Job Description

Job Title: Director of Marketing & Communications
Reports To: Vice President of Development

Manages: Marketing & Events Coordinator

Job Summary

The Director of Marketing & Communications leads the strategy, development, and execution of all marketing, communications, and brand initiatives for Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley. The role oversees marketing efforts across a diverse territory that includes 10 counties in Pennsylvania—Philadelphia, Delaware, Chester, Montgomery, Bucks, Lancaster, Lebanon, Dauphin, Perry, and Cumberland—as well as the entire state of Delaware. A key priority is strengthening the chapter's presence and visibility within the Philadelphia market while amplifying the mission from the chapter's new office, The Wishing Place in Bala Cynwyd, PA.

This position joins the chapter at an exciting time, as Make-A-Wish prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary . The Director will play a pivotal role in shaping the chapter's anniversary storytelling, elevating brand visibility, and driving community engagement throughout this milestone year.

The Director strengthens community awareness, enhances donor engagement, elevates wish stories, and supports fundraising and wish-granting goals. They serve as a strategic partner to organizational leadership, ensuring the chapter's mission is communicated with clarity, compassion, and impact.

Job Functions

Strategic Leadership

• Work with leadership to develop and implement a marketing and communications plan aligned with the organization's 3-year strategic plan.
• Lead annual planning, goal setting, and reporting for brand, digital marketing, and public relations.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to leadership and cross-departmental partners.
• Lead strategic planning and execution of all marketing, communications, and storytelling initiatives tied to the chapter's 40th anniversary, maximizing visibility and impact during this milestone year.

CEO Thought Leadership and Executive Branding

• Develop and implement a comprehensive executive branding strategy
• Design and execute a thought leadership content plan
• Identify and pursue opportunities for CEO to engage with media, partners, and donors through speaking engagements, interviews, and community outreach

Strategic Positioning, Brand Management & Storytelling

• Develop a brand-aligned strategy that strengthens Make-A-Wish's visibility and impact, with a priority in the Philadelphia market
• Ensure consistent execution of Make-A-Wish brand standards across all communications.
• Oversee the collection, approval, and ethical storytelling of wish family stories.
• Manage the creation of print and digital materials, including annual reports, impact videos, and organizational collateral.
• Collaborate closely with the national Public Relations and Marketing teams to ensure alignment on messaging, media strategy, and brand representation. Serve as a key liaison between the chapter, national partners (e.g., Fanatics), and local partners (e.g., the Philadelphia Eagles). This role helps navigate partner dynamics, ensuring balanced, collaborative, and mission-aligned marketing and media approaches.

Digital Marketing

• Oversee website content, SEO/SEM strategy, email marketing, and social media channels.
• Manage Google Ads Grant and paid advertising campaigns.
• Monitor analytics, identify insights, and make data-driven recommendations.

Public Relations & Media Relations

• Identify opportunities for media exposure, and community engagement/visibility.
• Serve as the primary media contact; cultivate relationships with press, influencers, and media partners.
• Develop press releases, talking points, media kits, and crisis communication plans.
• Coordinate media involvement in wish reveals and mission moments.
• Develop proficiency in Meltwater to monitor, analyze, and report on social, print, and broadcast coverage, supporting data-driven decision-making across the department

Fundraising & Event Support

• Partner with the Development team to create marketing plans for campaigns, corporate partnerships, and signature events.
• Secure media partners and earned public relations for events.
• Lead event branding, content creation, run of show, scripts, and promotional strategies.
• Produce content for mailings, Return-On-Investment (ROI) reports, stewardship pieces, and the year-end impact report.
• Work with Directors and Marking & Events Coordinator to oversee and execute event logistics.

Team & Vendor Management

• Supervise the Marketing & Event Coordinator.
• Manage budgets and oversee outsourced creative, video, design, and web projects.
• Foster a collaborative, mission-driven team environment.

Core Competencies

• Compassionate, ethical storytelling
• Exceptional writing, editing, and visual communication skills
• Strategic thinking with strong project management
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Strong relationship-building skills, especially with media
• Digital fluency and comfort with multichannel marketing
• Ability to collaborate across diverse internal and external stakeholders

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Bachelor's degree in Strategic Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field.
• 5–7+ years of marketing/communications experience; nonprofit experience preferred.
• Strong writing, social media, and digital marketing skills.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or similar tools.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in diverse marketing and inclusive communication strategies.
• Ability to analyze data to make strategic decisions.
• Expertise in data-driven marketing and analytics tools (e.g. Google Analytics, HubSpot, Salesforce, Marketing Cloud).
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work events which may include evenings, and weekends as needed.
• Ability and transportation to travel within an assigned territory (Philadelphia, Delaware, and Susquehanna Valley).
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds (for event materials, signage, etc.).
• Ability to move around (e.g. stand, walk) for extended periods of time (e.g. during events).

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Master's degree in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, or related field.
• Experience in nonprofit fundraising marketing or cause-related campaigns.

• Experience working with media partners, with a focus on the Philadelphia media market.
• Familiarity with accessibility standards for digital content (ADA compliance).

Make-A-Wish is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as defined by applicable law. We believe in providing a fair and supportive work environment where all individuals are valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to our shared success. If you require accommodation during the application or interview process, please let us know, and we will be happy to assist. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

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