Senior Manager, Marketing and Communications

Company Description and Workplace Culture

Established in 1889, The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation supports the Free Library of Philadelphia as a center for learning and opportunity in every neighborhood, for every Philadelphian. Together, the Library and the Foundation enrich the lives of citizens by encouraging civic dialogue, cultural engagement, community participation, and the free exchange of ideas.

Summary/objective

The Senior Manager, Marketing and Communications is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive communications strategy that advances the mission, visibility, and philanthropic impact of the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation. This role leads the Foundation’s brand stewardship, storytelling, and audience engagement across all channels to deepen public awareness, inspire donor support, and strengthen connections between the Foundation, the Free Library of Philadelphia, and the communities they serve.

Working closely with Foundation leadership, development staff, and the Free Library of Philadelphia, the Senior Manager translates the Library’s programs, services, and impact into compelling narratives that support fundraising, community engagement, and institutional reputation. This position serves as a strategic partner to the President and advancement team, ensuring consistent, mission-driven messaging that elevates the Foundation’s role as a champion for learning, access, and opportunity for all Philadelphians.

Work Location: Hybrid – three days per week, two of the three required days occurring on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Salary Range - $72,000 - $77,000

Travel required

• As needed to libraries, programming sites and event locations

Essential functions

Brand and Asset Management:

• Serve as the primary steward of the Foundation’s brand, ensuring all communications reflect the mission, values, and philanthropic goals of the organization.
• Maintain and evolve the Foundation’s visual and editorial style guides to ensure consistency across donor-facing, public, and institutional materials.
• Oversee the creation, approval, and lifecycle management of all branded assets, including print, digital, and event-related materials.
• Manage relationships with external designers, photographers, and creative vendors to ensure high-quality, mission-aligned deliverables.
• Develop and maintain a centralized digital asset library accessible to staff and partners.

Communications and Story-telling:

• Develop and manage a comprehensive annual communications calendar aligned with fundraising campaigns, program milestones, and institutional priorities.
• Craft compelling narratives that highlight the impact of the Free Library of Philadelphia and the Foundation’s role in advancing access to learning and opportunity and implement internally and externally through various communication channels
• Lead the development of donor-facing communications, including fundraising appeals, impact reports, newsletters, and stewardship materials.
• Draft and manage media advisories, press releases, and pitches; cultivate relationships with local and national media outlets.
• Identify and advise leadership on proactive and reactive media opportunities tied to programming, advocacy, and fundraising efforts.
• Coordinate communications for high-profile events, speakers, and announcements, including press logistics and on-site media management.
• Partner with the Free Library of Philadelphia’s communications team to align messaging and identify opportunities for cross-promotion and shared storytelling.
• Draft, assist, and or edit talking points for key staff members

Advertising

• Collaborate with internal teams to develop audience development strategies that support programs, events, and fundraising initiatives.
• Plan, execute, and evaluate paid media campaigns across digital, print, and broadcast channels, with a focus on mission alignment and return on investment.
• Monitor market and audience trends to inform advertising strategies and expand reach among diverse and priority audiences.
• Manage marketing and advertising budgets, ensuring effective and responsible use of resources.
• Leverage earned media, partnerships, and cross-promotional opportunities to amplify the Foundation’s visibility and impact.

Social Media Strategy & Management

• Develop and implement a cohesive social media strategy that supports donor engagement, community awareness, and thought leadership.
• Manage, create, and post on the Foundation’s social media channels, including LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, ensuring consistent voice, messaging, and visual identity.
• Manage and coordinate social media channels for the President of the Foundation, aligning content with institutional priorities and public-facing leadership goals.
• Provide guidance and oversight to ensure alignment among Foundation-affiliated social media accounts managed by various departments or programs.
• Monitor performance metrics and adjust strategy to improve engagement, reach, and audience growth

Website and Digital Communication

• Oversee the Foundation’s website as a strategic engagement and fundraising platform, ensuring content is current, accessible, and mission-driven.
• Manage editorial strategy and content development for the Foundation’s blog and digital publications.
• Collaborate with development and events teams to support campaign landing pages, event promotion, and donor conversion pathways.
• Ensure timely updates and clear communication related to program changes, announcements, and urgent messaging needs.

Fundraising and Resource Development Support:

• Partner with the development team to support annual giving, major gifts, campaigns, and special initiatives through strategic marketing and communications.
• Develop messaging and materials that support donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts.
• Contribute to the creation of fundraising appeals, impact reports, donor recognition materials, and campaign collateral.
• Support donor and prospect engagement through targeted communications and storytelling strategies.
• Actively participate in Foundation fundraising events and activities, reinforcing a culture of philanthropy across the organization.
• Serve as a communications advisor to development leadership to ensure fundraising initiatives are supported by clear, compelling, and consistent messaging.

Other duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Required education and experience

• College Degree with a minimum of 5-7 years’ experience in communications, marketing, social media, journalism or other related non-profit field required.
• Experience in project management
• Proficiency with Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and similar social media outlets
• Proficiency with Luminate or similar online communications tools
• Technical Skills

Competencies

• Proactive communicator internally and externally
• Excellent writer and editor
• Ability to work independently and across departments
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize responsibilities
• Ability to complete projects in a timely manner
• Available for evening and weekend work
• Familiarity with nonprofit work environment, especially museums and libraries, a plus
• Self-starter with excellent judgment and time management
• Proven track record of great customer service with a diverse public

Supervisory responsibilities

N/A

Physical demands

• Periods of sitting
• Periods of walking
• Lifting (up to 50lbs]
• Time in front of artificial light, i.e. computer screens and other digital displays
• Repetitive movements for extended periods of time

Work authorization/security clearance requirements

Applicants must be authorized to work in the US. Proof of authorization will be required during the onboarding process.

EEO statements

It is the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation’s (FLPF) commitment to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and employment applicants without regard to unlawful considerations of race, ethnicity, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, ancestry, military service, physical or mental or sensory disability, medical condition including medical characteristics, marital / domestic partnership status or any other classification protected by applicable local, state or federal laws. FLPF is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment and will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. Our policy prohibits unlawful discrimination based on any protected characteristics. All employment decisions at FLPF are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, job assignment, working conditions, compensation, promotion, benefits, scheduling, training, discipline, and termination. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities, upon request to the fullest extent required by law.

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

403B Retirement

Short and Long Term Disability

Life Insurance

Health Reimbursement Account

Flexible Spending Account

Paid Holidays

Vacation