser’s Edge), and Google Suite
• Interest and knowledge of animal welfare-related issues
• Ability to develop and deliver creative content for specific target audiences
• Consistently takes a collaborative approach
• Ability to deal effectively with an ever-changing environment; high degree of flexibility and adaptability
• Ability to use sound judgment when dealing with volunteers, clients, donors, animal-related concerns, and confidential information