Director of Marketing & Communications
About The Position
Urban Pathways, a non-profit organization founded in 1975, is dedicated to assisting New York City's most vulnerable residents, particularly those experiencing homelessness. The organization focuses on empowering individuals to overcome challenges and rebuild their lives. The Director of Marketing & Communications, reporting to the Chief Development and Communications Officer (CDCO), is a key leadership role responsible for shaping and implementing the organization's communication, brand, and public engagement strategies. This position collaborates with various departments to ensure consistent and impactful storytelling that supports fundraising, public awareness, advocacy, and overall organizational goals. The Director will manage messaging across all platforms, build a strong communications team, and clearly articulate Urban Pathways' mission, values, and achievements to a wide range of stakeholders, including donors, partners, policymakers, and the general public.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree required.
- 7–10 years of progressively responsible marketing and communications experience, preferably in nonprofit or mission-driven organizations.
- Demonstrated experience leading teams and managing cross-functional initiatives.
- Proven ability to develop and execute strategic communications plans that support fundraising, advocacy, or organizational growth.
- Strong writing, storytelling, and messaging skills for diverse audiences.
- Experience working with senior leadership and boards of directors.
- Strong strategic thinking, analytical and rapid problem-solving skills.
- Able to demonstrate independent decision-making and project management skills, including keen attention to detail and big picture.
- Comfort building relationships and collaborating with colleagues across teams and program sites.
- Ability to work effectively with multiple stakeholders (e.g. funders, employers, colleagues).
- Experience building and integrating a brand across an organization – messaging, graphics, collateral, advertising, website, and social media.
- Highly proficient with technology; eager and capable of learning new software and systems as necessary.
- Commitment to Urban Pathways’ mission, vision, and values.
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, push, pull, lift (up to 25 lbs.).
- Comfortable with using public transportation to travel to and from various programs sites.
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree preferred.
Responsibilities
- Develop and lead annual and multi-year marketing and communications strategies aligned with organizational priorities, fundraising goals, and policy initiatives.
- Establish clear KPIs and recommend strategic adjustments to the Chief Development & Communications Officer.
- Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO and CD&CO on brand positioning, messaging, reputation management, and external communications.
- Participate in organization-wide planning, decision-making, and growth strategies.
- Oversee Urban Pathways’ brand identity and ensure consistency across all communications channels.
- Lead storytelling efforts to highlight client outcomes, program impact, and organizational vision.
- Represent Urban Pathways externally at events, convenings, and media opportunities.
- Partner with the Director of Development to align communications strategies with donor acquisition, stewardship, and campaign goals.
- Develop campaign messaging, donor-facing materials, and executive communications for fundraising efforts.
- Create board and volunteer ambassador tools, including talking points, presentations, and outreach materials.
- Directly manage and mentor marketing and communications staff and consultants, setting goals, providing feedback, and supporting professional development.
- Build scalable systems, workflows, and tools to support organizational growth and increased fundraising and advocacy activity.
- Oversee digital strategy, including website, email marketing, and social media platforms.
- Manage media relations and external content distribution.
- Track and analyze communications performance metrics and translate insights into strategic recommendations.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
