Director of Marketing & Communications

WHO WE ARE

At the Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF), we are guided by both a strong sense of responsibility and a commitment to the well-being of our community. With a deep understanding of our region and the nimbleness to adapt as priorities shift, we respond quickly to Pasadena’s needs in ways that are impactful and meaningful. Our efforts ensure that resources go to strategic local efforts and effective organizations – whether they’re urgent, long-term, or something in between.

PCF is here to support and guide our community, whether that is meeting with a donor’s family, answering local nonprofit questions, or simply being a charitable resource. For us, it is about being reliable, compassionate, and staying focused on the long-term welfare of the greater Pasadena communities. With PCF, our donors and partners have a constant philanthropic guide who will help them make a positive impact built to last.

WHAT WE DO

For over 70 years, PCF has served the greater Pasadena area by building strong relationships with donors, offering exceptional stewardship of entrusted funds, and connecting donors to meaningful causes that enrich the community. With over $280 million in assets under management, of which over half are endowed, PCF provides diverse giving options and robust support for local nonprofits. Altogether, we manage over 450 funds created by philanthropic individuals, families, and visionary nonprofit agencies.

Our grants and programs make strategic investments to cultivate vibrant, inclusive communities by advancing cultural and educational enrichment, promoting social and economic well-being, and championing environmental stewardship and animal welfare. Since our founding in 1953, we have awarded more than $158.3 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, and remain dedicated to building a stronger, more vibrant community for Pasadena’s future.

In response to the tragic and devastating Eaton Fire in January 2025, PCF created the Eaton Fire Relief and Recovery Fund to provide flexible support to local nonprofit organizations as they respond to the impacted community. PCF activated quickly and began working with trusted nonprofit partners to provide immediate relief services such as food, shelter, rent assistance, emergency childcare, and medical care. We are committed to these efforts for the long term.

Simultaneously, PCF also established the Altadena Builds Back Foundation (ABBF) to focus on the long-term recovery of Altadena. The supporting organization assists in the leadership and funding of the rebuilding of Altadena through a community-centered process that reflects the strengths, opportunities, and priorities of those directly impacted by the disaster. The resources of ABBF are focused on the broad issue of housing, with priority to preserve the demographic, socioeconomic, and creative diversity that has always been woven into the fabric of Altadena.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Marketing & Communications is a key leadership role responsible for shaping and sharing the story of Pasadena Community Foundation’s impact across the region. This position leads bold, strategic messaging, brand stewardship, and storytelling efforts that elevate visibility, inspire philanthropy, and deepen community trust. Working closely with executive leadership, board members, and staff, the Director designs and executes integrated marketing and communications strategies that engage donors, highlight community partnerships, and amplify the foundation’s role as a catalyst for meaningful change.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and lead the foundation’s comprehensive marketing and communications strategy to enhance visibility, donor engagement, and brand consistency.
• Create and execute integrated campaigns and content across digital, print, and social media platforms - including serving as the primary point person for the Foundation’s website, overseeing its on-going management, content updates, structure and performance - to support fundraising, grantmaking, and mission-focused initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Development Team, executive leadership, and board of directors to align messaging with strategic priorities and donor engagement efforts.
• Craft and manage compelling storytelling that highlights the foundation’s impact, partnerships, and role in the community.
• Support and coordinate event planning and execution, including promotional strategies, branded materials, and on-site messaging.
• Cultivate and maintain strong community and media relations to increase awareness of the foundation’s work and strengthen external partnerships.
• Support internal communications by drafting CEO and board member remarks, preparing content and design for presentations, and taking notes at key meetings.
• Ensure and uphold brand standards and visual identity across all communication channels and materials.
• Mentor and support communications staff with a keen focus on their professional growth, development and performance.
• Evaluate and report on the effectiveness of communication strategies, using insights to refine future efforts and maximize engagement.
• Lead and manage external marketing and communications vendors and consultants, including overseeing RFP processes, selecting and onboarding firms, stewarding long-term partnerships, and overseeing the consultant managing communications for the Altadena Builds Back Foundation; supervise and guide agencies, digital strategy partners, designers, photographers, and videographers to ensure work aligns with organizational goals and brand standards.

BACKGROUND PROFILE

Skills & Attributes:

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and execute long-term marketing and communications plans aligned with organizational goals.
• Storytelling and Writing: Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with a talent for crafting compelling, mission-driven narratives.
• Project Management: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and campaigns simultaneously.
• Brand Development: Experience maintaining a consistent visual and messaging brand across all platforms.
• Digital Fluency: Proficiency in social media strategy, website content management, email marketing platforms, and analytics tools.
• Collaboration and Influence: Ability to work cross-functionally and build strong relationships with internal teams, leadership, board members, donors and community partners.
• Public and Media Relations: Skilled in cultivating media relationships, drafting press materials, and managing public communications.
• Design and Visual Communication: Working knowledge of graphic design and communication tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, Constant Contact or MailChimp, WordPress, etc.) and a good eye for layout and visual storytelling.
• Event Communication Support: Ability to contribute to the planning and promotion of events, ensuring brand and message consistency.
• People Management and Coaching: Ability to effectively supervise, coach, and mentor a direct report through clear expectations, regular feedback, and performance guidance; support professional development and career growth while fostering accountability, collaboration, and strong day-to-day execution.
• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy in writing, editing, and proofreading with a commitment to quality and clarity.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Minimum 5+ years of experience in marketing & communications/content development roles

Extras:

• Experience in a nonprofit or mission-driven setting
• Experience leading or supporting crisis communications, including message development, media coordination, and rapid-response communications in sensitive or high-stakes situations.

• 100% paid medical/dental/vision coverage for employee
• Life insurance and short and long-term disability insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with a 15% employer contribution
• PTO: 3 weeks of accrued vacation, 8 accrued sick leave, 12 paid holidays, and 2 personal floating holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10-week sabbatical after 10 years of service
• Paid parking space
• Paid professional development

Fluent English