Communications Manager

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

WildCare | San Rafael, California

Position: Full-time, salaried

Location: San Rafael, CA | In-office

Reports to: Chief Advancement Officer

ABOUT WILDCARE

WildCare is a nonprofit organization dedicated to wildlife rehabilitation, nature education, and helping people live well with wildlife.

Through our Wildlife Hospital, Terwilliger Nature Education Programs, and community outreach, we help people understand, appreciate, and protect wildlife. Each year, WildCare treats approximately 3,500 ill, injured, and orphaned animals, reaches more than 13,000 children and adults through nature education, and responds to approximately 12,000 calls from community members seeking wildlife guidance.

With the impending opening of our new state-of-the-art Wildlife Hospital and Nature Education Center in San Rafael, WildCare is entering an exciting new chapter. We're looking for a talented communications professional to help tell our story, strengthen our brand, and deepen our connection with the community.

ABOUT THE POSITION

WildCare is seeking a creative, strategic, and highly skilled Communications Manager to develop and implement effective internal and external communications strategies, strengthen our brand, and manage our digital presence.

The ideal candidate is an exceptional writer and storyteller with strong graphic design skills across print and digital media, expertise in website management and social media, excellent project management abilities, and sound professional judgment. This is a hands-on position for someone who enjoys collaborating on communications strategies and bringing them to life.

As a member of the Advancement Department, the Communications Manager will work with colleagues across WildCare and external partners to strengthen organizational communications. The role offers opportunities to improve communications priorities, contribute specialized expertise, and develop effective working relationships across departments.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Communications & Storytelling

• In partnership with WildCare’s Chief Advancement develop communications and marketing plans that support WildCare's programs, fundraising, community engagement, and organizational priorities. Lead implementation.
• Write, edit, and produce compelling content for newsletters, publications, website pages, press releases, marketing materials, event promotions and organizational announcements.
• Identify and develop engaging mission-centered stories that communicate WildCare's impact, translating program and organizational information into accurate, accessible content.
• Maintain a consistent organizational voice and coordinate editorial calendars and communications projects in collaboration with colleagues.

Digital Communications & Social Media

• Manage WildCare's WordPress website, including page design, content updates, usability, accessibility, and basic HTML troubleshooting.
• Plan and execute WildCare's organic social media strategy in collaboration with the Advancement and Social Media Coordinator.
• Manage and optimize WildCare's Google Ad Grants program.
• Monitor website, email, and social media analytics to evaluate performance and improve engagement.
• Coordinate with external agency partners on brand consistency and digital communications.

Graphic Design & Brand Management

• Design and produce high-quality print and digital materials, including newsletters, advertisements, presentations, signage, and marketing collateral.
• Maintain and strengthen WildCare's visual identity, ensuring consistent application of brand standards throughout the organization.
• Provide creative direction and collaborate with colleagues on communications and design projects.
• Coordinate with external designers, photographers, printers, and other creative vendors as needed.

Internal Communications, Media Relations & Reputation Management

• Strengthen and support internal communications.
• Develop press releases, media statements, talking points, and other public-facing materials.
• Help develop and implement crisis communications plans, preparing thoughtful, accurate messaging during sensitive or rapidly evolving situations.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, demonstrated through professional writing samples.
• Strong graphic design skills and a portfolio of high-quality print and digital work.
• Demonstrated experience designing, managing, and updating WordPress websites, including working knowledge of HTML.
• Experience developing digital communications and organic social media strategies.
• Strong project management, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with excellent attention to detail and professional judgment.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments.

Preferred

• Experience in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, or comparable design tools.
• Familiarity with email marketing platforms, analytics, SEO, and fundraising communications.
• Experience working with external communications or marketing agencies.
• Interest in wildlife, environmental conservation, or nature education.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & SCHEDULE

This is a full-time, salaried, in-office position based at WildCare's facility in San Rafael, California.

Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for events or time-sensitive communications.

APPLY NOW

Please send your resume and cover letter, along with writing samples, a portfolio of print and digital design work, and examples of WordPress websites or pages you have designed or managed.

Email your application to [Email address TBD] with the subject line: WildCare Communications Manager – [Your Name].

WildCare is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming workplace.

Our medical health insurance, available to full-time employees on the first of the month after 60 days of employment at full time level, is through the California Choice organization.

Full time employees working 40 hours per week accrue 10 days of vacation during their first hire year, 15 days per year in hire years 2 through 4, and 20 days per year in year 5 and thereafter.

WildCare provides a generous offering (more than most companies) of 14 paid holidays annually to salaried employees with pro rata holiday pay to full-time hourly and part-time employees working over 20 hours per week .

401(k) Pension Benefits. After six months an employee is eligible to participate in the 401(k) Retirement Plan. WildCare matches eligible employee’s contributions to their 401K account in an amount of 100% up to 3% of an employee's contributions and then 50% of an employee's additional contributions, up to 5%