Senior Director, Marketing & Communications

​​​Embracing a Bigger Story. Redefining the Brand. Meeting the Demand.

About Taproot

Taproot believes that mission-driven organizations should have full access to the resources they need to thrive. That’s why we connect social change leaders with skilled volunteers who help them tackle critical challenges and seize new opportunities. Since 2001, we’ve delivered over 2 million hours of pro bono support worth over $300 million. Today, we’re building a more accessible, equitable, and effective pro bono marketplace—and redefining what it means to utilize volunteer talent.

The Opportunity

Taproot is building the next-generation pro bono marketplace—mobilizing nonprofits, pro bono consultants, and cross-sector leaders to create a movement of service that drives measurable social impact. To achieve this, we need a bold, strategic, and creative marketing leader who can amplify our vision, refresh our brand, and position Taproot as the gold standard for pro bono service delivery.

The Role

As Senior Director, Marketing & Communications, you will shape and execute a comprehensive marketing, communications, and brand strategy that elevates Taproot’s presence in the field, inspires action across diverse audiences, and drives insight and influence into the marketplace. You will partner directly with the CEO and senior leadership team to reimagine Taproot’s voice and visibility—launching new messaging, campaigns, and platforms that connect meaningfully with nonprofit leaders, pro bono consultants, funders, and thought leaders.

This role requires a big-picture strategist and hands-on executor with a proven ability to:

• Lead organizations through bold brand refreshes and narrative shifts.
• Build thought leadership platforms that spark dialogue and action.
• Leverage technology, digital tools, and AI to innovate and amplify impact.
• Oversee a small but mighty team and collaborate cross-functionally to ensure Taproot’s marketing and communications efforts are aligned with organizational priorities, program delivery, and revenue goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Brand Strategy & Thought Leadership

• Define and implement a bold, future-focused brand strategy that elevates Taproot as the gold standard in pro bono service delivery and marketplace innovation.
• Lead a comprehensive brand refresh, including messaging, visual identity, and voice, ensuring alignment with Taproot’s organizational strategy and marketplace vision.
• Develop and execute a thought leadership strategy that positions Taproot’s CEO, programs, and insights as must-follow voices in the nonprofit and cross-sector ecosystem.
• Act as a strategic advisor to the CEO, shaping organizational narratives for high-profile platforms, conferences, media appearances, and partner convenings.

Marketing Strategy & Execution

• Design and lead multi-channel marketing campaigns that engage key audiences (nonprofits, pro bono consultants, funders, thought leaders) and drive growth in Taproot’s marketplace.
• Oversee all communications and content production—web, social, email, events, publications—to ensure cohesive, high-quality storytelling and brand consistency.
• Develop and manage Taproot’s PR strategy, cultivating relationships with media, influencers, and sector leaders to amplify Taproot’s voice.
• Ensure a strong, engaging digital presence, optimizing Taproot’s website, social channels, and SEO/SEM strategies to grow reach and relevance.

Innovation & Technology Integration

• Champion innovation within marketing and communications, leveraging emerging technologies—including AI tools—to create efficiencies, personalize outreach, and elevate impact.
• Test and scale new engagement strategies (e.g., interactive campaigns, digital storytelling) that build community and drive participation in Taproot’s pro bono marketplace.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Influence

• Collaborate with the Programs team to translate insights into compelling campaigns that grow demand (nonprofits) and supply (PBCs) in the marketplace.
• Partner with the Strategic Partnerships & Advancement team to craft materials and campaigns that support fundraising, partnership development, and sponsor visibility.
• Work with the Product team to align user journeys and messaging across Taproot Plus and ensure the platform reflects Taproot’s brand promise.
• Serve as a connector and strategist across Taproot, ensuring all initiatives are unified under a shared vision and message.

Team Leadership & Organizational Capacity Building

• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing marketing and communications team, fostering a culture of creativity, innovation, and data-informed decision-making.
• Establish team processes, systems, and workflows that support excellence and scalability in marketing operations.
• Partner with external vendors, agencies, and freelancers as needed to supplement team capacity and expertise.

Measurement, Optimization & Insights

• Develop and monitor KPIs and analytics dashboards to track the effectiveness of marketing and communications efforts, adjusting strategies as needed.
• Regularly report progress, insights, and recommendations to the CEO, senior leadership, and the board.
• Use data and feedback to continuously improve marketing campaigns, user engagement, and Taproot’s external influence.

Disclaimer

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. Furthermore, this job description is not an employment contract.

Job requirements

What You Bring

• 10+ years of progressive marketing and communications leadership experience, with a strong emphasis on brand development, strategy, and execution.
• Proven ability to translate bold brand strategies into tangible, impactful campaigns that drive measurable results.
• Expertise in digital marketing, content strategy, and PR, with a track record of elevating organizational visibility and influence.
• Exceptional brand storytelling skills, crafting narratives that inspire audiences and position organizations as thought leaders.
• Data-informed mindset, leveraging analytics to optimize campaigns, measure impact, and inform strategic decisions.
• Demonstrated success building and leading high-performing, creative teams, fostering innovation and a culture of excellence.
• Strong collaboration and cross-functional leadership skills, aligning marketing with organizational goals, fundraising, and program delivery.
• Entrepreneurial and innovation-forward approach, with the agility to thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
• Deep understanding of brand architecture, positioning, and messaging, including experience leading brand refreshes and narrative shifts.
• Passion for Taproot’s mission and a commitment to amplifying its impact by shaping the next-generation pro bono marketplace.

Candidates may be based anywhere in the Continental U.S. Taproot operates as a remote-first organization, with quarterly in-person gatherings and occasional travel as needed.

About Taproot

Taproot Foundation is a national nonprofit that has been a leader in the pro bono movement for over 20 years. We connect nonprofits with skilled volunteers through direct service, corporate partnerships, and our digital platform—ensuring mission-driven organizations can access the talent they need to lead and thrive.

We are committed to building a more equitable pro bono ecosystem—one that centers community voices, lowers barriers to access, and embraces innovation. Our team values pragmatic optimism, impact orientation, playful professionalism, and progress—and we’re excited to welcome a marketing leader who shares those values.