Director of Marketing and Communications

Location: Golden, CO (Hybrid // Remote)

Compensation: $84,000 - $95,000, DOE

Reports To: VP of Advancement

FLSA Code: Exempt

Organization Size: 21 - 34 people

The Director of Marketing and Communications leads the development and execution of the AAC’s communication and marketing strategy, ensuring consistent, compelling messaging that elevates the AAC’s brand, programs and impact across all platforms. This role works closely with the VP of Advancement to elevate the Club’s public profile, engage members and donors, and enhance understanding of our mission, programs, and impact. The Director oversees and implements marketing and communications planning, staff and contractor management, website strategy and maintenance, digital and social media channels, media relations, brand stewardship, and cross-departmental marketing efforts supporting fundraising, programs, content, events, and membership growth.

As the Director of Marketing and Communications, your key responsibilities will include:

Strategic Leadership & Team Management

• Collaborate with the VP of Advancement to develop and implement a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy aligned with AAC’s mission, values, and strategic goals.
• Manage the marketing and communications budget, ensuring strategic allocation of resources and strong return on investment.
• Oversee the marketing and communication calendars to ensure timely and coordinated messaging across all channels.
• Establish priorities, work plans, and performance metrics for the team.
• Develop and oversee analytics reporting to identify opportunities and shortcomings, and adjust accordingly.
• Hire, lead, mentor, and manage marketing and communications staff, contractors, and freelancers, fostering a collaborative, high-performing, and mission-driven team.
• Oversee the strategic use of paid media, sponsorships, and promotional placements to amplify key campaigns and initiatives, as appropriate.

Fundraising, Events, and Program Promotion

• Partner with the Philanthropy team to support fundraising efforts through compelling donor communications, impact storytelling, appeals, and stewardship materials.
• Collaborate cross-departmentally to promote AAC programs, events, advocacy initiatives, grants, and membership offerings.
• Plan and execute AAC-hosted events and identify external events that increase visibility, ensuring integrated messaging before, during, and after key AAC events and campaigns.
• Develop marketing strategies that deepen member and donor engagement and strengthen long-term relationships with supporters.

Brand, Messaging & Content Strategy

• Lead brand strategy and ensure consistent voice, tone, and visual identity across all public-facing materials and channels.
• Collaborate closely with the Content Director to align storytelling, editorial strategy, and content development across print, web, email, and digital platforms.
• Write, edit, and oversee the production of communications including newsletters, blogs, donor communications, marketing copy, and organizational messaging.
• Ensure messaging clearly communicates the AAC’s mission, programs, values, and impact to diverse audiences.

Digital & Print Communications & Website Management

• Own and manage the AAC website, including content strategy, updates, optimization, accessibility, and user experience.
• Translate performance data and audience insights into actionable improvements across digital platforms and campaigns.
• Oversee digital and print communications channels, including email marketing, social media platforms and member mailings to drive engagement, awareness, and conversion.
• Develop and oversee analytics and reporting to evaluate performance, identify opportunities, and continuously refine strategy.

Media Relations, Public Engagement & Brand Management

• Lead media relations strategy and cultivate relationships with climbing, outdoor, and mainstream media outlets.
• Draft and distribute press releases, media kits, and organizational statements.
• Serve as a primary media contact for the AAC and support leadership with interviews, public appearances, and message preparation.
• Support internal communications and contribute to a positive, transparent, and mission-driven organizational culture.
• Write, edit, and manage communications content for social media, newsletters, blogs, press releases, and donor communications.
• Ensure brand consistency and tone across all public-facing materials.
• Support marketing efforts for membership, programs, and philanthropy through engaging and mission-driven communications.

An exceptional fit will have:

• Passion for the mission of the American Alpine Club and commitment to our values and vision.
• 8+ years of experience in marketing, and communications; 2+ years in leadership
• Strong background in media relations and press release development.
• Proven ability to develop and implement strategic marketing and communications plans aligned with organizational goals.
• Experience supporting fundraising and donor communications.
• Skilled in storytelling, writing, and editing across multiple platforms (digital, print, and social).
• Experience collaborating across departments and managing staff or contractors.
• Understanding of the outdoor or climbing community.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Creative problem-solver with a collaborative spirit.
• Proficiency in Google Suite required; experience with Asana and Salesforce preferred.
• Familiarity with InDesign, Adobe Creative Suite, and CRM platforms a plus.

Environment

90% Desk work – Typical office work on a computer utilizing GSuites, Slack, Zoom, and other computer-based programs.

10% Travel & Physical work – This position could require some physical work, including assisting with the receipt of and distribution of inventory, setting up and breaking down events, etc. Travel will be required ~5%.

About the AAC

Founded in 1902, the American Alpine Club (AAC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to providing climbers with resources that advance knowledge, inspiration, and advocacy. Through our rescue benefit and medical expense coverage, climbing and grief grants, campgrounds, and discounts, we are committed to empowering our members. We share knowledge and inspiration through the American Alpine Journal, Accidents in North American Climbing, and preserving climbing history in the AAC Library and Archives. Finally, we advocate for our members and the places we climb by breaking down barriers to climbing and seeking to preserve our climbing landscapes and public lands nationally and locally. At the AAC, we are connected through our passion for climbing. United We Climb.

The AAC currently offers a comprehensive benefits package including employer-paid medical (with reproductive and gender-affirming care), HSA, dental, vision, life, AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, a wellness program, a matching 401k retirement plan, flexible work scheduling, pro deals, generous paid time off, and bonding leave. Benefits are reviewed annually and change as needed. Team members are notified when any benefit changes occur.